Gab Marcotti doesn’t believe Chelsea can afford the £150 million transfer fee Newcastle has reportedly put on Alexander Isak. (0:50)
The transfer window is already open in the Premier League and opens on July 1 in the German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, Spanish LaLiga and Italian Serie A, as clubs have been busy planning their business after a long season. There were plenty of big moves last summer, so can we expect a repeat?
ESPN reporters have everything you need to know about the top teams’ hopes as they delve into deals that might be in the cards. Who will come in? Who will depart?
MANCHESTER CITY
Budget: There is money to spend, but not as much as in previous summers.
What does the team need? There can’t be much wrong with a squad which just won its fourth Premier League title in a row, but Pep Guardiola’s side is overly reliant on Rodri. City couldn’t cope when the Spain midfielder was suspended, and there’s a feeling around the club that City might not have been able to hold off Arsenal if he had missed another couple of games through injury. Kalvin Phillips was meant to be Rodri’s understudy, but it hasn’t worked out and it would be a big risk for Guardiola to head into another season with no one who can fill the hole in midfield if needed.
Who are the major targets? City like Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães, but they don’t value the Brazilian anywhere close to his £100 million release clause. Scouts have also watched Joshua Kimmich closely and he’s set to enter the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, but sources at City have played down a possible swoop for the Germany international.
Who could be leaving? Phillips (West Ham United) and João Cancelo (Barcelona) spent time on loan last season, and both will be allowed to leave. City’s preference is to secure permanent departures, but they might be forced to accept another loan offer if things drag late into the window. Everton are one of the clubs interested in Phillips, and Cancelo would like to go back to Barca. There has been speculation about the futures of Bernardo Silva, Éderson, Julián Álvarez and Kevin De Bruyne, but City’s stance is that they will all stay unless they ask to leave and a club comes in with an acceptable offer.
Any new contracts? De Bruyne will enter the last year of his contract this summer, and while City are open to giving the 32-year-old a new deal, he is set to be the subject of big offers from Saudi Arabian clubs. — Rob Dawson.
Gab Marcotti and Mark Ogden debate what Arsenal should do with their cover options for Martin Odegaard.
ARSENAL
Budget: Funds are available but restricted by profit and sustainability rules (PSR) after two summers of heavy spending, and they could rely on exits.
What does the team need? Not much in terms of the starting lineup. This is a team that pushed Manchester City all the way for two consecutive years and amassed 89 points last season. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed a desire to ideally work with a slightly smaller squad of more interchangeable players. Arsenal want an attacker, to play either through the middle or off the flank. A central midfielder would be useful, and they might look for cover in defence and a backup goalkeeper if Aaron Ramsdale leaves.
Who are the major targets? Benjamin Šeško’s decision to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig has forced a rethink. The Gunners continue to hold an interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, but his 100m release clause is viewed as prohibitive, and have also scouted Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee. Wolves winger Pedro Neto remains of interest, and they are one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi. Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães is a possible midfield option, and Everton’s Amadou Onana has been linked as well.
Who could be leaving? Winger Reiss Nelson, striker Eddie Nketiah and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe are among a number of fringe players Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for. They would also allow midfielder Thomas Partey to join the Saudi Pro League — where there has previously been some interest — if a big offer materialises. Ramsdale has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, while returning loanees Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga are all available. Arteta has publicly denied speculation that striker Gabriel Jesus could leave the club, but midfielder Fabio Vieira’s future is uncertain after an indifferent two seasons.
Any new contracts? Arsenal’s biggest contract issue surrounds Arteta. The Spaniard has one year remaining on his deal, and although all parties insist they are relaxed about the situation, the Gunners will surely want to see the 42-year-old pen new terms soon to provide long-term clarity. — James Olley.
Mark Ogden and Gab Marcotti debate Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool under Arne Slot.
LIVERPOOL
Budget: £100m
What does the team need? In the short term, Liverpool’s squad would appear to require fairly low maintenance, but with big question marks hanging over the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold — all are out of contract at the end of next season — planning for the long term must start this summer and finding a proven goal scorer to play alongside, and then replace, Salah is a big task facing the club. A new backup left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas expected to leave Anfield this summer, is a key recruitment target, but new coach Arne Slot might look at other areas once he starts to work with the team in preseason.
Who are the major targets? Lille’s 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro has been monitored by Liverpool in recent months, with the France under-21 international regarded as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk. But with a new coach in place and Liverpool also starting the summer with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes beginning work as CEO of football and sporting director, respectively, the club is expected to revert back to its previous policy of attempting to identify low-cost but high-value signings across Europe.
Who could be leaving? Joël Matip and Thiago Alcantara have already left Liverpool following the expiry of their contracts, while Tsimikas is set to follow them out of the door. Backup goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher might leave in order to pursue regular football, but it is the situations of Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold that could lead to at least one leaving Anfield. If Alexander-Arnold rejects a new deal, Liverpool could be forced to offload the England defender in order to avoid losing him as a free agent next summer.
Any new contracts? Alexander-Arnold will be offered a new contract. New deals for Van Dijk and Salah, both aged 32, are likely to be kept on ice until later in the year.
Gab & Juls explain the details of Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen swap deal for Aston Villa’s Omari Kellyman.
ASTON VILLA
Budget: Having spent much of June working on deals to raise funds in order to comply with PSR, Villa can relax in July and operate a little more normally in the market. That likely means money will be spent, as the club is very ambitious and now on the Champions League stage.
What does the team need? Depth, flexibility and aerial prowess. Villa need to bulk up the squad considerably ahead of a campaign in which a minimum of 48 games will be played. They also need to become more varied in their style to avoid going stale over the course of the season. Injury returnees (Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendía and Tyrone Mings) will help with both of these issues, but the club needs to hit the market, too. Don’t be surprised if height and/or aerial prowess is a trait targeted among new signings, as Villa are one of the smaller sides in the division and that hurt them on set pieces throughout 2023-24.
Who are the major targets? They’ve been busy, early. Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea have already been signed — while Ross Barkley is expected to join in early July. That’s a decent start to acquiring depth. Moving forward, Villa might be able to focus on more specific, high-quality signings. Attacking midfielder Álex Baena of Villarreal has been strongly linked, while Youssouf Fofana of Monaco is on the radar too.
Who could be leaving? Villa have already bid goodbye to Douglas Luiz, Tim Iroegbunam and Omari Kellyman, and negotiations over the departures of Jhon Durán (to Chelsea) and Matty Cash (to AC Milan) have taken place. Villa are also open to a few other potential exits if interest arises, such as Diego Carlos, Calum Chambers and perhaps even Lucas Digne.
Any new contracts? It’s unlikely there will be any major developments here. Every one of Villa’s key men has been tied down on a long-term deal in the past 12 months. — Sam Tighe
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Budget: One of the few clubs with significant PSR headroom. But whether Spurs actually act on that or not is a different question.
What does the team need? Sources have told ESPN that head coach Ange Postecoglou has asked Tottenham for at least three new signings this summer, including a striker and a central midfielder. Spurs are short of cover at centre-back and will want further reinforcements in both full-back positions if those below Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie in the pecking order move on.
Who are the major targets? Spurs are considering a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney and are also monitoring Jonathan David’s future at Lille amid interest from multiple clubs. Feyenoord’s Santiago Giménez is another possible option. They have been tracking Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher for several months and have previously scouted Barcelona winger Raphinha, while Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães has been considered. But they missed out on Tosin Adarabioyo, who left Fulham to join Chelsea.
Who could be leaving? Postecoglou has deemed several players surplus to requirements, including Djed Spence, Sergio Reguilón and Joe Rodon. Meanwhile, Bryan Gil, Emerson Royal, Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg could also leave the club. There is reported to be a split among the Tottenham hierarchy over whether to allow Brazil striker Richarlison to leave should a big-money offer arrive from Saudi Arabia.
Any new contracts? Son Heung-Min’s existing deal expires next summer, but Spurs have an option to extend his contract by a further year and are expected to do so, at the very least. — Olley
Julien Laurens explains why he thinks Enzo Maresca’s appointment at Chelsea is an exciting option.
CHELSEA
Budget: Room to manoeuvre, but some player exits are surely needed to maintain PSR compliance after spending over £1 billion in the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital era.
What does the team need? Strikers and some stability. Chelsea have already signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, and the former Fulham defender has big shoes to fill in the departing Thiago Silva. But Chelsea’s inability to take their chances was a consistent shortcoming during Mauricio Pochettino’s sole season in charge, and so at least one forward is the priority under new boss Enzo Maresca. The jury is still out on whether goalkeeper Robert Sánchez is good enough to continue.
Who are the major targets? Chelsea missed out on Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise after he chose to join Bayern Munich; Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is a possible alternative. They remain in conversations with Aston Villa over striker Jhon Durán and also hold an interest in Lille’s Jonathan David, Atlético Madrid striker Samu Omorodion and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is currently deemed too expensive at around 130m. Chelsea’s ongoing desire to snap up the finest young talent in the world has also led them to a move for Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu.
Who could be leaving? Moving on academy graduates Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja would generate pure profit for Chelsea. Chalobah, however, has four years left on his contract, while Gallagher is attracting interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa, among others. The Blues are looking to further trim a bloated squad by listening to offers for Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku, Malang Sarr and Kepa Arrizabalaga, among others.
Any new contracts? The possibility of Gallagher extending his contract — the midfielder has one year remaining — has not been completely ruled out, but no meaningful talks have taken place for months and an exit looks more likely if Chelsea receive a suitable offer. The vast majority of the squad are on extremely long-term deals — a hallmark of the Boehly-Clearlake era. — Olley
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Budget: £50m
What does the team need? Eddie Howe’s squad needs upgrades in all areas, but after missing out on European football this season, the requirement for quantity as well as quality has diminished. Newcastle’s campaign was badly affected by injuries last season — a problem exacerbated by the demands of a Champions League campaign — but Howe wants to recruit players capable of going straight into the XI rather than squad players.
Who are the major targets? Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a leading target. Newcastle are also interested in Barcelona’s former Leeds winger Raphinha. Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is another long-term target, although Nick Pope’s return from a lengthy injury layoff might prompt the club to invest its resources elsewhere.
Who could be leaving? Paris Saint-Germain have a long-standing interest in midfielder Bruno Guimarães, but with the Brazil international’s £100m release clause expiring on June 24, the prospects of him leaving have diminished. Forward Miguel Almirón is expected to move and take advantage of lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. Five fringe players, including Matt Ritchie and Loris Karius, have left St James’ Park following the expiry of their contracts.
Any new contracts? Joelinton and teenage midfielder Lewis Miley have both signed new long-term contracts in recent months, and homegrown midfielder Sean Longstaff is likely to be offered a new deal with his existing terms due to expire in 2025. Forward Anthony Gordon, whose contract expires in 2026, will have talks over a new deal following his elevation to England’s Euro 2024 squad. — Ogden.
Gab Marcotti and Mark Ogden discuss the news that Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be moving to West Ham.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Budget: Between £50m and £100m before player exits.
What does the team need? As with most summers for the best part of a decade, you can make a case that United need almost everything. The main areas of focus are a centre-back to replace Raphaël Varane, a striker to help take the pressure off Rasmus Højlund and a central midfielder.
Who are the major targets? Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the top targets, but Everton’s valuation of more than £70m is problematic. United have already been told by UEFA that they can’t sign Jean-Clair Todibo because of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s links with Nice, while Lille’s Yoro and Marc Guéhi at Crystal Palace are also on the radar. The list of strikers includes Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Who could be leaving? Given their financial position, United will consider reasonable offers for almost every player. There is interest from Fenerbahce in Victor Lindelöf, and clubs in Saudi Arabia are circling Casemiro. Galatasaray have been looking at Aaron Wan-Bissaka but have been put off by United’s valuation of more than £20m. The Turkish giants are also keen on Scott McTominay but believe the Scotland midfielder is well out of their price range. United have already got two big earners off their wage bill after Varane and Anthony Martial left on free transfers at the end of the season. Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are set to follow; United are keen to secure permanent departures for around £40m each rather than sanction loans.
Any new contracts? There have been talks with veterans Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton about new contracts, but any extensions will be short-term. The club wants to reward 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for an impressive breakthrough season, but there are no immediate plans to sit down with Bruno Fernandes, despite interest in the Portugal midfielder from Bayern Munich and Al Nassr. — Dawson
Gab Marcotti and Alex Kirkland discuss whether or not Real Madrid will make a move for Bayern Munich fullback Alphonso Davies this summer.
REAL MADRID
Budget: Madrid still have significant funds available to spend this summer, despite the hefty overall financial package — including a 150m signing-on fee — that they’ve already committed to bringing in Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
What does the team need? With Nacho Fernández departing on a free transfer, a fourth centre-back is required to compete with Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão and David Alaba. There’s also a case for strengthening at left-back, where Ferland Mendy’s injury record is a concern, and in midfield, following the retirement of stalwart Toni Kroos. In attack the work is already done, with Mbappé and 72m Brazilian teen sensation Endrick incoming.
Who are the major targets? At centre-back, Lille’s Yoro is the player Madrid have been tracking for some time. However, Lille’s asking price of 50m for the 18-year-old is an issue, and there’s competition from PSG and the Premier League. Bayern wing-back Alphonso Davies is Madrid’s other top target this summer, and they are hoping to bring him in for around 50m given he has a year left on his contract.
Who could be leaving? The departures of veterans Kroos and Nacho have both been confirmed, and forward Joselu is expected to choose to join them, despite impressing last season. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will return to Chelsea after his loan.
Any new contracts? Luka Modrić, 38, will stay, signing another one-year contract extension, and so will the useful Lucas Vázquez, 32. Decisions will also have to be made on Mendy and backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin — whose deals are up in 2025 — with Lunin expected to extend after impressing this season. — Alex Kirkland and Rodri Faez
Xavi reflects on the end of his time at Barcelona, and offers a warning to the next manager of the club.
BARCELONA
Budget: Barcelona remain in excess of their LaLiga-imposed spending limit and will have money to spend only if they reduce wages, raise transfer fees or increase revenue dramatically.
What does the team need? President Joan Laporta has stated that signing a new midfielder, someone who can play deeper, is the priority this summer. Laporta has also said a full-back and a left winger could be targeted, but all new arrivals are dependent on the club fixing its finances first.
Who are the major targets? The decision to replace Xavi Hernández with Hansi Flick as coach has thrown the list of targets up in the air. Xavi was pushing for Real Betis’ Guido Rodríguez and Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi in midfield, but Flick prefers a different style of midfielder.
Who could be leaving? Young striker Guiu is set to move to Chelsea, who will pay his 6m release clause. Left-back Marcos Alonso also departs as his contract expires, while club captain Sergi Roberto’s future is uncertain. His contract expires on June 30 and there is currently no agreement for him to renew. Midfielder Oriol Romeu is expected to leave as well, despite his contract expiring in 2026. As for the rest of the squad, Barça would be forced to listen to offers for most players due to their economic situation. Don’t be surprised if there are big-name transfers out.
Any new contracts? Apart from Guiu, Barça have already got the youngsters in the squad — Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Hector Fort and Marc Casadó — to sign new, improved deals. Ilkay Gündogan’s terms are up in 2025, but there is currently no movement to extend him. Then come Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong, who are both out of contract in 2026. Barça would like them both to renew, but there has been no major progress in talks yet. — Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens
ATLÉTICO MADRID
Budget: Atlético have limited funds available, but Champions League qualification for a 12th successive season — coupled with some high-earning departures this summer — means they will have the budget to implement the overhaul the squad desperately needs.
What does the team need? After an underwhelming 2023-24, a revamp is required throughout the side: in defence, midfield and attack. Coach Diego Simeone and sporting director Andrea Berta will look to rebuild the spine of the team by bringing in two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a goal-scoring centre-forward.
Who are the major targets? Atlético have been strongly linked with Real Sociedad and Spain centre-back Robin Le Normand as their new leader in defence, as well as Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié. In midfield, the picture is less clear — no single candidate has emerged yet — while in attack, Girona’s Artem Dovbyk is the player most frequently linked, although Atletico might be priced out of a deal for last season’s LaLiga top scorer.
Who could be leaving? It’s a long list! Atlético would like to see defenders Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso (who is out of contract) and Caglar Söyüncü go, while on-loan Gabriel Paulista already has. In midfield, Saúl Ñíguez would once again be a welcome departure if a suitable offer comes in. In attack, Memphis Depay has already said he will not continue. Atlético would love to find a new permanent home for João Félix after his Barcelona loan expired, but his lack of action at Euro 2024 isn’t helping their case. Álvaro Morata has suggested he might leave, saying: “I see that I’m not the club’s priority” amid the number of forwards they’ve been linked to. And youngster Samu — who spent last season on loan at Alavés and is yet to make his Atlético debut — has attracted interest from Premier League side Chelsea.
Any new contracts? Axel Witsel has already agreed a new one-year deal, and veteran defender César Azpilicueta will stay for another season. — Kirkland and Faez
BAYER LEVERKUSEN
Budget: Leverkusen usually try to maintain a healthy balance sheet, meaning they invest only what they can generate through player exits.
What does the team need? Considering how impressive their 2023-24 unbeaten campaign was, the Werkself do not need many major additions to the squad, other than a backup for Granit Xhaka to be able to manage the playmaker’s load. That has already been resolved through the signing of Aleix García from Girona. Besides that, Leverkusen need to be ready for possible departures and thus have adequate replacements in place.
Who are the major targets? They have already signed two additional centre-backs in Andrea Natali, who has won the European under-17 championship, from Barcelona and Jeanuël Belocian from Stade Rennais. Both are still teenagers and must be seen as development projects. Leverkusen are also keeping an eye on more seasoned defenders such as Jean-Clair Todibo. Moreover, they are currently scouting the wingers market, with Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville and Mainz’s Brajan Gruda potential targets.
Who could be leaving? The future of Jonathan Tah, Leverkusen’s main defender, is still up in the air. Reports indicate that the 28-year-old German international and Bayern Munich have already agreed on a move, but that negotiations between Leverkusen and their Bundesliga rivals have stalled in recent weeks, as the two parties are roughly 20m apart in terms of valuation. If Leverkusen do not give in, Tah might be staying with the club until the end of his contract in 2025. Far more likely seems the departure of Jeremie Frimpong. The right-sided winger intends to move to what he deems a bigger club than Leverkusen. His current contract, which was signed in fall of 2023, includes a release clause of 40m. Barcelona are among the clubs who have shown interest in the Dutch international.
Any new contracts? Tah’s contract is the only one running out in 2025. Everyone else has longer deals, which means that Leverkusen are focusing on signings rather than extensions at the moment. — Constantin Eckner
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to the news that Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is expecting to take charge of Bayern Munich.
BAYERN MUNICH
Budget: Despite a potential transfer budget of 100m, Bayern are trying to refinance some of their new signings through exits of players in their squad.
What does the team need? Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, the two individuals in charge of Bayern’s transfer activities, are putting almost every player under the microscope after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Hence, the two together with Bayern’s scouting department are looking at all kinds of potential targets, including centre-backs, midfielders and wingers, as the record German champions intend to upgrade the squad significantly.
Who are the major targets? Bayern have already signed Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart. The defensive all-rounder can play both centre-back and left-back. Moreover, they have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and are currently looking to finalise the deal. Moreover, the club have targeted midfielders, specifically João Palhinha and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. While a signing of the latter seems unlikely, Bayern are working on bringing Palhinha to Munich after a deal with Fulham fell through at the very last minute in 2023.
Who could be leaving? Here it becomes interesting. Bayern are open to selling a fair share of the current players in the event of lucrative offers. The list includes Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich.
Any new contracts? Seven contracts will be ending in 2025, including Kimmich’s. Bayern remain hopeful that they will be able to keep Alphonso Davies and agree terms with the Canada international on a new deal. The same goes for Leroy Sané. Meanwhile, the futures of Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer, whose contracts also end next summer, will likely be decided at some point during the course of next season. — Eckner
Can the new Borussia Dortmund manager help the USMNT midfielder get his career back on track?
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Budget: Dortmund have a budget of roughly 40m for new signings. Any income generated through player exits would come on top.
What does the team need? Dortmund want to sign additions for every part of the team except the goalkeeper position. With a few outgoing players and a generally unsatisfying 2023-24 campaign, as they finished fifth in the league, Dortmund’s new leadership are determined to overhaul the squad. Since being promoted to the position of head coach, Nuri Şahin has been granted a say in all of the major decisions.
Who are the major targets? Dortmund want to sign a new left-back as a replacement for Ian Maatsen, who has departed again following his loan spell. Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahçe is currently the target for that position. Moreover, Dortmund have shown a significant interest in defender Waldemar Anton and striker Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart, with the former having already agreed to sign with Dortmund. As for central midfield, two major targets are Pascal Groß from Brighton and Archie Gray from Leeds United.
Who could be leaving? Maatsen and Jadon Sancho have already departed as their loan spells have come to an end. Furthermore, it was announced that the contracts of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels will not be extended, ending their long tenures at Dortmund. The two right-backs, Marius Wolf and Mateu Morey, are also out the door due to their contracts ending.
Any new contracts? All of Dortmund’s key players have contracts running until 2026 and beyond. — Eckner
Don Hutchison and Craig Burley disagree over whether Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent’s quotes about wanting to leave Napoli are OK as a way of negotiating a new contract.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Budget: Between the free transfer of Mbappé and the savings made on his wages and bonuses, the money available after a great season last year (winning the domestic double and Champions League semifinals) is around 200m to 250m.
What does the team need? First and foremost, they have to replace Mbappé. Getting a superstar to take the 24-year-old’s place on and off the pitch will not be possible; only Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Man City’s Erling Haaland are really near his level and they are not available. So the club is looking to sign players who will improve the squad as a collective and will integrate themselves with Luis Enrique’s philosophy. PSG are looking at a left-winger, one or two midfielders, and a centre-back with versatility.
Who are the major targets? The left side is the most urgent. The name at the top of the list is Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — he has great pace and dribbling skills, is only 23 and showed in the 2022-23 season that he can be unstoppable. AC Milan’s Rafael Leão could be a backup option, but with his release clause of 175m it would be more expensive than bringing in “Kvaradona,” whose transfer is valued around 80m. In midfield, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães is the one they want but is too expensive at 100m. João Neves, Benfica’s 19-year-old defensive midfield wonderkid, is the next priority — but, again, a move would not be cheap. Finally, Feyenoord captain Lutsharel Geertruida, 23, is being watched and he can play centre-back, right-back and also as a No. 6 midfielder.
Who could be leaving? Mbappé has left; defender Layvin Kurzawa and goalkeeper Keylor Navas as well. Manchester United are keen on midfielder Manuel Ugarte and one offer has been rejected already, but Paris would let him go at the right price. The door is also open for Carlos Soler and Nordi Mukiele, who have interest in Spain and Germany, to leave.
Any new contracts? Not at the moment. Vitinha, who has been outstanding for the past eight months, could be the next to extend. — Julien Laurens
INTER MILAN
Budget: Inter have been one of the most astute operators in the transfer market for a number of years and will have to be careful despite winning Serie A and playing in Europe next season. Inter have around 30m to spend but will be reliant on making summer exits.
What does the team need? Three positions are seen as priority: a goalkeeper, a defender and a forward. It won’t necessarily be players who will start right away as Inter want to improve their squad depth. Striker Medhi Taremi and midfielder Piotr Zielinski are already arriving on free transfers from FC Porto and Napoli respectively, so the key business has been done.
Who are the major targets? Despite the arrival of Taremi, Inter are also in the market for another attacking player. Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson has been linked, but his quoted 40m price tag is likely too much, while Brian Brobbey of Ajax is another name who has been mentioned. A deal for Genoa goalkeeper Josep Martínez is reportedly close, and he would compete with Yann Sommer for the No. 1 spot. Inter are also reported to be admirers of USMNT and Venezia midfielder Tanner Tessmann.
Who could be leaving? No major names are expected to leave, and despite some fear over Bayern Munich’s interest in Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Turkey star has reaffirmed his loyalty to Inter. Full-back Denzel Dumfries is out of contract next year and Inter will accept offers to sign the Netherlands international if he doesn’t extend. They are also keen to move on some of their older players — Stefan de Vrij, Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Matteo Darmian.
Any new contracts? Inter acted early to secure the future of their most important players, with Nicolò Barella signing on until 2029. Star striker Lautaro Martínez is another big name they want to stay, and that renewal is set to be announced after the Copa América is finished. So Dumfries is the main deal left for Inter to get over the line. — David Cartlidge
JUVENTUS
Budget: Missing out on the Champions League in 2023-24 did not bode well for Juventus’ finances — having recorded combined losses of 350m for the two years previous — but the club will look to back new coach Thiago Motta to the tune of around 50m, with more available via player exits.
What does the team need? Given Juve have a new coach and are keen to move away from the player profiles usually identified during the Massimiliano Allegri era, there could be sweeping changes in all areas of the squad. A goalkeeper, central midfielder and winger are all reported to be priorities, though Matías Soulé will return from loan at Frosinone to challenge.
Who are the major targets? Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz was identified early on as a top target and that’s set to be announced any day now. OSC Nice’s Khéphren Thuram could also join if Adrien Rabiot leaves, while Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio is set to arrive to challenge Mattia Perin for the No. 1 spot as Motta looks for more ability on the ball from his goalkeeper. There have also been links emerging with Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, but at over 50m acquiring him will be too expensive. Riccardo Calafiori has also been strongly linked, with the Bologna centre-back starring for Italy at Euro 2024, and Juve could steal a march on other potential suitors.
Who could be leaving? You can put these players into two categories. Those whom Juve would actively like to move on and those whom they’d prefer to keep but might be tempted should a good offer arrive. Both Soulé and Federico Chiesa are players who fall into the latter category, with the club aware that should a major bid arrive it would need to be considered. Others such as Arkadiusz Milik, Wojciech Szczesny, Moise Kean and Weston McKennie are surplus to requirements. Defender Alex Sandro will also end a nine-year spell with the club when his deal expires.
Any new contracts? Talks with Rabiot have been going on for some time and have reached an impasse, so Juve might well end up having to let him go for nothing when his contract ends this summer. Chiesa has a deal until 2025, so Juve will want to do something about that. — Cartlidge
Gab Marcotti and Mark Ogden discuss the rumours linking Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku with a move to AC Milan.
AC MILAN
Budget: Out of all the major Serie A sides, it’s Milan that could well boast the biggest transfer budget for the summer with as much as 100m available. A fresh era is underway with the appointment of coach Paulo Fonseca, and Milan will look to back their new man all they can. What does the team need? Fonseca’s requests are reported to be clear, with a right-back, defensive midfielder and striker to replace Olivier Giroud (who has left for LAFC) the main priorities. Given how the Portuguese coach likes to play with his full-backs pressing on, don’t rule out reinforcement in that area too.
Who are the major targets? Zirkzee of Genoa, Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Atlético Madrid’s Álvaro Morata are just a few of the players reported to be interesting Milan. There has even been talk of a move for Dominic Solanke after his impressive season at Bournemouth, and Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea. The defensive midfield area seems slightly more clear, with Fluminense’s highly rated Brazilian star André a name constantly mentioned.
Who could be leaving? Alexis Saelemaekers, Alessandro Florenzi and Divock Origi are all set to leave, while questions remain over the futures of Tommaso Pobega and captain Davide Calabria. Rafael Leão’s name is regularly in transfer rumour columns, but talk of a 100m move to Saudi Arabia has cooled as the winger has a 175m release clause.
Any new contracts? Calabria was being tipped for a new deal at one point, but talks have now dragged on, hence the recent talk of an exit. Rumours suggest that Milan might execute the one-year option in USMNT star Christian Pulisic’s deal, despite his deal already running until 2027. Left-back Theo Hernández is entering the final two years of his contract, so that needs sorting too. — Cartlidge