Barcelona have identified several forwards as potential replacements for Robert Lewandowski, with Mundo Deportivo reporting the club has settled on Julián Álvarez of Atletico Madrid, João Pedro of Chelsea and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich. The Spanish outlet adds that Barcelona would lower their standards if signing any of those three proved impossible.
Barça face competition for Álvarez from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, Mundo Deportivo reports, while Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to let João Pedro depart despite Barcelona making enquiries.
Manchester City have included Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández among their summer options, Sky Germany reports. The outlet says Enzo Maresca — widely linked as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at City — is keen to sign Fernández, with initial talks already held behind the scenes. TEAMtalk also reports City are accelerating plans to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and aim to complete a deal before the World Cup.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that incoming Real Madrid candidate José Mourinho is a fan of Inter Milan centre back Alessandro Bastoni and could pursue him for the Bernabéu despite Barcelona’s long-standing interest. The Italian paper says Bastoni’s €70 million price tag is a stumbling block and notes Madrid are looking to bolster defence with David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger all out of contract in the summer.
Manchester United have renewed interest in AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, La Gazzetta reports, with Turkish side Fenerbahçe emerging as possible competition. The paper adds that Leão’s time at Milan is thought to be coming to an end and that his future may become clearer after the World Cup, while his salary could be an issue for Fenerbahçe and the player is reportedly weighing options, potentially awaiting a Barcelona approach.
Christian Falk reports Bayern Munich view Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol as an interesting option, with the move likely to cost around €70 million. Falk adds Gvardiol would like to return to the Bundesliga. The report notes Bayern had been linked with City team-mate John Stones but sporting director Max Eberl has said they will not pursue the 31-year-old. Other reported links include Marcus Rashford to Real Madrid (Football Insider); Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea tracking Bournemouth’s Alex Scott (TEAMtalk); Levi Colwill to Liverpool (Football Insider); Yan Diomande as a summer option (The Athletic); Bayern possibly letting Alphonso Davies leave (Kicker); Manchester United closing on a €50 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson (La Gazzetta); Juventus willing to loan Jonathan David with several clubs interested (TEAMtalk); Tottenham linked to Paulo Dybala (Football Insider); and Inter targeting Curtis Jones and Manu Kone (La Gazzetta).
