Real Madrid are plotting a move for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer, while Arsenal weigh up multiple striker options as the summer transfer window heats up.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Los Blancos are closely monitoring Konate’s contract situation, hoping to snap up the French defender once his deal expires at Anfield next year. The 26-year-old has become a solid presence in Liverpool’s backline but could be lured away by the allure of Madrid.
In North London, Arsenal remain keen on strengthening their attack and are targeting Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
However, as per the Mirror, Mikel Arteta’s side are only likely to sign one of the two. With Gyokeres’ price tag deemed too high, the Gunners may pivot to Sesko or even Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, who is now 29 and has Premier League experience.
Elsewhere in England, Manchester United’s transfer strategy is beginning to take shape. Inter Milan are reportedly interested in young United striker Rasmus Hojlund, 22, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.
Meanwhile, United are set to retain Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee but have initiated contact over a potential deal for Hugo Ekitike, the 22-year-old French striker currently with Eintracht Frankfurt, according to Bild.
United winger Alejandro Garnacho may also be on the move, with reports from the Mail suggesting Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are tracking the Argentine after he was reportedly advised to find a new club.
In Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal have upped their pursuit of Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen by offering a jaw-dropping salary package worth £42.6 million per year.
READ ALSO: Liverpool target Osimhen as summer reshuffle begins
Osimhen has been a long-term target for Manchester United as well, but the Saudi club’s financial muscle could prove decisive.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have initiated discussions with Arsenal regarding a possible move for Ukrainian left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Italian giants are believed to be interested in bolstering their defensive options and see the 28-year-old as a viable addition.
In other updates, several clubs from the Premier League and Serie A are reportedly enquiring about the availability of Bayer Leverkusen’s Czech striker Patrik Schick, now 29.
PSG are also in talks to sign Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, having already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Ukrainian defender.
Lastly, Galatasaray are making moves for Barcelona’s experienced goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, while Portuguese club FC Porto have expressed interest in Southampton’s 19-year-old winger Tyler Dibling.
As the transfer window opens, Europe’s top clubs are making swift moves to secure reinforcements ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
BBCSport
