Atalanta’s right-sided defender, Marco Palestra, presently loaned out to Cagliari, has garnered the attention of Liverpool and Barcelona. Concurrently, Chelsea maintains its interest in FC Cologne’s forward, Said El Mala. Join us for the most recent player movement updates and speculations from across the globe.
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CURRENT SPECULATIONS
– Liverpool and Barcelona are reportedly preparing an offer to acquire Atalanta and Italy international right-back Marco Palestra, who is currently on temporary assignment at Cagliari. TEAMtalk indicates that both major clubs are among several European teams closely monitoring the 21-year-old, with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea also having observed him. Palestra could be attainable this summer for a sum approaching €45 million, and Liverpool, in particular, has been scouting for options to recruit a more defensively oriented right-back.
– Chelsea continues to pursue FC Cologne forward Said El Mala, Bild states. The 19-year-old has netted 10 goals in 28 Bundesliga outings this season and has also been associated with Brighton, Everton, and Brentford; however, his representatives have rejected overtures from Newcastle. Meanwhile, the Blues are monitoring the circumstances of Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez, as per TEAMtalk. Nunez, 26, has lately been linked with Juventus, and his representatives are diligently investigating a move back to Europe this summer after manager Simone Inzaghi de-listed him from the Saudi Pro League.
– Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has rejected advances from Manchester United, as reported by The Daily Mirror. It is stated that Manchester City is now leading the race to recruit the 23-year-old in a £65 million transfer, with club officials hopeful of obtaining his agreement before the commencement of the World Cup to prevent an escalation in his market worth.
– Manchester City’s reserve custodian, James Trafford, is drawing attention from Tottenham Hotspur, The Sun suggests. Spurs are said to be observing the 23-year-old’s status at the Etihad Stadium, where he has been the understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma this season. Trafford is considered a perfect successor for Inter Milan-associated Guglielmo Vicario, but Newcastle and Aston Villa could surface as potential buyers if he becomes available.
– Juventus is considering an approach for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Calciomercato reports. Juve manager Luciano Spalletti has singled out the 33-year-old as a prime candidate to succeed Michele Di Gregorio, having managed him prior during his tenure at Roma. The Bianconeri are reportedly confident of being able to meet his €8 million-per-season wages but might bargain down the Reds’ €20 million asking price.
EXPERT VIEW
ESPN’s in-house talent spotter, Tor-Kristian Karlsen, ranked Said El Mala 37th on his compilation of the 39 top U21 players. Read
El Mala proved an exceptional player after netting four goals in four matches at the U19 European Championship for Germany in 2025. After passing the prior two seasons in Germany’s third division, the forward has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga. While his skill and athletic qualities are striking, his results are particularly remarkable. Primarily deployed from the left flank, he can rapidly speed up into open space, resist tackles with his power, and charge at defenders. When drifting inward onto his dominant right foot, he often carves out opportunities for attempts on goal or deliveries around the periphery of the penalty area, aided by clever deceptions and rapid directional changes.
At 6-foot-2, he is exceptionally tall for a flank player, a physical attribute that can also assist in his defensive responsibilities, but he can outmaneuver adversaries in confined areas and frequently employs swift footwork rather than solely depending on speed.
ADDITIONAL SPECULATIONS
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– VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is still being monitored by clubs in the Premier League, with Manchester United among those willing to activate his €40 million release clause. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby is eager for a transfer to Internazionale, while Juventus are contemplating an approach for Al Ahli midfielder Kessie. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Manchester United defender Harry Maguire rejected an offer to join MLS side Inter Miami before agreeing to his fresh deal at Old Trafford. (Sun)
– Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier is desirous of a transfer to an overseas club when his contract at St. James’ Park concludes this summer, prompted by his successful previous spell at Atletico Madrid. (Football Insider)
– Manchester United intend to offload goalkeeper Andre Onana when he comes back from his temporary assignment at Trabzonspor. (Daily Mail)
– Premier League clubs might seek to acquire Nottingham Forest right-back Neco Williams in the summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is poised for a significant pay raise as he approaches agreeing a fresh contract to remain at Anfield. (Nicolo Schira)
– Chelsea Women have initiated discussions to acquire Ivory Coast international and Right to Dream Academy forward N’Sira Safi. (BBC)