Shaka Hislop: ‘There simply is no one better’ than Man City (2:50)
Shaka Hislop and the “ESPN FC” crew discuss what it takes to beat Manchester City in the Premier League title race, and how just one loss in 18 games spelled failure for Arsenal. (2:50)
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Nick Judd, Transfer writerMay 19, 2024, 08:19 PM ET
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Man City look to West Ham’s Paquetá
Manchester City are believed to have agreed personal terms with West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá, though the Premier League champions remain in discussion with Hammers officials about a fee, according to Footmercato journalist Santi Aouna.
Paquetá is a top priority for City boss Pep Guardiola as he looks to build on a record fourth consecutive league title, and the champions are expected to hold talks with the West Ham board in the next couple of weeks. Guardiola admitted on Sunday that he’s closer “to the end” of his City tenure than the start, but Paquetá’s arrival could provide a timely boost as the Citizens attempt to make it five in a row next season.
City officials tried to sign the midfielder last summer but pulled out of the deal after it was revealed that an investigation into alleged betting breaches by Paquetá had been opened by the FA.
City are prepared to return with a similar offer of around £85 million, which would meet the Brazilian’s release clause, though they’re hoping discussions with the West Ham board could see that fee come down.
Paquetá scored eight goals for the Hammers this season, registering a further seven assists in all competitions. His contract in east London runs out in 2027, though West Ham have the option to extend it for another year.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Aston Villa are interested in signing attacking midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, according to the Telegraph. The Blues could be forced to part with the 24-year-old, a product of the academy, in an effort to ease their financial worries. Villa, who are hoping they can include Jhon Durán in the deal, would also need to raise funds through player departures to be able to afford Gallagher and avoid their own financial sanctions.
– Marco Reus is pursuing other options despite earlier reports stating that he had agreed a deal with MLS side Charlotte FC, according to Transfermarkt. The 34-year-old Germany international was believed to have agreed a move to America, but now the Borussia Dortmund legend is said to be considering a range of alternatives, which include clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, among others. Reus is still focusing on the Champions League final, which will take place on June 1, but it’s clear he has several different paths to choose from.
– Australia international Martin Boyle appears set to leave Hibernian and move to the A-League, according to FTBL. The 31-year-old, who scored 57 goals across 10 seasons at Hibs, is being courted by Melbourne City and Perth Glory.
– Newcastle United are interested in a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha, and boss Eddie Howe hopes to be able to play the former Leeds United man alongside his compatriot Bruno Guimarães, according to the Mirror. The Magpies are looking to add further strength to their squad for the 2024-25 season and they’ve been linked with a move for Raphinha, who is widely tipped to leave Camp Nou this summer. The 27-year-old could form a potent partnership with Guimarães, though he was seen waving what many felt was “a goodbye” to fans following Newcastle’s 4-2 win over Brentford on Sunday.
– Emerson Royal is among the players expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and the 25-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Bayern Munich, according to Sport. Bayern are looking to strengthen the squad in certain areas this summer and, with Joshua Kimmich rumoured to be leaving at the end of the campaign, the right-back area is one in which Royal could fill a hole.
– It’s all change at AC Milan this summer and, with Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca widely expected by many to fill the vacant manager’s role, his first move in the hot seat will reportedly be for his compatriot Tiago Santos. That’s according to Calciomercato, which believes that the Lille full-back is among the Rossoneri’s top priorities. The right-back area is a cause of concern for Milan, and they’re believed to have made a verbal offer for the versatile defender, whose contract runs out in 2028.
