Tottenham's Van de Ven Targeted by Barcelona as Contract Talks Continue
The summer market has barely drawn breath and already one of Tottenham’s pillars is being circled. Sky Sports report that Barcelona are among a clutch of elite clubs tracking Micky van de Ven, with the Dutch defender locked in talks over a new deal in north London and just two years left on his current contract.
Tottenham want him signed and sealed. Roberto De Zerbi has already nailed his colours to the mast, describing the 25‑year‑old as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. That sort of endorsement, and that sort of profile, rarely comes cheap – or quietly. The longer the contract remains unsigned, the louder the noise around him will grow.
Greenwood’s price tag looms over Premier League interest
Across the Channel, Mason Greenwood is once again at the centre of a familiar Premier League tug of war. L’Equipe report that Arsenal and Tottenham are both looking at the 24‑year‑old, who rebuilt his career at Marseille after leaving Manchester United in 2024.
Marseille’s problem is simple: Financial Fair Play. They need sales. Greenwood’s situation is less straightforward. From July 1, a release clause of around £52m kicks in, while his valuation is said to sit closer to £69m. For clubs who have tracked him from afar, that gap between clause and perceived value will be tempting. For Marseille, it could be a necessary sacrifice.
Calafiori priced out of Real Madrid move
Real Madrid’s search for another defender has run into a hard number. Riccardo Calafiori, fresh from a Premier League title with Arsenal, has attracted serious attention at the Bernabéu, but Andrea Berta’s £86m valuation is a clear barrier.
Madrid have already committed £52m to Marc Cucurella and lodged a £78m bid for Ruben Dias. Dropping another £86m on Calafiori would mean three major defensive outlays in one window. Even for Real Madrid, there is a limit. For now, that price tag keeps the Italian where he is.
United ready to reward Shaw – at a price
At Old Trafford, Manchester United are preparing a different sort of negotiation. Luke Shaw, out of contract next summer, is in line for a new deal – but on reduced terms. United, according to reports, are willing to extend the 30‑year‑old’s stay, just not at his current salary.
Shaw joined from Southampton in 2014 and last renewed in 2023. After a season in which he has remained a clear asset, the club’s stance underlines the new financial reality at United: loyalty is welcome, but only at the right number.
Maguire hails Anderson as Rice’s midfield twin
On the international stage, one English midfielder has been handed a hefty comparison. Harry Maguire believes £130m‑rated Elliot Anderson belongs in the same conversation as Declan Rice after the pair starred together in England’s World Cup win over Croatia.
United had already stepped away from a move for Anderson, baulking at the financial package required. Maguire’s words, though, cut through that reluctance. He revealed how Anderson impressed him in England training, describing a midfielder who “has absolutely everything”, likening his profile to Rice and praising his ability to play as a 6, 8 or 10. When a senior England defender talks like that, valuations tend to harden, not soften.
Arsenal cast net for next Kvaratskhelia – and chase Barcola
Arsenal’s recruitment team are busy at both ends of the age spectrum. Georgia Under‑21 international Andria Bartishvili has been tipped for a move to the Emirates, with BBC Sport claiming the Gunners want to tie him down to a pre‑contract before his current deal expires at the end of the year.
At 17, Bartishvili is already drawing comparisons with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the two‑time Champions League winner and national icon. Arsenal have previously been linked with Kvaratskhelia himself, but with the winger settled at PSG, the London club appear to be targeting the next best thing.
The focus in France does not end there. The Independent report that Arsenal are preparing a major bid for Bradley Barcola, fresh from scoring his first World Cup goal in France’s 3‑1 win over Senegal and another Champions League‑winning campaign with Paris Saint‑Germain. The club are said to be checking the “necessary details” before going in formally for the 23‑year‑old attacking midfielder. For a side already stacked with creative talent, Barcola would be a statement of pure ambition.
Real Madrid still chasing Enzo as defensive rebuild continues
Real Madrid’s midfield obsession remains unchanged. ESPN report that Enzo Fernandez is still top of their list, the admiration stretching back to his World Cup‑winning exploits with Argentina while at Benfica. Chelsea’s midfielder has long been viewed as a perfect fit for the Bernabéu.
At the same time, Madrid’s defensive rebuild is rolling on. After securing Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella, they still want another central defender. The wish list is far from complete, even if the budget is being stretched to its limits.
Olmo warns Cucurella: Lamine Yamal is waiting
The fallout from Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid has already spilled into the national team camp. Dani Olmo, his Spain colleague and Barcelona playmaker, admitted the transfer from Chelsea to Madrid caught many by surprise. Speaking at the World Cup, Olmo said they “didn’t expect it” and that Cucurella had “kept it inside”.
Now the rivalry shifts to La Liga. Olmo has already warned his friend that Lamine Yamal will be hunting him in El Clasico, predicting that Cucurella will “have to suffer” against the Barcelona prodigy. The pleasantries of international duty will not last long once club colours return.
Liverpool revive Thuram interest
At Anfield, the midfield shuffle continues. Corriere dello Sport claim Liverpool have reignited their pursuit of Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, placing him back on their transfer list.
Juventus are under pressure to raise funds and are ready to offload key names. Thuram could be available for between £35m and £39m, a price that will interest several European clubs. Al‑Ahli from the Saudi Pro League have also been linked, but the Frenchman is understood to be unconvinced by a Middle East move at this stage of his career. That keeps the door open for Liverpool.
Tottenham target De Cat as De Zerbi reshapes the spine
Tottenham’s rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi is gathering pace. TeamTalk report that Spurs have joined Manchester United in the race for Anderlecht’s 17‑year‑old midfielder Nathan de Cat, another attempt to inject youth and energy into the core of the side.
The north London club have already moved aggressively, snapping up Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi on free transfers and completing a £52m deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. De Cat would be a different sort of signing – a long‑term project rather than an instant starter – but the pattern is clear. De Zerbi wants depth, competition and a stronger spine.
Leipzig circle as Everton weigh Barry decision
Everton may be forced into a difficult call of their own. According to the Liverpool Echo, the club could be prepared to part with striker Thierno Barry after a mixed but encouraging debut season under David Moyes.
Barry grew into the campaign and finished with eight goals in 38 Premier League appearances, enough to catch the eye of RB Leipzig, as reported by The Times. No official offer has landed yet, but if it does, Everton’s hierarchy will have to decide whether to cash in on a player whose value is on the rise or double down on his development at Goodison Park.
United turn to Baturina for midfield spark
Manchester United’s search for fresh ideas in midfield has led them to Serie A. Sky Sport in Italy report that Croatia international Martin Baturina, now at Como, has emerged as a serious target.
The 21‑year‑old put himself in the shop window with a composed equaliser against England at the World Cup and delivered six goals and three assists in 29 league games in his first season under Cesc Fabregas. His versatility stood out: false nine, left‑winger, attacking midfielder, deeper playmaker – Baturina filled them all.
For a United side still trying to redefine its identity, that kind of Swiss army knife profile is gold. The question now is simple: who moves first in a market where hesitation is often punished?
