Premier League Giants Vie for Wolves’ Midfield Anchor as Chelsea Accelerate Wide Recruitment
New uncertainty has emerged over the future of Wolves midfield linchpin João Gomes. Previously close to joining La Liga side Atlético Madrid, the Brazil international could now be hijacked by two Premier League heavyweights. According to overseas reports, Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, valued at €40 million, and have instead made Gomes a target; Liverpool have also made contact with his representatives. Wolves have set an asking price of around €60 million for Gomes, while the Red Devils and the Reds assess the possibility of signing him in the summer window and closely monitor developments.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have again contacted the representatives of Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe in an effort to speed up their attacking reinforcements. Reports indicate that the Blues have yet to submit an official offer, while Bologna hope to retain the England Under-21 international. Rowe is only one of Chelsea’s options for strengthening the flanks, with West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville and Sporting CP’s Trincão among the other potential targets.
Paris Saint-Germain are planning to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres if winger Bradley Barcola opts to leave. Sources close to the club revealed that PSG had been linked with a blockbuster €130 million move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, but the 26-year-old Torres offers better value for money. He is also willing to leave Camp Nou following the arrival of Anthony Gordon at Barcelona. Barcola could move to Arsenal or Liverpool in search of more playing time.
Everton are interested in signing Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy. The 31-year-old has only one year remaining on his contract, and Newcastle could allow him to leave as they reshape their squad this summer. Murphy is one of Toffees manager David Moyes’ preferred attacking targets, although the two clubs have yet to make formal contact.
Borussia Dortmund have revived their interest in Genk midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas. The Belgian club have placed a valuation of around €35 million on the 18-year-old prospect, creating an obstacle to the deal. However, new sporting director Ole Bucker is determined to sign the Greece international, who provided 11 assists in 34 league appearances last season, and an agreement could be reached.
With winger Alejandro Garnacho absent from pre-season training, Chelsea have set a €50 million asking price for him. Sources say both the player and the club are prioritising a permanent transfer and are negotiating a departure plan under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Other transfer developments: teenage winger Jeremy Monga has joined Manchester City from Leicester City; Chelsea and Brighton are monitoring Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, who is valued at around €60 million by the Serie A club; the agent of Roma forward Matías Soulé is in England negotiating a €35 million transfer with Sunderland and Fulham; Hull City are preparing an offer for Sweden international Elliot Stroud, who has already rejected Genoa; Ajax are negotiating with Al Hilal in the hope of signing Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo; Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão’s move to Saudi side Al-Ahli is progressing steadily; West Ham United, Coventry City and several other English clubs are tracking Bodø/Glimt midfielder Patrick Berg; Fulham have reached an agreement with Celtic youngster Erskine Reny, with the Scottish club set to receive around £100,000 in compensation; Oscar Zambrano is returning to Hull City after the Premier League club agreed a permanent transfer with Maribor; former Germany international Robin Gosens is willing to join Schalke 04, although the deal still faces obstacles; and several Premier League clubs, including Leeds United, Sunderland, Newcastle United and Bournemouth, are competing to sign Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović.