Barcelona have shown they are committed to their youth-focused recruitment strategy, turning down opportunities to sign both Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. According to Sport, representatives of both players approached the Catalan club, but sporting director Deco maintained the club's stance on developing their current squad while prioritizing younger talent.
Meanwhile, a fierce Premier League battle is brewing for Borussia Dortmund's rising star Jamie Gittens. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are leading the chase for the 20-year-old winger, who could command a fee of around €80 million. Barcelona has withdrawn from consideration due to financial constraints. Gittens has impressed this season with 14 goal contributions in 32 appearances across all competitions.
The young Englishman has emerged as a bright spot in Dortmund's challenging season, where they currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga. Following in Jadon Sancho's footsteps, Gittens left Manchester City's academy for Germany and has flourished, particularly improving his end product this season with 11 goals and five assists. His explosive pace and mesmerizing dribbling skills have made him a crucial player for Dortmund, though Bayern Munich might also enter the race for his signature if Leroy Sané departs on a free transfer.
Liverpool are intensifying their search for defensive reinforcement amid uncertainty over van Dijk's future. Football Insider reports that Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen has emerged as a primary target, with a release clause of £55 million. The club's scouts believe he would be an ideal fit for incoming manager Arne Slot's system.
In other transfer developments, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak could potentially leave this summer, with Barcelona identifying him as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski. However, any move depends on Newcastle's Champions League qualification, with the club demanding over €100 million for the Swedish international.
Additionally, Como are seeking to renegotiate clauses in Nico Paz's contract with Real Madrid, while AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has agreed to a new four-year deal worth €5 million per season. Manchester United's Christian Eriksen is exploring his options ahead of a potential free transfer, and the club is also planning cuts to their 80-strong scouting department.
Tottenham continue to show ambition in the transfer market, reportedly ready to break their transfer record with an €80 million bid for Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram. The club is also considering Inter boss Simone Inzaghi as a potential replacement for current manager Ange Postecoglou.
