Talks are set to get under way over the transfer of Romelu Lukaku back to Inter Milan, while another Chelsea star is also wanted in Italy.
Leeds' Premier League survival is set to cost Barcelona a pretty penny after being told the price tag for Elland Road star Raphinha, while but the Blaugrana are also interested in a Wolves midfielder wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
And one of Europe’s top centre-backs, who was once valued at over €100m (£85.1m), could soon be on the market for half that price. But Edison Cavani will not be going back to one of his old clubs. Here are the top stories today from around the European media...
Lukaku seeks a quick return to Serie A
Chelsea paid £97.5m for the Belgium striker last summer, and a return to Inter Milan is very complicated financially. But the first step will be taken today, according to Corriere della Sera, with Lukaku’s Belgian lawyer Sebastien Ledure set to meet Inter transfer chiefs Beppe Marrotta and Piero Ausilio today to establish potential contract details.
The Italian newspaper claims Lukaku earns €12m (£10.2m) net a year at Chelsea, but is prepared to accept a big wage cut to return to Serie A. However, the biggest stumbling block will be agreeing any deal - even a loan - with Chelsea.
Sanchez to go to Spain
It will be a busy summer at Inter with Paulo Dybala set to arrive on a free transfer from Juventus. If Lukaku also signs, then Lautaro Martinez - a target last year for Tottenham and Arsenal - would be available for sale.
Going out of the door will be former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Alexis Sanchez, who is set to join Seville. His fellow Chilean Arturo Vidal is wanted by Flamengo although there is late interest from Al-Rayyan.
Loftus-Cheek wanted by Sarri
Maurizio Sarri did not have the happiest year at Stamford Bridge but he does maintain a good relationship with England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
And now the Lazio boss wants to sign Loftus-Cheek if star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is sold this summer. The Chelsea star is under contract until 2024 and earns €3.5m (£3m). Lazio would be willing to offer €4m (£3.4m) but Chelsea would want at least €20m (£17m) for his signature.
Barcelona looking at two Premier League stars
Raphinha had a sell-on clause of £25m if Leeds had been relegated. But Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona have now been told the price is £55m following the last-day escape of Jesse Marsch’s team - a figure which the Spanish sports daily suggests makes the deal unlikely.
Elsewhere for Barca, Sport reports that Barca head coach Xavi Hernandez has personally requested the signing of Ruben Neves from Wolves - and has even called the midfielder to convince him to come to the Camp Nou.
Napoli makes Koulibaly and Cavani decisions
The Senegal defender is out of contract in June 2023 and talks have stalled over a new deal. President Aurelio De Laurentiis asked for over €100m (£85.1m) for Koulibaly when Manchester United and Manchester City previously showed interest. Now the Napoli owner needs to save costs and has told the centre-back and Dries Mertens to make a decision over their futures. “We have to reduce the wage bill,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “The players have to choose between Napoli and the vile money.”
Have Your Say! Who should your club sign this summer? Join the debate here.
Barcelona, Juventus, Roma and Inter would all be interested, according to Corriere dello Sport, with the price now about €45m (£38.3m). Premier League clubs could also enter the race. But Edinson Cavani, who was a crowd favourite at Napoli before joining Paris Saint-Germain, will not be returning despite being available on a free transfer after two years at Manchester United.
“You must always be clear that if the people do not play, even if they are sweet, nice and love the area, they will always create problems for you in the dressing room,” said De Laurentiis.
