'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With the winter transfer window done and dusted, all attention returns towards the pitch ahead of what promises to be an exciting second half of the season in all the major European leagues.
Several prominent teams ventured into the market to recruit reinforcements, while others did not. A number of high-profile players also switched clubs over the course of the month-long window.
Now, clubs will begin to prepare for the summer transfer market - where most of the major business happens. Expectedly, transfer speculation has failed to end with the window, and several new rumours and stories have emerged.
Today's top transfer stories feature some giant clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Chelsea, among others. They also feature some popular superstars who are being touted to move to different clubs in the summer.
Also See : Barcelona Transfer News, La Liga Transfer News, EPL Transfer News.
On that note, here is a look at the top transfer news, stories, rumours, and updates for the day:
Napoli to battle Chelsea and Manchester United for Nicolo Barella
Cagliari's Nicolo Barella has quickly become a household name in Serie A due to his performances for the club. As a result, the 21-year-old star has become a wanted man, reportedly drawing the attention of giant clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, who have been linked with potential moves for him.
However, as per reports from Goal.com, the two Premier League giants are set to face stiff competition from Napoli, who allegedly view him as the perfect long-term replacement for Marek Hamsik, who is set to soon depart in favour of a gig in the Chinese Super League.
While Chelsea and United are reportedly expected to submit official offers for him, Napoli have allegedly earmarked him as their next top target, and will reportedly go all out for him in the summer transfer window.
AC Milan plan €50 million offer for Memphis Depay
Ever since his move to Lyon, Memphis Depay has seemingly evolved into a top-quality player and is now being sought by powerhouse clubs from all over. Recently, Depay stated that the only clubs he would look to join next were Real Madrid and Barcelona.
According to reports from Goal.com and Calciomercato, though, Serie A giants, AC Milan, are also reportedly very interested in signing the 24-year-old. Milan have allegedly been interested in Depay ever since the club was taken over by the new Chinese owners.
The club will reportedly make an official bid of €50 million in the summer transfer window for the Dutch star, as they look to lure him to San Siro ahead of next season.
Also See : Barcelona Transfer News, La Liga Transfer News, EPL Transfer News.
Inter Milan to try and sign Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic in the summer
Serie A giants, Inter Milan, were closely linked with a move for Luka Modric earlier this season, but no move materialised and the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner remained at Real Madrid. Now, according to reports from El Chiringuito and Goal.com, Inter Milan have reportedly refocused their attention towards another Croatian - Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.
As per the report, Inter are reportedly of the belief that the arrival of Frenkie de Jong will prompt Barcelona to make room for the youngster by offloading a player or two from the midfield position.
Consequently, they reportedly seek to lure Rakitic towards the Serie A, although the 30-year-old is believed to be content at Barcelona and currently disinterested in a move away from the club.
Also See : Barcelona Transfer News, La Liga Transfer News, EPL Transfer News.
Arsenal to hijack deal for Barcelona target Adrien Rabiot
Paris Saint-Germain star, Adrien Rabiot, looks all set to leave the club after refusing to sign a contract extension of the club, after reportedly falling out with the club authorities. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a potential move to Barcelona, but the signing of Frenkie de Jong seems to have silenced those rumours.
Rabiot's current contract expires in the summer, and he will then be able to leave the club as a free agent, which will allow him to join any club of his choosing. According to the latest reports from The Daily Mirror, Rabiot is now being pursued by Arsenal as well, who reportedly believe they hold the advantage in the race for the Frenchman.
Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has previously worked with Rabiot at PSG and is believed to be a fan of Rabiot. Emery is reportedly very keen on being reunited with his former player and will reportedly prompt Arsenal to get the deal done.
Manchester United to be granted massive £200m summer transfer budget
As Manchester United attempt to turn their season around under their new caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the club's authorities have already begun planning for next season, according to reports from The Sun.
The report states that despite his own future at the club is still uncertain, Solskjaer will reportedly have a huge say in identifying transfer targets for the summer window. Speaking about the matter, the Norwegian said:
"I’ve got to know the players' potential, how far they are from that and how they can build or rebuild — and put my views into the club.
"How we want to look in a year or two, what kind of players we need and want.
"It is about what kind of personality to look for. It’s about finding players with the Man United identity and DNA.”
The report also states that the club's owners, the Glazers, have reportedly decided to financially back the club by providing them with a massive war chest of £200 million to be spent on transfers in the summer window.
