Transfer Talk: Real Madrid set sights on Leverkusen’s Wirtz

The summer transfer window is open across Europe, and there is plenty of gossip swirling around.Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

Real Madrid are confident of signing Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer, reports Sport.

Los Blancos are reported to be hopeful of utilising their strong relationship with the Bundesliga side to reach an agreement over a fee for the 21-year-old, while there is optimism at the Santiago Bernabeu that they will be able to persuade him to join the club.

Wirtz is said to be the latest player added to Real Madrid’s transfer road map, amid current interest in Leny Yoro and Alphonso Davies, and although Barcelona share interest in the Germany international’s signature, the Blaugrana’s financial situation means they could be beaten to his signature by their LaLiga rivals.

Wirtz was the standout player for Germany despite their elimination to Spain in the quarterfinals at the European Championship, and previous reports have indicated that an offer in the region of €150 million could be required to land him.

– Liverpool have placed Athletic Club winger Nico Williams on their shortlist, reports Football Insider. After deciding against moving forward with a move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, Williams is believed to be one of the names seen as a potential alternative, which could see the Reds move ahead of Barcelona in the race for him. Williams, 21, has been one of the brightest performers for Spain at the European Championship.

– Talks over a new contract are underway between AS Roma and forward Paulo Dybala, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The Giallorossi are reported to be keen to make the 30-year-old a key part of their project, but he is currently looking to understand their future long-term plans. Dybala was in impressive form in Serie A last season, scoring 13 goals while assisting another nine in 28 matches.

– A meeting with the representatives of centre-back Pepe is set to take place with a negotiator from the Saudi Pro League, reports Rudy Galetti. Pepe, 41, became a free agent earlier this month when his contract with FC Porto expired, and after being a standout performer for Portugal at the European Championship, he is now going to assess his next move.

– Juventus winger Federico Chiesa wants to join a club in the UEFA Champions League, reports Gianluca Di Marzio. The Bianconeri have recently been reported to be looking to part ways with the 26-year-old, but despite interest from Roma, it is believed that he is going to take some time before he makes his decision amid hopes of more clubs joining the race for his signature.

– Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is closing in on a move to Girona, reports Relevo. A deal worth €500,000 is reported to have been agreed between both sides, with the 27-year-old’s stay at Old Trafford set to come to an end. Van de Beek was on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt in the second half of last season, where he made eight Bundesliga appearances.