Spurs Target Micky van de Ven Amid Barcelona Interest

The summer market has barely cleared its throat, yet Micky van de Ven already finds himself at the centre of a tug of war.

Sky Sports report that Barcelona are among several clubs closely tracking the Dutch centre-half’s situation at Tottenham. Van de Ven has held talks over a new deal in north London, with just two years left on his current contract, but nothing is signed. Spurs, under Roberto De Zerbi, are desperate to keep him. De Zerbi has already gone public, calling the 25-year-old one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. That sort of label tends to attract suitors – and Barca are listening.

Greenwood’s price set as Arsenal and Spurs hover

Across the Channel, Mason Greenwood’s future is again on the table. L’Equipe report that Arsenal and Tottenham are both interested in the Marseille forward, who left Manchester United for Ligue 1 in 2024.

Marseille, under pressure to raise funds to stay within FFP limits, may have to cash in. From July 1, a release clause of around £52m kicks in, even though Greenwood is valued at roughly £69m. A gap like that turns a difficult deal into a tempting opportunity for Premier League recruiters.

Calafiori too costly for Real after Cucurella splurge

Riccardo Calafiori’s name has been all over Europe’s scouting lists since his title-winning season with Arsenal. Real Madrid are among the admirers, but the numbers are brutal.

Andrea Berta is said to value the Italian defender at £86m. Real have already laid out £52m on Marc Cucurella and lodged a £78m bid for Ruben Dias. Dropping another huge fee on Calafiori would stretch even their financial muscle. For now, the Bernabéu looks like a door that may stay shut.

United ready to reward Shaw – on reduced terms

Manchester United, meanwhile, are looking inward. Reports claim the club are prepared to offer Luke Shaw a new contract, though on a lower salary than his current deal. The 30-year-old full-back has been an important figure this season but is out of contract next summer.

Shaw joined United in 2014 after emerging from Southampton’s academy and last extended his stay at Old Trafford in 2023. A new agreement on reduced terms would underline his value to the squad while reflecting United’s tighter wage structure.

Maguire hails Anderson in Rice bracket

Elliot Anderson’s stock is climbing fast. So high, in fact, that Harry Maguire believes the £130m-rated midfielder belongs in the same conversation as Declan Rice.

Anderson and Rice shone together in England’s World Cup win over Croatia, a performance that sharpened interest around Europe. United had been tracking Anderson but withdrew from the race, pointing to the financial scale of any potential deal.

Maguire, speaking about his international team-mate, was effusive. He said Anderson “reminds me of Declan Rice in some aspects in terms of his profile,” praising his ability on the ball, his driving runs and his eye for goal. Maguire even suggested Anderson could operate as a 10, 8 or 6. Versatility at that level comes at a premium – and with a premium price tag to match.

Arsenal eye Bartishvili as next Georgian gem

Arsenal’s recruitment net remains wide. The Gunners have been tipped to move for Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili, whose contract expires at the end of the year.

The 17-year-old has already drawn comparisons with fellow Georgian and two-time Champions League winner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. BBC Sport claim Arsenal want to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement. They have previously been linked with Kvaratskhelia himself, but with the winger settled at PSG, Bartishvili looks the more realistic Georgian project for now.

Real Madrid still pushing for Enzo – and another centre-back

At Real Madrid, the rebuild continues on two fronts. ESPN report that Enzo Fernandez remains a prime target, with the club still keen on prising the Argentine midfielder away from Chelsea. Their admiration dates back to his World Cup-winning exploits with Argentina while at Benfica.

Midfield is not the only concern. Real are also intent on adding another central defender. Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella have already arrived, but club planners still want one more centre-back to reinforce a back line in transition.

Olmo warns Cucurella: Yamal is waiting in El Clásico

Dani Olmo has already fired the first shot ahead of next season’s El Clásico. The Spain international, now a Barcelona player, has warned his national team colleague Marc Cucurella that Lamine Yamal will be “looking for him” when Barça face Real Madrid.

Cucurella’s move from Chelsea to Madrid surprised many in Spain’s World Cup camp. “We didn’t expect it. He kept it inside,” Olmo admitted. The message was clear: friendship off the pitch, hostility on it. “He’s going to have to suffer against Lamine, for example.” Yamal, one of the brightest young talents in Europe, will relish that challenge.

Liverpool back on Thuram trail

On Merseyside, Liverpool have revived a familiar name. Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport report that Khephren Thuram is back on the Reds’ midfield shortlist.

Juventus need sales to balance the books and could sanction Thuram’s departure for between £35m and £39m. Al-Ahli have also been linked, but the Frenchman is understood not to be keen on a Saudi move. That reluctance keeps the door wide open for European heavyweights – and Liverpool are back in line.

Spurs join race for teenage midfielder De Cat

Tottenham’s recruitment drive under De Zerbi is gathering pace. The club are now in the race to sign Anderlecht’s 17-year-old midfielder Nathan de Cat, according to TeamTalk.

Manchester United have already been tracking the teenager, but Spurs have stepped in as they look to reinforce the spine of the team. Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi have arrived as free agents, while a £52m deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has been completed. De Cat would be another youthful piece in a rapidly evolving squad.

Leipzig watch Barry as Everton weigh up sale

Everton face a significant decision over Thierno Barry. The Liverpool Echo report that the club may be willing to part with the striker after just one season.

Barry endured a mixed start under David Moyes but grew into the campaign, finishing with eight goals in 38 Premier League games. That output has attracted interest from RB Leipzig, according to the Times. No formal bid has landed yet, but Everton’s hierarchy are ready to make a judgment call if the Bundesliga side test their resolve.

Arsenal line up big move for Barcola

Arsenal’s ambition in the market does not stop at youth prospects. The Independent claim the club are preparing a major bid for France World Cup star Bradley Barcola.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder scored his first World Cup goal in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal and arrived at the tournament off the back of another Champions League-winning campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal are said to be working through the “necessary details” before submitting an official offer. If they move, it will be with intent.

Baturina on United radar after Como breakout

Manchester United are also casting their eyes to Serie A. Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina has emerged as a target after a standout season at Como.

Sky Sport in Italy report that United are considering a move for the former Dinamo Zagreb playmaker, who scored six goals and added three assists in 29 league appearances under Cesc Fabregas. Baturina’s versatility will appeal to Old Trafford’s decision-makers: he has operated as a false nine, a left-winger, an attacking midfielder and a deeper-lying playmaker.

For a United side crying out for creativity and flexibility in midfield, that kind of Swiss army knife profile is hard to ignore.