Barcelona Target Micky van de Ven as Spurs Stand Firm
The transfer market has not even hit full speed, yet the jostling around some of Europe’s most coveted names is already fierce. At Tottenham, the spotlight falls squarely on Micky van de Ven.
Sky Sports report that Barcelona are among several clubs tracking the Dutch centre-back, whose current deal in north London has just two years left to run. Talks over an extension have taken place, but no agreement is in place. Spurs, though, are in no mood to blink. Roberto De Zerbi has already branded the 25-year-old one of the best central defenders in the Premier League, and Tottenham’s summer plan is built around that spine, not breaking it.
Greenwood’s price tag looms over Marseille
Across the Channel, Mason Greenwood’s future is back under scrutiny. L’Equipe claim Arsenal and Tottenham are both weighing up a move for the forward, who rebuilt his career at Marseille after leaving Manchester United in 2024.
The French club, squeezed by FFP demands, may be forced into a sale. From July 1, a release clause of around £52m kicks in, a figure notably below his current valuation of about £69m. For clubs hunting a wide forward in his mid‑20s, that gap is where the intrigue lies.
Calafiori too costly for Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s defensive rebuild has already been expensive, and it may yet cost Riccardo Calafiori his move. The Arsenal defender, fresh from a Premier League title, has drawn heavy interest from across Europe, with Los Blancos among the admirers.
But Andrea Berta’s valuation of £86m is a hard number to ignore. With £52m already spent on Marc Cucurella and a £78m bid lodged for Ruben Dias, another huge outlay on a third defender feels remote. Real want to reinforce the back line; their accounts may dictate how far they go.
United ready to cut Shaw’s wage to keep him
At Old Trafford, Manchester United are preparing a delicate negotiation of their own. The club are willing to offer Luke Shaw a new contract, but on reduced terms compared to his current deal, according to claims in England.
The 30-year-old has been a key figure again this season, yet his contract expires next summer. Signed from Southampton in 2014 and last extended in 2023, Shaw now stands at a crossroads: accept a lower salary to stay at a club where he has spent a decade, or test the market as a free agent in 12 months’ time.
Maguire talks up Anderson in Rice territory
Inside the England camp, another United defender has been talking up one of the game’s rising midfielders. Harry Maguire believes £130m‑rated Elliot Anderson belongs in the same conversation as Declan Rice.
Anderson starred alongside Rice in England’s World Cup win over Croatia, a performance that only reinforced his growing reputation. United had already pulled out of the race to sign him, put off by the finances involved, but Maguire’s words underline why the price is so high.
“He’s got absolutely everything,” the centre-back said, highlighting Anderson’s ability to drive with the ball, score goals and operate across the midfield roles from six to ten. For a player still carving out his place at the top level, that is elite company to be keeping.
Arsenal eye Bartishvili as next Georgian gem
Arsenal’s recruitment team are casting the net wide again. Georgia Under‑21 international Andria Bartishvili has emerged as a target, with the teenager already drawing comparisons to his compatriot and two-time Champions League winner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The 17-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the year, and BBC Sport report that the Gunners are keen to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement. Arsenal have previously been linked with Kvaratskhelia himself, but with the winger settled at PSG, Bartishvili may be the more realistic route into Georgian flair.
Real Madrid still pushing for Enzo, want another centre-back
Real Madrid’s summer plan is not limited to full-backs. ESPN report that Enzo Fernandez remains high on their list, the Chelsea midfielder still admired in Madrid after his World Cup-winning exploits with Argentina while at Benfica.
He sits at the top of their midfield agenda, yet the club also want another central defender despite already bringing in Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella. The message from the Bernabeu is clear: the European champions intend to be deeper, younger and more secure at the back.
Olmo warns Cucurella: Lamine Yamal is waiting
Cucurella’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid has already sent ripples through Spain. One of the more pointed reactions came from his Spain and Barcelona rival Dani Olmo.
Speaking at the World Cup, Olmo admitted the transfer caught many by surprise, saying they “didn’t expect it” and that Cucurella had kept his plans quiet. Now, though, the pleasantries are over. Olmo, a Barcelona player, warned that his friend will “have to suffer” in La Liga, name-checking Lamine Yamal as one of those relishing the chance to run at him in El Clasico.
Liverpool return for Thuram
On Merseyside, Liverpool’s midfield revamp could yet feature a familiar name. Corriere dello Sport report that Khephren Thuram is back on the Reds’ list, with Juventus ready to sacrifice players to stabilise their finances.
The Frenchman may be available for between £35m and £39m, a figure that will tempt several clubs. He has interest from Al‑Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but the midfielder is understood to be unconvinced by a move to the Middle East. For Liverpool, that keeps the door ajar.
Spurs join race for Nathan de Cat
Tottenham’s reshaping under De Zerbi is not confined to the first team. Spurs are now in the hunt for Anderlecht’s 17-year-old midfielder Nathan de Cat, according to TeamTalk, joining Manchester United in the chase.
The north London club are intent on reinforcing the core of their squad. They have already brought in Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi on free transfers and completed a £52m deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. De Cat would be another piece in a long-term spine being quietly constructed.
Everton face decision on Thierno Barry
Across Stanley Park, Everton may have to make a hard call on Thierno Barry. The striker endured a mixed start under David Moyes last season, but grew into the campaign and finished with eight goals in 38 Premier League appearances.
That return has not gone unnoticed. The Times report that RB Leipzig are monitoring the 21-year-old, though no formal offer has yet been made. The Liverpool Echo add that Everton’s hierarchy would weigh up any serious bid, balancing the need for goals against the financial reality at Goodison Park.
Arsenal line up move for Barcola
Arsenal are not done at the top end of the pitch either. The Independent claim the club are preparing a major offer for Bradley Barcola, fresh from scoring his first World Cup goal in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal.
The 23-year-old arrives at this window off the back of another Champions League-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal are said to be working through the “necessary details” before submitting an official bid, aware that prising a World Cup scorer and serial domestic winner from PSG will not come cheap.
United turn to Baturina’s versatility
Manchester United, meanwhile, are scanning Serie A for midfield solutions. Croatia international Martin Baturina, now at Como, has pushed himself into the frame with a sharp equaliser against England and a strong debut season in Italy.
Sky Sport in Italy report that United are considering a move for the former Dinamo Zagreb playmaker, who produced six goals and three assists in 29 league games under Cesc Fabregas. His appeal is obvious: Baturina has operated as a false nine, left-winger, attacking midfielder and deeper playmaker.
For a United side desperate for flexibility and creativity between the lines, that kind of Swiss army knife profile is exactly what can reshape a season.
