The summer transfer window is heating up fast. Chelsea are closing in on a €50 million deal for Atalanta right wing-back Marco Palestra, making this one of the most significant moves in the latest transfer news doing the rounds. The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Cagliari, is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge — and the Blues have already leapfrogged Internazionale in the race for his signature. Palestra has earned two senior caps for Italy, and those around Stamford Bridge believe he fits perfectly into manager Xabi Alonso‘s system.
Transfer News: United, Arsenal and Villa Dominate the Headlines
Meanwhile, both Manchester United and Arsenal are circling Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, according to the Daily Mail. The Red Devils want midfield reinforcements — particularly with Manuel Ugarte potentially heading for the exit — but the Cherries are demanding at least £60 million for the 22-year-old, who was outstanding for the south coast side last season. Bournemouth are also pushing to tie him down to fresh terms, so this one won’t come cheap.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa have made their interest known in West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, per The Athletic. Manager Unai Emery admires the 29-year-old greatly, and while West Ham — fighting for top-flight promotion — would rather hold on to him, proposals worth £50 million could open the door. Villa, however, have made crystal clear to Arsenal, United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain that attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers is absolutely not for sale this summer.
City Eye Gusto, Liverpool Chase Fernandez-Pardo, and Álvarez Wants Out
Manchester City have reportedly shown interest in Chelsea right back Malo Gusto, according to Nicolo Schira. The 23-year-old — signed for £30 million in January 2023 — is seen as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker, and could link up again with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who is edging closer to being confirmed as Pep Guardiola‘s replacement. For a full look at Guardiola’s legacy, check out our ranking of his 18 managerial seasons.
Liverpool and Newcastle are both tracking Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who contributed directly to 13 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season. The Reds see the 21-year-old as a potential alternative to RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, valued at €120 million. Newcastle, for their part, are also monitoring FC Cologne winger Said El Mala — linked with Brentford and Brighton — as they search for cover following Anthony Gordon‘s €70 million departure to Barcelona. The Magpies recently signed Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna for €40 million.
Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez has told ESPN he wants to leave this summer, with Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal and Real Madrid all in the picture. Madrid’s €150 million bid was already rejected last month, and now Barcelona are reportedly preparing another offer of the same value. Real Madrid have also shifted focus towards Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after accepting Michael Olise is likely out of reach.
In other snippets: Arsenal have opened talks to sign 16-year-old Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga; Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Como’s Nico Paz; Juventus are in negotiations with PSG over striker Randal Kolo Muani; Aston Villa are in talks with Flamengo about right back Emerson Royal; and Sweden forward Felicia Schröder has joined Real Madrid from BK Häcken in what her agent called the biggest transfer in women’s football history.