Transfer Talk: Man Utd, Atleti join race for France star Fofana
Credit to Author: Adam Brown| Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:00:35 EST
Gab Marcotti debates the future of Alphonso Davies if he doesn’t join Real Madrid this summer. (2:29)
The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Manchester United and Atletico Madrid have joined the race for AS Monaco defensive midfielder Youssouf Fofana, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The two clubs are believed to be the latest suitors for the 25-year-old as they look to challenge AC Milan for his signature. The Rossoneri have been at the front of the queue for him amid recent discussions over a move, but interest from Europe has seen the Ligue 1 club increase their valuation to €35 million.
That has led to the Serie A side reportedly begin to assess other options including free agent Adrien Rabiot, which could pave the way for either the Red Devils or Atleti to edge themselves to the front of the queue for Fofana’s signature. The Old Trafford hierarchy are pursuing their third signing after acquiring both Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.
Fofana earned his 21st senior national cap for France at the European Championship when coming on as a substitute in Les Bleus’ quarterfinal win over Portugal.
– Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain, reports the Athletic. PSG are said to have already made contact over a potential move for the 22-year-old, and they could begin formal talks with him should they decide to activate the release clause in his contract worth between £46.3m and £50.4m.
– Negotiations are continuing between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, says Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. The Red Devils are reported to have had several verbal offers turned down for the 23-year-old, with PSG standing firm with their valuation of €70m. Ugarte was a standout performer for Uruguay at the Copa America.
– A player exchange deal is being considered by Arsenal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, according to the Daily Star. The Gunners are believed to be willing to offer forward Eddie Nketiah as part of a move for the 24-year-old, amid hopes of lowering the Eagles’ total valuation of £70m. Both Manchester United and Liverpool are reported to have scouted Guehi during his performances at the European Championship with England.
– RB Leipzig are confident of securing another move for Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, reports Fabrizio Romano. PSG are reported to be open to letting the 21-year-old leave for another season on loan, with Bayern Munich also in the race for his signature. Simons enjoyed a bright spell on loan with Leipzig last season, scoring eight goals while assisting another 11 in 32 Bundesliga appearances.
– Liverpool aren’t currently considering a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, according to the Athletic. The Reds have recently been reported to be monitoring the 23-year-old as a potential future successor for Mohamed Salah, but it is believed that the club’s current priority is to reach an agreement over a contract extension with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to become a free agent next summer.