Cliff Notes – Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid fight Arsenal for Nico Williams
- Real Madrid is considering a move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who has a €58 million release clause, potentially complicating Arsenal’s pursuit.
- Barcelona have prioritised Liverpool’s Luis Díaz as they seek a versatile left winger, but financial constraints may hinder their ability to meet the €85 million asking price.
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid fight Arsenal for Nico Williams
Real Madrid are seriously considering a move for Nico Williams, while Barcelona have made Luis Díaz their top priority. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.
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Will Nico Williams become the latest Galactico at Real Madrid? Guillermo Martinez/NurPhotoTRENDING RUMORS
– Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has emerged as an attractive prospect for Real Madrid, according to Marca, adding that a move could be simple to complete due to his €58 million release clause. Arsenal had been considered favourites to sign the 22-year-old in the summer window, and the emergence of Los Blancos could force the Gunners to move quicker. A year ago Williams was expected to sign for Barcelona, before committing to Athletic Club for another year. With Rodrygo likely to exit the Bernabéu, Madrid are looking for a replacement.
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– Barcelona have made Liverpool’s Luis Díaz their top priority, reports Diario Sport, with the Blaugrana focusing their search on a left winger that can also play in the centre of their attack when needed. Barça will pour most of their resources into signing a player who fits that profile, with Liverpool wanting €85m for the 28-year-old. However, a transfer fee of that size would be difficult for Barcelona to pay with their financial problems.
– Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson is on Real Madrid’s radar with the club looking to strengthen, reports Marca, with Los Blancos sending scouts to watch a number of matches. The LaLiga giants were previously linked with the 20-year-old and have had success at bringing in players from the Bundesliga in the past, while their focus on the league will only be enhanced by the arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
– Manchester City’s hopes of signing AC Milan left-back Theo Hernández have taken a hit as the Frenchman would prefer to stay in Italy amid interest from Juventus and another unnamed Serie A club, claims TEAMtalk. Milan want at least €30m for Hernandez and approximately €90m for Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders, who is also being looked at by Pep Guardiola’s side.
– Man City are set to rival Liverpool for the signature of AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, according to the i paper. The Hungary international is expected to move on in the summer, and the Cherries will seek a transfer fee of £45m. Liverpool have been the favourites to land the 21-year-old for months, but they could now have competition for his signature.
OTHER RUMORS
— Liverpool are considering a move to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. The 22-year-old is a cheaper alternative to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with a valuation close to £60m. (TEAMtalk)
– Borussia Dortmund are ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt in the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham. Dortmund want to sign the 19-year-old as early in time for the Club World Cup. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Clubs in Saudi Arabia continue to monitor Darwin Núñez, and if he moves on Liverpool will enter the transfer market for a new striker. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Paris Saint-Germain will not enter the race to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, with boss Luis Enrique happy with his options up front. (L’Equipe)
– Barcelona and Raphinha have reached agreement over a new contract which will keep the Brazil international at Camp Nou until the summer of 2028. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Nuno Espírito Santo could quit Nottingham Forest in the summer due to a fall-out with Evangelos Marinakis. (Foot Mercato)
– Newcastle United could emerge as late contenders to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who is linked with Manchester United and Chelsea. (talkSPORT)