Matteo Moretto gives Football España exclusive information on the latest deals dominating the papers in Spain, as revealed in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing.
Nicolas Zaniolo to Villarreal talks underway but player preference is elsewhere
While talks are underway between Villarreal and Galatasaray for Nicolas Zaniolo, his preference is to return to Italy if possible. A while ago it came out that Napoli were interested in him, I think that at the moment, Napoli have some targets on their shortlist, but they have to speak with their new manager, Antonio Conte. I know Conte likes the idea of signing Alessandro Buongiorno, but the rest, we have to wait and see what the former Italy manager thinks of them.
He has to evaluate all of the options he has though, he has to find a team, a place to showcase his talents and grow his stock again, somewhere he can play with continuity.
There are talks underway between Villarreal and Zaniolo’s camp, and between Villarreal and Galatasaray, and they will have to find the right formula. It will be a loan for sure, it remains to be seen whether it will be an option to buy, or whether it will be obligatory, probably somewhere in the region of €15m.
Atletico Madrid rumours of defensive departure and arrivals
On Monday, Diario AS published that Cesar Azpilicueta was being heavily linked with a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce – as things stand, I’ve no information on that being the case. Elsewhere, Nayef Aguerd has been linked to Atletico by Alan Nixon.
We know that Los Rojiblancos will try to improve their defence, and are looking to bring in one or two defendesrs, and are looking for the right options. Right now they are in conversations with Robin Le Normand, and it will come down whether they can reach an agreement with Real Sociedad, as the most difficult part will be the agreement between the clubs. There is a negotiation to be carried out, and we will see if Atletico and Real Sociedad can do a deal for the Spain international.
Barcelona must resolve forward line future before entertaining Kingsley Coman links
Right now all of the players that were at Bayern Munich during Hansi Flick’s time are being linked to Barcelona. I would say that Barcelona and Xavi above all, not just the sporting commission, like Joshua Kimmich. I think that the sporting commission continues to be keen on signing Kimmich, but it remains to be seen what will happen between Kimmich and Bayern because he has a contract until 2025.
He could be a useful player for Barcelona if he decides to leave Bayern in the end, then beyond that, we know that Barcelona have a lot of players up front that their situations will need to be resolved before they bring anyone in. The situation of Joao Felix must be sorted out, and one or more exits will have to occur before we talk about Barcelona making a move for anyone up front.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes linked to Barcelona and Bayern Munich
From my point of views, due to economic factors, it’s difficult to see a player like that moving to Barcelona. The Blaugrana have their targets, but due to their salary limit situation, and due to the economics of any such deal, it’s difficult to see Bruno Fernandes making a move to Barcelona.
As things stand, the information that I have is that Barcelona are not looking for a player who operates in the same role as him, that is to say a central attacking presence behind the striker, and are focusing on other priorities currrently.