The transfer rumour mill is spinning at full speed this summer. Chelsea are tracking Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as one of their top defensive targets, while Tottenham Hotspur have thrown themselves into the race for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. There is plenty more drama unfolding across Europe’s top clubs — here is everything you need to know.
Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Lacroix and Palestra in the Frame
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea have their eye on Maxence Lacroix, the 26-year-old Crystal Palace centre-back who helped the Eagles lift the Europa Conference League last season and is currently representing France at the World Cup. Lacroix holds a contract until 2029, but with reported interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid already swirling, he is said to be open to exploring a move. Meanwhile, the Blues held talks with the agent of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra roughly a fortnight ago, per Nicolo Schira. The catch? Atalanta are demanding in excess of €50 million for him — and they are not budging.
Furthermore, over at Old Trafford, Manchester United are considering a swoop for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, according to The Athletic. The 24-year-old Dutchman has turned heads despite the Hammers’ relegation and sits high on United’s shortlist for a left-wing addition. He is currently featuring at the World Cup, and his price tag is expected to land somewhere around £50 million.
Tonali’s Newcastle Future in Doubt as Spurs Enter the Bidding
Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race for Sandro Tonali, the 26-year-old Italy international currently at Newcastle United. Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is a firm admirer, though Tottenham will face fierce competition from Manchester City, Arsenal, Juventus, and AC Milan — all clubs with long-standing interest in the player. With Tonali’s contract expiring in two years, this summer could represent Newcastle’s last opportunity to command a fee of around £80 million. The clock is ticking at St James’ Park.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid have lodged an enquiry for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, according to Sky Germany. New Madrid boss José Mourinho rates the 25-year-old highly after he starred in Germany’s stunning 7-1 demolition of Curaçao at the World Cup. Nmecha is contracted at Dortmund until 2030, though a €70 million release clause activates from next summer.
More Moves: Saibari to Bayern, Muñoz to Newcastle and the Rest
Bayern Munich look set to land PSV forward Ismael Saibari for over €50 million, with TalkSPORT revealing the 25-year-old Morocco international is due to undergo his medical in the United States. Saibari bagged 15 league goals in 27 Eredivisie appearances last season and scored in his country’s World Cup opener against Brazil. He is expected to back up Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena. Additionally, Newcastle United are set to accelerate their pursuit of Osasuna winger Victor Muñoz this week, per The Daily Mail, with the 40-year-old release clause catching the attention of AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen. Wolves teenager Mateus Mané, just 18, is also on Newcastle’s radar as they look to inject youth into the squad. Meanwhile, ESPN reported that OL Lyonnais have confirmed the signing of former Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir on a three-year deal, with the Scotland international arriving on a free transfer after a four-year spell in Madrid. In other news, PSG’s 20-year-old Senny Mayulu is set to snub Bayern Munich and Chelsea and extend his contract with the European champions; Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been offered to AC Milan for a potential reunion with Ruben Amorim; Bayern are closing in on a €55 million deal for Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown; Leeds United are preparing a bid for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, 22, who carries a €75 million release clause; and Newcastle have told 34-year-old goalkeeper Nick Pope he can leave St James’ Park this summer, with Leeds having already ruled themselves out.
