Transfer Talk: Barca bracing for Bayern’s €100m Araújo bid

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, 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: Barca bracing for €100m Araújo bid

Bayern Munich are planning a €100 million move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araújo, according to Marca.

The Bundesliga giants are among a number of clubs hoping to sign the defender, although Barca want to keep the Uruguay international and have already offered him a new contract with his current deal ending in 2026. The Blaugrana’s proposal would keep Araújo with them until 2029, but the 25-year-old has surprised the club by not yet coming back to them with a response.

Barca still believe that they will be able to reach an agreement to renew Araújo’s deal, but they can’t be completely certain, especially with Bayern’s mooted bid on his mind.

For now, however, all of Barcelona’s attention is on two pivotal matches coming up after the international break: The first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain on April 10, and a title defining Clasico in Madrid on April 21. No negotiations with Araújo will happen during that time but, by then, will the defender’s head be turned by Bayern?

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PAPER GOSSIP

– Bayern Munich like Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi, reports Florian Plettenberg, who adds that the 25-year-old has a €60m release clause and can imagine joining the Bavarian club. Bayern’s final decision on whether to sign Zubimendi will come after Bayern’s new coach is confirmed, while the respective futures of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka could also play a role.

– Juventus are the frontrunners to sign Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson despite Premier League competition, reports Tuttosport, with the Rossoblu wanting €25m for him or €20m plus a player such as Tommaso Barbieri or Hans Nicolussi Caviglia. Tottenham Hotspur veteran Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Netherlands international Teun Koopmeiners are also on Juve’s shortlist, with Atalanta looking for Dean Huijsen or Matìas Soulè to be included in any deal for the Dutchman.

– AC Milan are looking at Anderlecht centre-back Zeno Debast, reports Corriere dello Sport, which adds that the 20-year-old has also received interest from Ajax Amsterdam. The Belgium international has decided it is time to move abroad and Anderlecht are willing to let him leave for €12m, as the defender only has a year on his contract, and they don’t want to lose him as a free agent.

– Tottenham Hotspur are leading the way in the race to sign Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to Football Insider, with the north London club having scouted him closely for two years. The 24-year-old is seen as somebody who would suit manager Ange Postecoglou’s playing style.

– Bologna are interested in Toulouse forward Thijs Dallinga and are planning a move if they qualify for the Champions League, according to Corriere dello Sport, which adds that the 23-year-old could be available for €15m. Even so, Bologna’s priority is keeping hold of head coach Thiago Motta, as well as star striker Joshua Zirkzee and the aforementioned Ferguson.