Real Madrid have set their sights on Everton's rising star Jarrad Branthwaite as they look to strengthen their defensive line for the upcoming summer transfer window. The Spanish giants have placed the 22-year-old defender at the top of their wishlist, with a potential €70m price tag attached to the move.
Madrid's defensive struggles this season, marked by injuries to key players Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão, have prompted the club to explore multiple options. While Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté, Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, and Arsenal's William Saliba are also under consideration, Branthwaite has emerged as the primary target. The club is also monitoring Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires this summer.
In other transfer developments, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman appears to be heading for an exit following a public dispute with manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The situation escalated after the manager's criticism of Lookman's penalty miss in Tuesday's defeat to Club Brugge, which the player deemed "deeply disrespectful."
According to ESPN's Gab Marcotti, Lookman's departure seems inevitable, though Atalanta may extend his contract until 2027 to preserve his transfer value. The 27-year-old Nigerian forward, who currently holds the African Footballer of the Year title, has been instrumental in Atalanta's success, contributing 15 goals and six assists this season alone. The Italian club is reportedly seeking over €60m for the transfer, following their recent successful sales of Rasmus Højlund to Manchester United and Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus.
Meanwhile, AC Milan winger Rafael Leão has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Rossoneri might consider parting ways with the 25-year-old Portuguese international following their Champions League elimination. Samuel Chukwueze is also expected to depart, while uncertainty looms over Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori's futures.
In youth prospect news, the race for Sporting CP's 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda remains competitive, with Manchester United's reported agreement being contested. Barcelona is scheduled to meet with the player's representatives, while Manchester City and Liverpool maintain their interest.
Bayern Munich is close to securing defender Dayot Upamecano's future, with negotiations for a five-year contract in advanced stages. Arsenal has made progress in their pursuit of Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi, reportedly agreeing to personal terms and willing to meet his €60m release clause. Additionally, both Liverpool and Manchester City are eyeing Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, who could be available for around €40m this summer.
Juventus is considering extending Randal Kolo Muani's loan spell following his impressive start in Serie A, scoring five goals in four matches. This development could potentially lead to Dusan Vlahovic's departure, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United showing interest.
