Transfer Window Heats Up: Real Madrid and Barcelona Get Ahead in Pursuit of Summer Signings

In the lead-up to next summer's transfer window, Real Madrid has emerged as one of several top clubs vying for a number of high-profile players. The Spanish giants are reportedly closing in on Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool, Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, and Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

Meanwhile, Barcelona is taking an aggressive approach to strengthen its squad, with reports emerging that the club is interested in signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leão as part of a direct swap deal for defender Ronald Araújo. The Spanish side has been linked to a number of other summer targets, including Athletic Club winger Nico Williams and Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has also caught the attention of Real Madrid scouts, with the Reds' directors reportedly worried about losing him as Alexander-Arnold did in 2021. While Arsenal's Lewis-Skelly and Valencia's Mosquera are also on the agenda for Los Blancos.

In other transfer news, Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement with AFC Bournemouth midfielder Ilya Zabarnyi, while Manchester City continue to hold interest in PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Sources close to the club claim that 19-year-old Southampton forward Tyler Dibling is ready for a move to FC Porto.

As the transfer window draws nearer, clubs across Europe are closing in on summer signings and battling it out for their respective targets.

Transfer Rumors

• Barcelona's interest in Rafael Leão may have come at a cost, with the Spanish side reportedly looking to make a trade. Meanwhile, AC Milan is trying to offload the forward.
• Real Madrid is not one and done; the club has also been linked to Nottingham Forest striker Morgan Gibbs-White.
• The transfer of AC Milan's Mike Maignan to Chelsea could be near; Gennaro Gattuso revealed his side would look to cash in if he leaves.