Manchester United Targets Arsenal's Striker Choice as Barcelona Faces Lamine Yamal Crisis
Sports Illustrated compiles the most recent transfer speculation and rumors from across the globe.
Premier League
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are expected to compete with Arsenal for Aston Villa's striker Ollie Watkins during the upcoming summer window. The England forward has been on the Gunners' radar for an extended period and could be secured for approximately £40 million ($53.9 million).
Both United and Arsenal have shifted their attention to Watkins following new circumstances involving their primary target, Victor Osimhen. Corriere dello Sport reports that Al Hilal have submitted a staggering €160 million (£137 million, $184.2 million) bid for the Napoli striker. The sought-after center forward has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.
As part of their ongoing pursuit of attacking reinforcements, L'Équipe reports that Manchester United have "explored possibilities" for securing Chelsea's striker Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea are also looking to conduct business within the Premier League. The London club have shown interest in Nottingham Forest's defensive talent Murillo, who carries a price tag of approximately £68 million ($92.2 million), according to CaughtOffside.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United have unexpectedly entered the race to acquire Manchester United's unpredictable forward Marcus Rashford.
The Athletic reports that Nat Phillips, the English defender who gained cult status at Liverpool through his unexpected importance during the COVID pandemic, is set to complete a permanent transfer to West Bromwich Albion.
Fichajes suggests that Pep Guardiola is ready to part ways with Manchester City midfielder Nico González, despite approving his signing less than six months ago.
According to CaughtOffside, Thomas Frank is anticipated to urge his new Tottenham Hotspur management to pursue relegated Southampton fullback Kyle Walker-Peters this summer. Spurs are likely to encounter competition from Crystal Palace, Newcastle and West Ham United.
La Liga
El Nacional dramatically reports that various sections of the Barcelona squad are experiencing "discontent" regarding Lamine Yamal's impact on the club's transfer decisions. After his significant role in securing Nico Williams, some teammates believe the young player has "overstepped boundaries" by bringing in his associates.
Fichajes claims that Xabi Alonso has reconsidered his position. The Real Madrid coach is believed to have abandoned his insistence on signing a traditional No. 9 following Gonzalo García's impressive showing at this summer's Club World Cup.
According to El Nacional, both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have seen their bids for Barcelona midfielder Fermín López rejected this summer. The homegrown talent remains determined to stay in Catalonia, though Hansi Flick doesn't view him as a regular starter.
Fichajes suggests that Barcelona are open to entertaining proposals for center back Ronald Araújo. The defender, who has been a target for Manchester United, is expected to be available for €60 million ($69.1 million).