Transfer Roundup: Harry Kane, Folarin Balogun Field Interest From European Giants
Despite major moves for Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi, forwards are still at the forefront of the summer transfer market.
Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter Milan appear to be the biggest buyers in the striker market.
Here’s the latest.
Transfer rumors and done deals
Bayern Munich board member Uli Hoeneß said talks are positive between the German club and Harry Kane’s camp over a summer transfer. The Spurs forward has reportedly signaled he wants to join the Bundesliga giants this summer before his contract at Tottenham expires next summer. However, PSG has reportedly entered the race as it looks to sign a top goalscorer in the wake of Kylian Mbappé exit rumors. (ESPN)
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets were officially announced as Inter Miami’s newest signings in an elaborate unveiling ceremony Sunday. The duo is expected to be available for their debut July 21 against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Juventus is now considered the front-runner to sign Romelu Lukaku. Inter Milan has reportedly dropped out of the race to sign the Belgian forward, who spent last year on loan with the Nerazzurri, after seeing its last two bids rejected by Chelsea. However, any deal seems contingent on the potential sale of Juve forward Dušan Vlahović. (The Telegraph)
After failing to reach a deal to sign Lukaku on a permanent deal, Inter MIlan has made USMNT international Folarin Balogun a top transfer target this summer. The forward is currently conducting preseason training with Arsenal after returning from a successful loan spell at Reims where he scored 21 goals. (Gazzetta dello Sport).
Kane and Balogun are just two of the premier strikers being linked with major summer moves.
IMAGO/Action Plus/Agencia-MexSport
AC Milan is preparing a €20 million ($22.5 million) bid for USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah as the club nears Valencia’s valuation. The 20-year-old has reportedly agreed to the move, which could unite him with American teammate Christian Pulisic. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Declan Rice is officially a Gunner after the club announced his signing over the weekend. The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal shelling out £105 million ($137.2 million) for West Ham, a fee that sets a Premier League record for a British player.
Marcus Rashford has agreed to a new five-year contract to remain at Manchester United. The 25-year-old reportedly rejected offers from outside of England to remain with the Red Devils (The Athletic)
Newcastle are reportedly preparing a €100 million bid for Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The 22-year-old Georgian international recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in helping lead Napoli to a Serie A title last season and is one of Europe’s top transfer targets this summer. (Corriere dello Sport)
Manchester United has agreed to a €50 million move for Inter Milan goalkeeper André Onana. The Cameroon international previously worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and is set to replace David De Gea as United’s starting goalkeeper. (ESPN)
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has agreed to a move to join Bayern Munich on a two-year deal. The German side is now expected to seal the move with City with a deal around €15 million. (Sky Sport Deutschland)
The impending move for Onana is set to free up Man United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for a permanent move to Nottingham Forest. The 26-year-old was Forest’s No. 1 keeper on loan from United last season before sustaining a season-ending thigh injury in January. (ESPN)
Liverpool has received a £40 million offer from Al-Ittihad for midfielder Fabinho. The Reds have reportedly given the Brazilian their blessing to complete the move and work out terms with the Saudi club, which has already signed N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema this summer. (Sky Sports)
West Ham leads the race to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire. The 30-year-old center half was stripped of his captaincy over the weekend and is reportedly mulling over his options ahead of a potential summer move. (Sky Sports)
Juan Cuadrado has agreed to a one-year deal with Inter Milan after leaving Juventus on a free transfer. The 35-year-old Colombian has made more than 300 appearances for Juventus in seven years, winning five Serie A titles. (Sky Sports Italia)
Roma is reportedly in talks with Álvaro Morata over a move to the Italian capital. The 30-year-old Spaniard scored 13 goals last season with Atlético Madrid and has had Serie A success in the past with Juventus. (Corriere dello Sport)
Dutch phenom Xavi Simons has re-joined Paris Saint-Germain after one year with PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 19 goals. The 20-year-old reportedly had a €12 million option in his contract to return to the French giants after leaving on a free last year.
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has signed with Championship side Cardiff City. The 32-year-old midfielder started his career with the Welsh side before embarking on a career that took him to Arsenal, Juventus and, most recently, Nice.
Ashley Young will remain in the Premier League after signing a surprise deal with Everton. The 38-year-old fullback joins on a one-year deal, becoming the Toffees’ first signing of the summer.
