The transfer window might be shut across Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Navas ready to join Barcelona
Keylor Navas is willing to join Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo, with the Catalan club desperately searching for a replacement for injured goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Ter Stegen, 32, underwent a successful surgery on Monday after completely rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee in Sunday’s 5-1 LaLiga win at Villarreal.
Sources have told ESPN that the Barcelona hierarchy will hold emergency talks this week to discuss whether to sign a free-agent goalkeeper and the Spanish outlet reports that former Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas is one of the first players to have thrown his hat into the ring. Navas spent five years with Los Blancos from 2014 until 2019 and is currently available after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract with the French outfit.
The report reveals that 37-year-old would be willing to join Barcelona, if he is assured to be a regular for the Spanish giants. It is reported that salary should not be a concern for the deal, with the Costa Rica international just eager to play football.
Whilst Navas has reportedly had several approaches, following the conclusion of his deal with PSG, it is understood that he has turned these down in order to prioritise a move where he will be the first-choice goalkeeper. This comes after several seasons of playing second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG.
However, Navas is not the only option for Barcelona. Sport have suggested that Barcelona are looking at Las Palmas goalkeeper Álvaro Valles as a potential option in January. The 27-year-old has not been playing as he has not reached an agreement with the club regarding a new deal. It is reported that his ball-playing abilities as a goalkeeper appeals to Barcelona, but whether or not they are prepared to wait until January is another question.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Talks are expected to begin between Liverpool and winger Luis Díaz regarding a new contract, according to Football Insider. The Colombia international was a player that Liverpool were reportedly happy to allow depart the club in the summer, however, following an impressive start to the season — notching five goals and one assist across all competitions — the report reveals that talks are set to take place over a new deal for the 27-year-old, whose current contract with the club expires in 2027.
– On loan AC Milan forward Tammy Abraham is keen to join the club permanently, per Nicolo Schira. The Englishman is on loan at the Rossoneri from AS Roma, and has impressed so far at the San Siro, notching one goal and two assists in four Serie A appearances.
– Liverpool are continuing to monitor Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, per Football Insider. The report suggests that the Premier League outfit view the 27-year-old as a “strong option” as the Reds look to add to their left-back stocks. It is reported that a move for Robinson could take place in January, however, Liverpool will also face competition from Manchester United. The Red Devils could be in the market for a left-back, due to Luke Shaw’s persistent injury troubles.
– Real Madrid remain attentive to the opportunity to secure a deal for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Englishman is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, and it remains unclear whether he will look to secure a new deal with the Premier League giants.
– Paris Saint-Germain are working on a new deal for defender Achraf Hakimi, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old is under contract with the French outfit until 2026, however, it is reported that talks have already begun regarding an extension. Hakimi is understood to be viewed by PSG as a key player for the club’s long-term project.