As the transfer window heats up, football clubs across Europe are making moves and keeping a close eye on potential new signings. From high-profile transfers to intriguing swap deals, here’s a breakdown of the latest football transfer rumours involving some of the biggest names in the game, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona, and more.
Arsenal & Liverpool Handed Alphonso Davies Boost
In one of the most eye-catching transfer developments this summer, Bayern Munich’s highly rated left-back, Alphonso Davies, has reportedly opened the door to a move to the Premier League. According to recent reports, the Canadian international is willing to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. This has handed Arsenal and Liverpool a significant boost in their pursuit of the 23-year-old defender, who has been one of the most consistent and exciting full-backs in Europe over the past few seasons.
While Manchester United is also believed to be monitoring the situation, both Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to be leading the chase for his signature. Arsenal’s interest stems from their ongoing search for quality options in the left-back position, while Liverpool is looking to bolster its defensive options after an injury-ravaged campaign.
The potential signing of Davies would provide a significant upgrade for either club, especially considering his pace, technical ability, and defensive awareness. Bayern Munich has not shown any immediate signs of offering the player a contract extension, which makes a free transfer highly likely. With top Premier League clubs circling, expect this to be one of the key transfer sagas of the summer.
Milan Skriniar Available for £29 Million
Another player in the headlines is Milan Skriniar, the commanding centre-back currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain. After months of speculation regarding his future, the Slovakian defender has reportedly been made available for a transfer at a fee of £29 million, attracting attention from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal is on the lookout for additional defensive reinforcements, and Skriniar’s leadership and experience could prove invaluable as they continue to challenge for silverware domestically and in Europe. Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur, who have been enduring a defensive crisis, are also keen to add quality to their backline, and Skriniar fits the profile of a player they would target.
PSG has already bolstered its defensive options this season, and with Skriniar’s contract expiring in the summer of 2024, the club is prepared to cash in on him in January to avoid losing him for free. A bidding war between the Premier League clubs could be on the horizon, making this transfer one to watch closely.
Atalanta Offers Federico Chiesa to Liverpool
In Italy, Serie A leaders Atalanta are preparing to make a move for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. Reports from Italy suggest that Atalanta is offering Liverpool the chance to end its partnership with the Italian winger, with the possibility of a loan transfer that includes an option for a permanent deal.
Chiesa’s time at Juventus has been marred by injuries, but his raw talent and ability to turn a game on its head have made him one of the most sought-after players in Italy. However, his future at Juventus seems uncertain, with the club focusing on rebuilding and restructuring their squad. A loan move could allow Chiesa to rediscover his best form, and Liverpool would be an attractive option for the player, considering their need for an attacking winger who can operate in multiple roles.
Manchester City Targets Maghnes Akliouche and Jonathan David
Manchester City is reportedly in the market for exciting young talent, with Maghnes Akliouche, a 22-year-old winger from AS Monaco, being a top target. The player has been impressing in Ligue 1, and City is hoping to beat the likes of Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Newcastle United to his signature.
City’s interest in Akliouche comes as part of their ongoing strategy to secure young, high-potential players. The winger’s versatility, flair, and ability to play in several attacking positions make him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s style of play.
Additionally, Jonathan David, the prolific striker from Lille, is another name that is high on City’s radar. The Canadian forward will be available for a free transfer in the summer of 2024, and Manchester City is eager to secure his services. David’s goalscoring record in Ligue 1 has been impressive, and his ability to lead the line for City could help fill the gap left by any potential departures in their attacking ranks.
Barcelona and Real Madrid Battle for Marcus Thuram
In one of the most intriguing transfer sagas in Spain, Barcelona is reportedly willing to offer either Ronald Araujo or Ansu Fati in a swap deal to sign Marcus Thuram from Inter Milan. The French forward has been in excellent form this season and is a target for several top clubs, with Real Madrid also in the race for his signature.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are desperate to strengthen their attacking options, and Thuram’s profile as a dynamic, versatile forward makes him an appealing target. Inter Milan is likely to hold out for a significant fee or an attractive player exchange, but with both Spanish giants in the mix, this could turn into a fierce battle.
Kieran Tierney’s Potential Return to Celtic
Kieran Tierney is reportedly prepared to reject offers from other clubs in favour of a return to Celtic. The Arsenal left-back has struggled for game time this season and is considering his future. A move back to Celtic, where he enjoyed a stellar career before making the move to Arsenal, could be the ideal scenario for the Scottish international.
Despite interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, Tierney is said to be keen on returning to his boyhood club, where he is regarded as a legend. However, whether Celtic can match the financial demands or the transfer fee required to secure his signature remains to be seen.
Luke Shaw’s Future at Manchester United
Luke Shaw could be on the move in January, with Napoli reportedly interested in securing his services. The Italian club is looking to strengthen its squad for the second half of the season, and Shaw is seen as an upgrade over their current left-back options.
However, Manchester United is reportedly willing to listen to offers for Shaw, particularly if a club is willing to meet their valuation. While Shaw has been an important player for United over the years, injuries and inconsistent form have meant that his place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed. A January move to Napoli could provide Shaw with a fresh start, and with the Serie A club challenging for titles, it could be a tempting opportunity.
Other Notable Transfer Rumours
- Jhon Duran, the young striker from Aston Villa, is reportedly the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who are preparing to make a €60m (£49.9m) bid for the Colombian forward. Duran’s pace and finishing ability have impressed at Villa, and PSG sees him as a potential long-term solution to their attacking needs.
- Maxwel Cornet could be recalled by West Ham United from his loan spell at Southampton in January. The Hammers are said to be looking to sell the Ivorian winger permanently, with several clubs interested in his services.
- Benjamin Sesko, the highly rated striker from RB Leipzig, is attracting attention from Arsenal, but the German club is reportedly demanding a fee of at least €70m (£58.2m) to part with the Slovenian forward. Sesko has been in fine form in the Bundesliga and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young strikers.
As the transfer window approaches, these stories are sure to intensify, with clubs across Europe looking to make moves to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season. Whether these players will make the moves that have been speculated remains to be seen, but with the wealth of talent on offer, the transfer market promises to be as exciting as ever.
