Barcelona want Neymar and Antoine Griezmann - European Paper Talk
By Frank Smith, Football Whispers
Last Updated: 02/06/19 11:08am
With the Champions League final signalling the end to the 2018/19 European calendar, all focus now turns to acquiring the best squad possible for next season.
So we have asked our friends at Football Whispers to scour European media outlets to bring you the latest news from the continent.
Spain
It has been reported that Barcelona will look to sign both Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and PSG's Neymar this summer, with the sale of Philippe Coutinho contributing to the funds. (Mundo Deportivo)
Attracting Neymar could be made simpler by the fact he still stays in regular contact with Lionel Messi - the Argentine revealing that the former team-mates are in a WhatsApp group alongside Luis Suarez. (Marca reporting quotes from Fox Sports In Argentina)
Barcelona are also said to have opened negotiations with Valencia over a move for their forward Rodrigo, who is also a Roma transfer target. (Sport)
Athletic Bilbao president Aitor Elizegi has ruled out a move for their former striker and current Spurs frontman Fernando Llorente, following reports to the contrary. (Several)
Italy
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is in Italy and set to meet Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici today, as the Serie A champions look to hire the former Napoli man as their head coach. (Corriere dello Sport)
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini is said to favour the appointment of Sampdoria manager Marco Giampaolo, following Gennaro Gattuso's decision to step down as boss. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Simone Inzaghi had been favourite for the AC Milan job but it has been claimed he has chosen to sign an extended deal with Lazio. (Tuttosport)
Reports say Roma are ready to go 'all in' for Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca to be their next manager, with Sinisa Mihajlovic said to favour remaining at Bologna. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Inter Milan have spoken to the agent of Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian ahead of a potential move. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Torino are keen to sign Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini but the arrival of Antonio Conte has delayed a potential deal as the ex-Italy manager wants to run his eye over the 25-year-old before agreeing to any sale. (Tuttosport)
Germany
Bayern Munich have placed a €20m price tag on Jerome Boateng, after President Uli Hoeness stated the World Cup winner should leave the club this summer, following the deterioration of the defender's relationship with the club's hierarchy. (Bild)
Borussia Dortmund's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke insists the club have no plans to sell Mario Gotze despite the forward only having a year left on his contract and being one of the club's highest earners. (Kicker)
France
Arsenal have already started negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier as Unai Emery looks to reunite with his former player, but Manchester United are also said to be keen on the 27-year-old. (Paris United)
Other
Benfica are considering a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas after hitting a stumbling block in their negotiations with Barcelona and their goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. (Record)
Chelsea and Manchester United transfer target Elseid Hysaj has stated 'my time at Napoli is over', as he searches for a new challenge which will give him the chance to win trophies. (DigitAlb)
