Transfer Talk: Barca make adding Bayern's Kimmich a priority

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

Barca make Kimmich a priority

Barcelona will look to make Bayern Munich right-back and midfielder Joshua Kimmich a priority this summer, according to Sport. With former Bayern boss Hansi Flick “on course” to take the reins at Barcelona next season, a source told ESPN, with the 59-year-old is reportedly eager to add to the full-back options at the Catalan club.

Kimmich reportedly has been identified as an ideal fit for the Blaugrana. The 29-year-old Germany international’s contract has little more than 12 months left to run, which leaves Bayern in a difficult situation: risk losing him as a free agent next year, or parting ways this summer.

Barcelona’s financial restraints could make a deal difficult to complete, however. They have been under pressure to reduce their wage bill and raise funds through outgoing transfers, with the club potentially needing to adopt a one-in-one-out policy, which could complicate a deal.

Kimmich made 49 appearances for Bayern across all competitions last season, registering two goals and 10 assists in the process. He and Flick previously worked together both at Bayern and with the national team.

Paper Round (By Rajan Hothi)

– VfB Stuttgart are looking to secure a loan move for Chelsea midfielder Omari Hutchinson, reports the Daily Mirror. It is reported that the Bundesliga club will join Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord, alongside Borussia Monchengladbach, in the race for the 20-year-old this summer. Hutchinson spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town, where he notched ten goals and five assists to help the Tractor Boys win promotion to the Premier League.

– Aston Villa are keen to part ways with midfielder Philippe Coutinho, writes Rudy Galetti. The 31-year-old former Brazil international spent last season on loan with Qatar outfit Al-Duhail, and Villa will again look to find a new home for the former Liverpool standout. Coutinho is reportedly not in manager Unai Emery’s planes for next season, and the club would accept either a loan or permanent move.

– West Ham United are among the Premier League clubs who could be tempted to swoop for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, according to Football Insider. The Blues are said to be open to offers for the 24-year-old this summer as the club look to balance the books by moving on from several players. While West Ham and other top-flight sides — such as Fulham and Nottingham Forest — have been linked to the defender, it is reported that other clubs in Europe are also showing an interest in Chalobah.

– Aston Villa have reached an agreement for Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley, reports Football Insider. The 30-year-old will complete a move from Luton Town in the coming days, following the Hatters’ relegation from the Premier League, with Barkley said to be keen to play in the UEFA Champions League again, which has given Villa an advantage over their Premier League rivals, with Newcastle United also named as an interested party.

– Newcastle midfielder Miguel Almirón could finalise a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, writes Football Insider. The Magpies are keen to sanction several departures to balance the books.