TOP STORY: Madrid look to Alonso and Wirtz for future
(Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Imagess)
Real Madrid will look to make future moves to bring in Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and head coach Xabi Alonso, reports AS.
Los Blancos' most likely incomings this summer are Kylian Mbappé, Endrick and Alphonso Davies, which would leave little room for manoeuvre to make any other notable signings.
Even with Toni Kroos' retirement, they are unlikely to move for a midfielder with Jude Bellingham expected to drop deeper -- especially as Mbappé should more than cover his goal tally from this term.
They are still looking at options for the future and Wirtz is most heavily favoured, with the 21-year-old's versatility adding to his appeal, in addition to an impressive tally of 18 goals and 20 assists in 48 matches across all competitions this term.
He has reached those heights under Alonso, somebody who has been seriously considered as the replacement for head coach Carlo Ancelotti, whenever the Italian leaves. Alonso also played for Real Madrid for five seasons.
However, Los Blancos are not in any rush to complete these moves despite knowing there is plenty of competition from across Europe. Wirtz has a contract that runs until 2027, but they will be watching every Leverkusen match to keep an eye on both Wirtz and Alonso.
De Jong remains on Bayern's radar
Florian Plettenberg has stated that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains on Bayern Munich’s radar and they are monitoring the situation at the Blaugrana this summer.
However, he adds that the situation hasn’t changed and the Bavarian club aren’t pushing to sign the 27-year-old at this stage.
Roma interested in Torino's Bellanova
Roma are showing an interest in Torino right-back Raoul Bellanova, according to Matteo Moretto. There are no negotiations between the two clubs at the moment but the 24-year-old is among the players they are hoping to sign if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Three Nice players could leave this summer
Nice could let Jean-Clair Todibo, Khephren Thuram and Terem Moffi leave this transfer window to replenish the Ligue 1 club’s coffers, reports Foot Mercato.
That could mean a big summer of change for Les Aiglons, who missed out on a Champions League place by four points, with head coach Francesco Farioli having already left to take over at Ajax.
Bologna's Zirkzee and Calafiori could head to Juventus
Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori could join Thiago Motta in moving from Bologna to Juventus, according to Tuttosport.
Both players would be happy to join I Bianconeri, although the club would have to offload players to avoid Zirkzee’s €40m release clause while negotiations will take place regarding Calafiori, with Bologna wanting €20m-€25m.
Dean Huijsen could be included in the Calafiori deal to bring the cost down.
Rennes' Theate on Leipzig's radar
Stade Rennais centre-back Arthur Theate is on RB Leipzig’s radar but sees himself as a starter, a status the Bundesliga club can’t currently guarantee, reports Philipp Hinze.
That could change throughout the transfer window, so the 23-year-old and his situation continue to be monitored by Die Roten Bullen.
Di Lorenzo has asked to leave Napoli
Giovanni di Lorenzo has asked to leave Napoli this summer, reports Calciomercato, who state that Internazionale could be an option if Denzel Dumfries leaves them but insist that there haven’t been any contacts with clubs yet.
Napoli will try to convince the 30-year-old to stay with them.
Saudi clubs looking at Theo Hernandez
Some Saudi Arabian representatives have approached AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez about the possibility of a summer move, according to Rudy Galetti, who adds that a meeting has been scheduled with the 26-year-old’s entourage for next week.
Hernandez’s current standpoint is that he would like to stay with I Rossoneri.
Arsenal keen to get Isak
Arsenal are keen to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer, according to Football Insider, who add that the 24-year-old is on a four-man list of forwards the Gunners are interested in bringing in.
The Magpies are keen to keep Isak and want to offer a new contract to align him with the club’s top earners.
Dortmund looking to get Stuttgart's Guirassy
Borussia Dortmund are pushing to advance in talks to sign Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Even so, there will be competition for the 28-year-old with various clubs keen to trigger his release clause of €17.5m-€18m.
Are Barcelona looking for a 'fresh start' by sacking Xavi?
Sam Marsden discusses what led Barcelona's president Joan Laporta to sack Xavi Hernandez as the team's head coach.
Barça linked with Obando
Barcelona have held talks over the potential signing of young Ecuador forward Allen Obando, according to Diario Sport.
Curiously, Obando, 17, currently plays for Barcelona Sporting Club, a team based in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil.
He made his senior debut for Barcelona SC in 2022 and is now a regular for his club, while has already been capped twice by his country.
Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund have previously been credited with an interest in Obando, but it is now Barça pushing to get his signing over the line.
Newcastle want Bowen, Calvert-Lewin
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen are on a list of targets for Newcastle United, reports the Daily Telegraph.
However, Newcastle will need to move players on to create financial room to make signings within profit and sustainability regulations.
Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is another target but the Magpies would face greater competition for his signature.
Forward Bowen scored 20 goals last season, while Calvert-Lewin played 38 games to indicate he's over his fitness issues.
Calvert-Lewin would be a replacement for Callum Wilson, who is expected to leave.
Xavi sacked as Barca boss!
Xavi Hernández has been dismissed as Barcelona coach effective after Sunday's final game of the season against Sevilla, the club said in a statement on Friday.
Sources have told ESPN's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens that former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Hansi Flick is "on course" to replace him.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta met with Xavi after Friday's training session to confirm the club's decision for a change of direction.
The move comes just one month after Xavi and Laporta announced in a joint news conference that the Catalan coach would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025, despite having previously planned to step down this summer.
"Barcelona president Joan Laporta has communicated to Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach for the 2024-25 season," Barcelona said in a statement.
"Barcelona want to thank Xavi for his work as coach, which adds to his unmatchable career as a player and the captain of the first team, and wish him all the best in the future."
Motta set to be unveiled as Juve boss
Thiago Motta is set to sign a three-year contract with Juventus in the coming days, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Friday's game at Genoa will be Motta's last in charge after he turned down a new contract to remain at the club, and will leave once his contract expires in June.
"In these two years, we have experienced a cycle of great growth together for everyone," Motta said. "I am proud to have brought Bologna to the Champions League without ever betraying our playing philosophy and the great passion of the fans who pushed and motivated us at all times."
Motta, 41, is the No. 1 candidate to take over the vacant coaching position at Juve after they sacked Massimiliano Allegri last week.
Kompany decision a "massive gamble"
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to the news that Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is expecting to take charge of Bayern Munich.
Bayern and Burnley are close to reaching an agreement for Kompany, a source has told ESPN's Rob Dawson.
Barcelona could announce Flick on Monday
Barcelona will announce Hansi Flick as the club's new coach on Monday, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Flick, 59, will replace Xavi Hernández and will sign a one year deal with Barça with the option of for a second year based on certain objectives being met, the report explains.
ESPN sources revealed earlier this week that Flick had emerged as the No. 1 target to take over from Xavi after Barça's final game of the season at Sevilla on Sunday.
Xavi announced in April that he would fulfil his contract, which is due to run until 2025, having originally said in January he would step down at the end of the season.
However, ESPN revealed last week that Barça president Joan Laporta was once again considering Xavi's future following a trophy-less season and remarks he made in a news conference about the club's financial difficulties.
Mundo Deportivo says the decision to go with Flick was made after the German coach spoke with Barça sporting director Deco earlier this week.
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