The jostling to get big deals lined up has intensified as the season's end draws nearer ahead of what will likely be another busy - and expensive - summer transfer window.
Will Kylian Mbappe stay in Paris or move to Madrid? The papers say one thing, but his mother says another. Will Leeds’ star man Raphinha be tempted by a big-money move to Spain? How will David Moyes and West Ham keep their forward momentum after European heartbreak? And who will Newcastle be spending their millions on this summer?
All those questions are addressed in our European transfer transfer news round-up today...
Mbappe to bank massive “fee” for staying at PSG?
The saga over Kylian Mbappe’s next move has heated up. The PSG superstar is out of contract in the summer and assumed to be heading for Real Madrid. Le Parisien claimed that Mbappe was close to agreeing a new two-year deal with PSG - a deal which would save his transfer value.
Mbappe is reportedly in line for a €100m (£85.5m) signing-on bonus, effectively his own transfer fee - plus a £42.7m-a-year salary. Tempting. But Marca has an interview with his mother Fayza Lamari - a departure from the usual hints from agents and friends - and claims she told them: “The No1 option is Real Madrid." She said: “Talks around Kylian’s future are proceeding in an atmosphere of great serenity to enable him to make the right choice, respecting all parties.”
Deal or no deal? Call in Noel Edmonds.
Have Your Say! Who will Mbappe be playing for next season? Join the debate here.
Leed’s Raphinha wanted by Barca
Marca are calling it “Operation Raphinha”. Barcelona have made the Leeds star man one of their summer targets, saying Xavi Hernandez and the club’s management have given the go-ahead. They even claim contact has been made with the Raphinha camp.
In a move that may panic Leeds fans, the terms of a potential contract and wages have already reportedly been agreed. However Marca says there are two blocks to the deal so far: no transfer fee has been agreed - a fairly big block. A £42m fee is mooted... dropping to £21m if Leeds drop to the Championship. The second block is that Leeds are in the middle of a relegation fight and won’t even talk - plus Barca are unsure Ousmane Dembele has not yet ruled out staying at the Nou Camp.
Moyes going shopping after Euro heartbreak?
David Moyes wants to kick West Ham up a level and is rivalling Brighton for Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo. Both have shown “concrete interest” in the 26 year old, reports RMC. After Aaron Cresswell’s red card on Thursday night, it would be little wonder if Moyes was also looking for a left-back.
So it is interesting that the Hammers are said by Sport Bild to be among five Premier League clubs looking at Hoffenheim left-back David Raum. The 24-year-old has a £25.6m release clause in his contract, which lasts until 2026.
Spurs 'keeper not a keeper
Tottenham will send keeper Pierluigi Gollini back to Atalanta, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The on-loan goalkeeper will be sold on to a different club with Spurs not interested in pursuing a permanent deal. That claim contradicts reports in the UK where it had been suggested he is in talks over a permanent deal, and could extend his stay.
Saudi spending spree at St James'
Newcastle’s potential spending continues to generate speculation in Europe. Tutto Mercato claim they are ready to pay £21m for Brazilian left back Renan Lodi, ahead of Juventus. It is definitely a position the Toon want to strengthen with Matt Targett’s loan coming to an end - and Napoli’s Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen wants to join Arsenal over the Geordies.
The Benzema diet
Interesting quotes in several Euro papers from Arsene Wenger commenting on Karim Benzema. To paraphrase, the French star was carrying too much timber until he was 30!
"The best strikers in Europe are all over 30 years of age. They use every opponent's mistake. Benzema, I would say, until 30, had two or three kilos too many. Now he's a real athlete and that's why today, certainly, he's one of the two or three best strikers in the world."
Gazetta says of Benzema: “He hired a private nutritionist who specializes in microbiological nutrition . He eats a lot more fish and a lot more vegetables, uses coconut oil and natural seasonings, has cut down on off-game carbohydrates and refined sugars.”
