Transfer Talk: Barcelona eye Alvarez to replace Lewandowski،
The summer transfer window is closed across Europe, but there are still moves afoot and plenty of gossip swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barca see Alvarez as Lewandowski replacement
Barcelona consider move for Manchester City striker Julian Alvarezaccording to Sport.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez reportedly views Alvarez as an attractive prospect. The 23-year-old has played a bigger role for Man City this season, scoring six goals and five assists, and he has proven himself to be a creative midfielder in place of the injured Kevin De Bruyne.
The striker could have a €50 million release clause, according to the report, which could tempt Barcelona into an approach. The cash-strapped Spanish club have been excluded from transfers of many top strikers in Europe as they need to cut their transfer spending to comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules.
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The report states that Barcelona are looking for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowskiwho is 35 years old and has not managed to reach the heights in Spain that he reached in Germany with Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski has six goals and four assists in all competitions this season, and he is injured and struggling to lead the line the way he wants. As such, skepticism remains within the club over whether to extend his contract.
While the 18-year-old attacker Victor Roque will join Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in July 2024, it is understood the Spanish club are considering a striker ready to take to the pitch.
Paper gossip
– West Ham will lead the race for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire if he leaves Old Trafford in January, according to Football Insider. However, the report suggests Maguire is happy to stay with the Premier League giants even though he does not appear to be part of manager Erik ten Hag’s plans, meaning a deal could be difficult to complete for the Irons in January. West Ham manager David Moyes is reportedly keen to add to his defensive options this winter.
– AC Milan keen to reach deal with Lille striker Jonathan David in January, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Milan have long admired the 23-year-old Canadian and view him as a long-term option for the club. If the Italian team is satisfied with Olivier Giroud, at 37 years old, there is a desire to find his replacement as soon as possible. The report reveals that while Milan tried to bring David to San Siro this summer, Lille lowered their asking price to €40 million, which could tempt Milan into an approach.
– Liverpool, alongside other Premier League clubs, own a stake in Bayern Munich’s midfield Jamal Musiala, reports BILD. It is revealed that the 20-year-old is increasingly unhappy at being named as a substitute following some strong performances, which could open the door to an exit from the Bavarian side. If Musiala looks to make a move, Liverpool would be waiting in the wings, while other top English clubs would also be on alert.
– Benfica midfielder João Neves has been named by Manchester United as a potential transfer target for the summer, Sky Sports Deutschland suggests. Florian Plettenberg. United have long admired the 19-year-old, who is also on the shortlist of many top European clubs. Ten Hag were looking for midfield reinforcements last summer, and with Casemiro turning 32 in February, Neves would represent a possible long-term replacement.
– Fulham midfielder João Palhinha remains in favor of a move to Bayern Munich after a failed transfer plan this summer, reveals Plettenberg. The German champions are unlikely to be prepared to commit to the €60-65 million price tag that will likely be required for the Cottagers to part ways with the 28-year-old. However, Bayern have not made a final decision on whether they will make an approach.
