Manchester United are weighing up a move for Benfica left back Samuel Dahl, while Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane is on the radar of Arsenal and Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Manchester United are weighing up a move for Benfica left back Samuel Dahl, says Record. United have been linked with Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bayern Munich‘s Alphonso Davies in recent weeks but Dahl, 23, represents a cheaper option and he has become a regular starter under Jose Mourinho this season. Meanwhile, United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is on the radar of Juventus. Tuttosport reports that the Bianconeri see the 24-year-old as an “intriguing” signing, but whether a deal is possible hinges on if the Premier League club would be willing to agree to an initial loan in which his €4million-per-season salary would be covered.
– Arsenal and Real Madrid are keen on Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane. Florian Plettenberg says that the Gunners were impressed by the 19-year-old during their clash in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, while Los Blancos are also keeping tabs on his situation. Leverkusen would reportedly be willing to part ways with Kofane in the summer if they receive an offer in the region of €65m. The young striker has directly contributed to eight goals in 23 Bundesliga matches this season.
– Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in the Premier League are pushing to sign Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, according to AS. The 23-year-old is reported to be unsatisfied with his current role for Los Blancos, and believes that it could limit his chances of starting for France at this summer’s World Cup. That has created uncertainty around his future at the Bernabéu, with PSG keen to land Camavinga after missing out on his signature in 2021, while clubs in England‘s top flight see him as a strong fit for the high-tempo and physical style of the Premier League.
– Barcelona are aware of growing interest in right back Jules Koundé from Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. Mundo Deportivo reports that the three Premier League clubs are all watching the 27-year-old’s situation closely, with the Reds keen to land a more defensive option after replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong last summer. Kounde remains contracted at Camp Nou until the summer of 2030, but it is reported that the Blaugrana could be tempted to accept a significant offer.
– Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle are interested in AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, per TEAMtalk. The Magpies have reportedly taken up a strong position in the race to sign the 22-year-old Senegal international, having “intensified” their pursuit in recent weeks. Camara has been linked to Newcastle as a potential replacement for Manchester United-linked Sandro Tonali, while Monaco are expected to be willing to move him on for the right fee.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen looks at Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane.
Signed from Albacete in the second tier of Spanish football for €5.25 million last summer, Kofane is starting to look like sharp business by Leverkusen. His trajectory is as unusual as it is interesting, as he only arrived in Spain from Africa eight months prior to his move to Germany, which indicates that he could develop quickly.
After a gradual introduction, he has seen his responsibility grow in important matches. The Cameroon international has seven goals and eight assists so far this season.
Naturally right-footed, the striker is comfortable finishing with either foot and rarely rushes in his actions. He is capable of nice lay-offs, flicks and quick combinations, and there is a noticeable lack of selfishness in his game, while he shows an advanced understanding of space, where he can read the attacking flow with unusual clarity for his age.
At 6-foot-2, Kofane has the physical profile that clubs generally look for in a No. 9 striker, but his upright running style blunts his explosiveness over short distances and his ability to carry the ball at pace. Though his sharp reactions and well-timed off-ball movement helps him to sniff out advantageous positions rather than generating them through speed.
There are some things to work on: his aerial game lacks some timing and sensitivity on connection, as he tends to attack crosses too square-on without the timing or flexibility to pose a consistent threat. His transfer valuation of €65 million feels premature at this stage of his development, though his combination of technical ability, developing end product and tactical awareness makes him an intriguing prospect.
OTHER RUMORS
2:25
Who could leave Tottenham if they get relegated?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens debate which Tottenham players could potentially leave the club in the summer if they go down.
– Juventus and AC Milan have made recent inquiries about landing Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Liverpool and Manchester United are both looking at Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. (Caught Offside)
– Manchester City have made progress during talks with attacking midfielder Phil Foden regarding a new contract. (TEAMtalk)
– Barcelona are leading the race for Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva. (Sun)
– Atletico Madrid are planning to begin talks to sign on-loan midfielder Nico Gonzalez permanently from Juventus. The current permanent option clause in the deal is worth €32m. (AS)
– Manchester City are leading the race ahead of several Premier League teams for AC Milan goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni. (Nicolo Schira)
– Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez has been identified by Brentford as a potential future replacement for Igor Thiago. (Ekrem Konur)
– Everton are monitoring the situation of Manchester City defender John Stones. (TalkSPORT)
– AC Milan have recently held talks with the representatives of Lazio defender Mario Gila amid hopes of signing him in the summer. (Corriere dello Sport)
– Bournemouth and Brentford are among the teams interested in Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano. (Ekrem Konur)
– Manchester City have made formal contact with manager Pep Guardiola regarding a decision on whether he will see out his current deal. (TalkSPORT)
