Transfer Talk: Barca eye Enzo Fernandez, Amadou Onana?،
The winter transfer window has now closed across Europe's top leagues, but there are plenty of moves afoot and gossip swirling as summer approaches. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona looking for new stars despite financial constraints
In two separate reports ahead of the weekend, Diario Sport linked Barcelona with Chelsea. Enzo Fernández and Everton Amadou Onana.
The first report focuses on Fernandez, suggesting that the 23-year-old Chelsea midfielder is interested in joining the Blaugrana. It comes as the Argentina international wants to leave Stamford Bridge, although any departure would be difficult due to both his status as a key player for Mauricio Pochettino and his long contract, which runs until 2032.
Fernandez is still 'enticed' by the idea of playing for Barcelona, but the report admits a move could be unlikely although he adds nothing is impossible.
In the second report, they state that Deco has identified Everton's Onana as the missing piece who can bring more consistency and physicality to the club's midfield. Xavi Hernández had focused on more technical players for the position, but Deco is now moving forward – Xavi has already confirmed he will leave the club this summer – and has already made contact with the relevant parties.
The main obstacle to any potential move for the 22-year-old is Everton's €60 million demands as well as interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Gunners the most serious of the Premier League clubs .
Deco is trying to bring in Onana for 40 million euros, as various players would need to be offloaded to reach the valuation of 60 million euros.
SUPPORTED
— German journalist Christian Falk offered a glimpse in Bayern Munich's search for a midfielder for the summer transfer window. He declares that Argentinos Juniors Federico Redondo21 years old, and Juventus Adrien Rabiot, 28, have been added to the Bavarian club's roster. This sees them join Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi25 years old, and Fulham João Palhinha28. (Bayern attempted to sign Palhinha last summer, but the move collapsed on deadline day.)
– Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur both set their sights on Genoa striker Albert Gudmundsson, reports Calciomercato. The Serie A club rejected an offer of €22 million plus additions from Fiorentina in January as they demand €30 million for the 26-year-old, and interest from the Premier League has not that adds to the confidence that they can bring this figure.
– Juventus wants to recruit Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso as a free agent at the end of his contract this summer, reports Tuttosport, which adds that the 28-year-old's €4 million salary is within reach of I Bianconeri. The fact that Hermoso is flexible in terms of position on the back line and is left-footed also adds to Juventus' appeal.
– Clubs from England, Spain and Germany have inquired about the Borussia Dortmund winger Charles Herrmann, reports Florian Plettenberg, who adds that Brighton & Hove Albion are monitoring him. BVB want the 18-year-old to stay beyond the expiration of his current contract this summer and discussions regarding a renewal are planned.
— PAOK defender William Troost-Ekong attracted the attention of Saudi clubs with his performances as Nigeria captain at the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as reported by Fabrice Romano. The 30-year-old is happy with the Greek Super League leaders, but Saudi interest in the former Udinese and Watford centre-back is strong.
— And finally, the Mirror speculates that Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah could be keeping an eye on the situation of Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé. The suggestion is that the 31-year-old could either join PSG or strengthen his own position in contract negotiations at Anfield if Mbappe joins Real Madrid.