Transfer Talk: Milan, Juve in race to get Dortmund’s Hummels

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Danny Lewis

May 24, 2024, 07:06 PM ET

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Milan, Juve eyeing Dortmund’s HummelsAC Milan and Juventus are both very interested in signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels on a free transfer, as has been reported by Sport Bild.

Hummels’ current contract with Dortmund comes to an end on June 30 and there are still plenty of options as the 35-year-old could end his career, stay with the UEFA Champions League finalists, or move to a foreign country.

The latter option has become more likely because of the interest of Milan and Juventus, especially as both clubs have the ambition to win titles.

There is also the fact that his son and ex-wife live in Munich, with the journey to Milan or Turin not being any longer than it is to go to Dortmund.

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Hummels has a strong reputation in Italy, which was added to when he put in an impressive performance against I Rossoneri in the Champions League earlier this season. That has left a lasting impression on the two clubs now interested.

Hummels can imagine making a move within the Bundesliga or going to a neighbouring country, but his decision will only be made after the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

After that, there will be talks between Hummels, his father and advisor Hermann and sports director Sebastian Kehl with a stay at Dortmund also being conceivable.

PAPER GOSSIP – Paris Saint-Germain have left Napoli concerned about the future of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after making a €100 million offer for the winger, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Even though the 23-year-old’s contract runs until 2027, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is trying to renew the Georgia international’s deal but has offered €4m-per-year plus bonuses, while Kvaratskhelia wants a basic rate of €5m. The concern surrounding the idea of Kvaratskhelia leaving is added to by Victor Osimhen’s likely departure.

– Saudi Pro League clubs will attempt to sign Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as free agents in 2025 if they are unable to sign them this summer, reports The Telegraph. Salah has already been the subject of a rejected £150m offer from Al Ittihad.

– Chelsea will try to complete a £60m move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise regardless of who their manager is, according to The Mirror, who add that Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Liverpool also want the 22-year-old. Kieran McKenna, Roberto de Zerbi, Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank are in the frame to be the Blues’ next manager with a decision expected next week.

– Barcelona are interested in Mio Backhaus following the goalkeeper’s impressive performances on loan at Volendam from Werder Bremen, as reported by Sky Sports Deutschland. The 20-year-old could still return to his parent club and compete to be their starting goalkeeper, while several clubs have already enquired about him.

– Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are all keeping an eye on Mainz winger Brajan Gruda, reports Sky Sports Deutschland, who add that there is also interest from Spain, England and Italy in the 19-year-old. Gruda’s contract runs until 2026 and doesn’t include a release clause, while Mainz are reluctant to let him leave and could demand over €30m.