Real Madrid’s Víctor Valdepeñas is one of Arsenal’s top targets to bolster their defense, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are looking to acquire Bayern Munich center back Kim Min-jae. Juventus is keen on renewing Weston McKennie‘s contract, but they won’t match his wage demands.
Stay tuned for the latest transfer updates and rumors from around the world.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Real Madrid’s Víctor Valdepeñas is among Arsenal’s preferred choices as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defense for the summer transfer window, according to AS. but, Arsenal will face competition for the 19-year-old, who can play as a left back or center back for the Castilla team and has made one senior appearance. AC Milan has shown consistent interest, and the Spain U19 international has also caught the eye of teams in the Bundesliga.
– Both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Bayern Munich center back Kim Min-jae, who is listed on their summer wish lists, per Bild’s Christian Falk. Tottenham’s pursuit will largely depend on their next permanent manager, while Chelsea, despite having solid defensive options already, aims to enhance Liam Rosenior’s squad following their loss of Jérémy Jacquet to Liverpool. Kim, 29, is content at Bayern but currently sits as third choice behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah.
– Juventus hopes to expedite the renewal of Weston McKennie‘s contract; however, the midfielder’s agents have requested a salary doubling, with his current earnings falling between €2.5 million and €3 million annually, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Juve is prepared to increase the 27-year-old’s salary as his contract is up this summer, but not to the extent required by his representatives. Other European teams are interested in signing McKennie as a free agent, although he wishes to remain with Juventus.
– Chelsea and Liverpool have made significant efforts toward securing Nottingham Forest center back Murillo, reports TEAMtalk. Chelsea is open to offers for defensive trio Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah, while uncertainty looms over the futures of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez at Liverpool. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are also closely watching Murillo, expecting the 23-year-old Brazilian to seek a summer transfer.
– Bayern Munich is closely monitoring RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and wants to stay updated on his status, as manager Vincent Kompany has an interest in the 19-year-old, says Fabrizio Romano. Competition remains, with Paris Saint-Germain keeping an eye on him, and both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur sending scouts to observe him. Diomande has also been linked with Liverpool, and he recently mentioned that Liverpool is his father’s preferred club.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland evaluates Real Madrid’s Víctor Valdepeñas.
It was unexpected when Valdepeñas debuted for Real Madrid earlier this season, yet he performed admirably in the team’s 2-1 LaLiga victory over Alavés, even though former coach Xabi Alonso pointed out a mistake he made leading to Alavés’ equalizer. but, the teenager showcased his capabilities and proved to be a valuable asset at left back when Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, and Ferland Mendy are unavailable.
This season, Valdepeñas has been impressive with Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla, where he typically plays as a center back alongside another promising talent, Joan Martínez.
His greatest strength is his speed: he’s been able to keep pace with Vinicius Junior in sprint tests during training. Links to Arsenal and Bundesliga clubs have circulated in the Spanish press for months, which is no surprise given Madrid’s academy consistently produces top talent, even if that talent doesn’t always transition easily to the first team. Consider the impact of Nico Paz at Como or Chema Andrés with Stuttgart.
Valdepeñas’ contract with Madrid runs until 2029, and his development over the next several months will determine whether the club sees his future at the Bernabéu or elsewhere.
OTHER RUMORS
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How Antoine Semenyo has had a ‘flawless’ transition to Man City
Don Hutchison and Kieran Gibbs discuss after Manchester City’s 2-0 victory against Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.
– AC Milan is considering offers around €80 million for USMNT winger Christian Pulisic amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Manchester United. (Caught Offside)
– even with receiving offers from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, Scott McTominay‘s priority remains to stay at Napoli, with contract extension talks advancing well. (Nicolo Schira)
– Manchester City is strategizing a £70 million summer bid for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who is also attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur. (Football Insider)
– Arsenal dispatched a scout to observe Pio Esposito during Internazionale’s 3-2 victory over Juventus, where the 20-year-old found the net. (Nicolo Schira)
– Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Crystal Palace have all begun negotiations regarding a potential move for Real Madrid center back Antonio Rudiger. (Caught Offside)
– Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are poised to compete with Barcelona for 18-year-old Twente center back Ruud Nijstad. (TEAMtalk)
– Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney has not ruled out a Premier League return after opting to remain in Saudi Arabia despite January offers. (Sky Sports)
– Barcelona may allow Marc Casado to depart, as the midfielder finds himself “a victim of the competition” at the club. (Sport)
– Atlanta United is set to acquire 34-year-old winger Fafa Picault, a free agent who last played for Inter Miami. (Tom Bogert)
