Transfer Talk: Man City eyeing Real Madrid's Rodrygo
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!
TOP STORY: Man City are interested in signing Rodrygo
Manchester City are interested in a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, reports Marca.
The Premier League champions are reported to be watching his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu, with belief that the 23-year-old could be available after the expected arrival of Kylian Mbappé.
It is said that the Los Blancos hierarchy are aware of interest from the Citizens, but aren’t currently alarmed as they focus on securing a new deal for Lucas Vázquez, while they are also expecting to announce the renewal of midfielder Luka Modric.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
The LaLiga side are willing to talk about a move for Rodrygo “if they have to,” but it looks as though Manchester City will wait until after the UEFA Champions League final before taking any further steps towards a potential deal.
Rodrygo remains contracted with Real Madrid until 2028 after signing a new contract last November.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Arsenal are leading the race to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, reports the Mirror. The 20-year-old is reported to be keen on the switch to the Emirates Stadium, and there is optimism that a deal could be done with the Bundesliga club open to moving him on for a fee in the region of £45 million. Sesko, who scored seven goals in the final seven games of the league campaign, is set to take part in the European Championships with Slovenia next month.
– Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is on the radar of teams in MLS and across Europe, with clubs looking to take advantage of his release clause, reports L’Equipe. The clause in the 33-year-old’s contract is said to be €15m, which could see sides test the waters for his signature this summer. He has two years remaining on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
– There are no current plans by Chelsea to make a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, reports Fabrizio Romano. While the Blues are looking to sign a forward this summer, it is believed that the 25-year-old isn’t currently on their wishlist. Osimhen remains linked with an exit away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, having also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain.
– New talks will be held soon between Internazionale and the representatives of striker Lautaro Martínez over a new contract, reports Nicolo Schira. The Nerazzurri have been looking to reach an agreement with the 26-year-old over the past season, and there is now a distance of €3m to resolve regarding salary demands.
– Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been identified as a potential replacement by Manchester City for centre-back John Stones, reports Football Insider. It is reported that there are some concerns over whether Stones is happy at the Etihad Stadium, and that could see the Citizens join the race to sign the 21-year-old star from Goodison Park, who has recently been linked with their rivals Manchester United.
