Despite a stellar finish to the season with Crystal Palace, Michael Olise missed out on a spot in France’s Euros squad. Instead, he will play a key role for Thierry Henry’s under-23 team at the Olympics. Although Olise signed a new four-year deal last summer, Chelsea’s interest remains strong, having previously met his £35 million release clause. Now, any potential move would cost around £60 million, with Arsenal and Manchester United also showing interest. This situation is similar for his Palace teammates Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze. Guéhi, who will feature for England at the Euros, has less than two years left on his contract and is being monitored by Manchester United. Eze, with a release clause similar to Olise’s, has caught the attention of Manchester City and Tottenham.
The 19-year-old Rennes midfielder, who is the latest talent from their academy, impressed across Europe with his mature performances in Ligue 1 last season. Versatile in various positions, he has drawn comparisons to Eduardo Camavinga and is on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester United. A bid from Bayer Leverkusen was rejected in January, and Paris Saint-Germain is also interested. His potential sale price is around €40 million (£33.7 million). Rennes president Olivier Cloarec noted, “Since he was young, he has been followed by the biggest European clubs. That won’t change this summer, and we’ll see depending on the offers.”
Chelsea’s need to balance the books might result in the sale of midfielder Conor Gallagher, who joined the club’s academy at the age of eight. Gallagher, however, is prepared to stay if the right move doesn’t materialize. Aston Villa and Tottenham are likely to make offers for the 24-year-old, who has one year left on his contract. Chelsea might accept offers around £50 million.
Jadon Sancho, rejuvenated at Borussia Dortmund and pivotal in their run to the Champions League final, is still likely to leave Manchester United this summer. United seeks £40 million for Sancho, bought for £73 million three years ago, with Juventus interested. A return to Dortmund could be possible, though the German club prefers a loan deal. Premier League clubs might also consider taking a chance on the former Manchester City academy player.
Thomas Frank of Brentford acknowledged that striker Ivan Toney is expected to leave this summer. Toney, who expressed his desire to join a top club competing for trophies, struggled to regain form post an eight-month ban for gambling offenses. His selection for Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros could be an opportunity to impress. Linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and West Ham, Toney’s valuation stands at around £50 million.
Bayer Leverkusen’s standout performer, under Xabi Alonso, is expected to remain in Germany for another year despite significant interest. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, viewing the German playmaker as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, are all interested. Discussions are anticipated to intensify after the Euros, with Leverkusen likely demanding over £120 million for the player they controversially signed from Cologne in 2020 for just €200,000 (£168,000).
At 18, the towering defender from Lille made an impact in Ligue 1, drawing attention from Europe’s top clubs. Real Madrid is reportedly his preferred destination, while Manchester United, seeking to strengthen their defense post-Raphaël Varane’s departure, has been linked. Reports of a £51 million offer from United were dismissed. Lille refused to release the player for France’s Olympic squad, forcing his withdrawal.
Arsenal’s striker, Eddie Nketiah, has not started a Premier League match since a loss to Fulham on New Year’s Eve, highlighting his status under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal is open to offers for Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson as they look to refresh their squad. Nketiah, likely valued around £25 million, might move to Crystal Palace, Ipswich, or Wolves as he aims to rejuvenate his club career.
Juventus is the latest club to show interest in Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who excelled at Bologna last season. His performances helped Bologna secure a surprise fifth-place finish in Serie A and a Champions League spot. Milan, Arsenal, and Manchester United have also expressed interest in the 23-year-old, who has a €40 million release clause. Bayern Munich might complicate the situation with their buyback clause, having sold Zirkzee to Bologna in 2022.
