#transfer-market

#transfer-market

With AC Milan interested in signing a senior defender in January, Massimiliano Allegri repeatedly asked for Federico Gatti. However, it was not possible, at least then. Throughout last month, Gatti's name was heavily repeated, and it makes sense why. The Italian worked heavily with Allegri, and he would fit the bill for what Milan wanted. A physical defender with experience in Serie A.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are preparing to mount a serious challenge to Real Madrid's interest as they look to secure one of the Eredivisie's best young performers. The 20-year-old has been a central figure for AZ Alkmaar this season, drawing widespread praise for his maturity and tactical awareness. Smit has quickly developed into the engine of AZ's midfield.

Federico Chiesa hasn't quite lived up to expectations in a Liverpool shirt, and he's set to be one of the big talking points of the summer transfer window. The Liverpool board is open to letting him go, with doubts about his ability to adapt to the Premier League pace, while Serie A sides are already moving in for Chiesa. Chiesa was linked with a move away from Liverpool in January as well.

Rodrigo Mendoza completed a move to Atletico Madrid in January, and he is already being linked with another transfer. According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea are keeping tabs on his situation, and they could look to make a move for him next summer. The Blues are aware of the fact that he is likely to cost a premium, but they are monitoring his development.

Barcelona are said to be one of several clubs interested in Ajax winger Mika Godts who has caught the eye this season with the Eredivisie giants. Reports in Belgium say that Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli, and Roma are all keen on the youngster ahead of the summer transfer window. Godts is believed to be valued at around €15 million, although Ajax would only really consider a sale for a higher price, and seem to be braced for offers this summer.

Throughout January, AC Milan were looking for a suitor for Christopher Nkunku, and it seems that this may have an effect. After a disappointing first few months, Milan approached the January mercato seemingly ready to part ways in a situation reminiscent of that involving Alvaro Morata last season. Throughout the month, then, there was plenty of interest. Even towards the end of the month, it seemed that there would be some chance of him leaving to facilitate a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta.

AC Milan remain in talks with Rafael Leao's entourage over a renewal, yet a potential sale cannot be entirely excluded. It would be fair to describe 2025-26 as a strange season for Leao thus far, who has eight goals to his name despite playing in a new role. He isn't at 100% currently, and was forced to sit out of last night's win over Bologna.

Cherif had emerged as a leading candidate to strengthen Palace's attacking options, with head coach Oliver Glasner keen to secure a reliable replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace were understood to have made significant progress, including reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Angers striker. However, the Premier League side have now been beaten to the deal by Fenerbahce, who moved decisively to wrap up negotiations.

A record 20.7m ($28.6m) was spent globally on transfers in the women's professional game in 2025 - an increase of 83.6% from 2024 - according to a report published by Fifa. There was an increase in the total number of cross-border transfers, with 2,440 completed in 2025, up 6.3% on the previous year. But the report does not take into account deals done between teams in the same league, therefore, the actual total spend would be much higher.

After navigating the first three months with considerable difficulty adjusting to Serie A and some physical issues, Nkunku has come alive with four goals in the last 25 days: two against Hellas Verona, one against Fiorentina, and one against Como from a penalty. These are positive signs from a striker who - until two years ago - was the top scorer in the Bundesliga and on the radar of elite clubs like Bayern Munich.

FC Barcelona are already scouring the market for replacements for star striker Robert Lewandowski for the summer. The Poland captain, 37, is in the final few months of his contract and is likely to depart as a free agent at the end of the season. As such, the Blaugrana have stepped up their search for a replacement, with players such as Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) and Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) being lined up as targets.

Barcelona's interest is easy to understand, as the right-back position at the club has lacked long-term stability for years. Despite multiple investments and short-term fixes, Barça have struggled to find a player who can fully establish himself in the role and offer sustained competition to Jules Kounde. The recent arrival of Joao Cancelo has helped ease the situation, but the club see that move as temporary rather than a lasting solution.

It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid is willing to sanction his departure. The 25-year-old has done well for the La Liga outfit since joining them, but a move to the Premier League could be exciting for the French international. He has the physicality and technical attributes for Premier League football, and he could be a key player for Liverpool and Tottenham.