Reports suggest that Roma is currently engaged in discussions with Atletico Madrid regarding a potential summer deal to secure the services of striker Alvaro Morata. Morata, who spent two years on loan at Juventus, returned to the Wanda Metropolitano for the 2022-23 season and made a significant impact, scoring 15 goals in 45 appearances for Diego Simeone’s squad in various competitions.
The Spanish capital club faces uncertainty surrounding Morata’s future as he enters the final year of his contract. Consequently, several European clubs, along with some from Saudi Arabia, are closely monitoring the situation.
The Italian media outlet, Sky Sports, reports that Roma’s general manager, Tiago Pinto, has already held a meeting with Atletico representatives to explore the possibility of acquiring Morata during this transfer window. However, there appears to be a discrepancy between Roma’s valuation of the player at €21m (£18m), which they consider excessive, and Atletico’s reluctance to sell or loan the striker at this time.
Manager Jose Mourinho, in his pursuit of a new center-forward due to Tammy Abraham’s long-term injury, has identified Morata as a promising attacking target. The Spanish international, with 64 caps to his name, has previously showcased his skills at Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Moving on to English football, there’s growing interest in Manchester United winger Amad Diallo from Championship club Leicester City. Diallo demonstrated his talent during a successful loan spell at Sunderland, tallying 14 goals and three assists in 39 league appearances.
Leicester, in their quest for a new winger, face tough competition from Premier League rivals Burnley and Sheffield United. The Foxes are also preparing for the potential departure of Harvey Barnes, with several clubs, including Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Aston Villa, reportedly interested in the player.
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Crystal Palace has stepped up its pursuit of Everton winger Demarai Gray. The 27-year-old had a modest season at Goodison Park, scoring four goals in 33 Premier League games, and could be on the move as Everton looks to raise funds through player sales.
Palace has kept a close eye on Gray throughout the summer and is now intensifying their efforts to secure the services of the Jamaican international. Gray is being considered as a potential replacement for Wilfried Zaha, who is currently a free agent and weighing multiple offers from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Palace will face the start of the new Premier League season without the versatile winger Michael Olise, who sustained a grade three hamstring injury while on duty with France Under-21s.
In another transfer development, Queens Park Rangers has made a notable signing, bringing in goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. The 36-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Championship club and will assume the No.1 shirt following Seny Dieng’s move to Middlesbrough.
Speaking about the move, Begovic expressed his excitement to join QPR and highlighted the positive reaction from fans on social media. The experienced shot-stopper previously played for Stoke City, Chelsea, and Bournemouth, making 10 appearances for Everton over two seasons before parting ways with the club.
As the summer transfer window progresses, these potential moves promise to add excitement and drama to the upcoming football season.