Transfer speculation: Barcelona intensifies pursuit of Italian right-back

Barcelona are increasing their efforts to acquire Atalanta right back Marco Palestra, while Arsenal continues to show interest in Julián Álvarez.
Stay tuned for the latest transfer updates and speculation from around the world.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Barcelona has heightened their pursuit of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra as a flexible addition to their full-back options. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo indicates that Barça is considering the 21-year-old, but they are facing competition for his acquisition. Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, and Inter Milan are also reportedly interested in securing Palestra. The defender has been on loan at Cagliari this season, where he has made 32 Serie A appearances and earned a spot in the Italian national team squad in March.
– Arsenal is keen on acquiring Julián Álvarez this summer, but they encounter challenges in outbidding Barcelona for his signature. According to TeamTalk, Barça is the striker’s preferred choice this summer if he decides to leave Atlético Madrid. Arsenal continues to explore versatile attacking options to enhance their forward lineup.
– Manchester United is keeping an eye on a potential move for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, as reported by Tuttosport. The Premier League club has recently dispatched scouts to observe the center back in action as they seek to strengthen their defense. However, Italian reports suggest that Juventus is preparing to initiate discussions with the 25-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, in an effort to fend off any interest.
– Bournemouth is open to the possibility of selling Junior Kroupi this summer, should an offer around £60 million be presented, according to Football Insider. The 19-year-old has been impressive in his debut Premier League season, with Manchester United believed to be encouraged by Bournemouth’s willingness to consider an exit. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have previously shown interest in the forward.
– Center back Andreas Christensen has declined a contract extension at Barcelona, with his current agreement set to expire at the season’s end. Mundo Deportivo reports that clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga are eyeing a potential free transfer for the defender. Although the former Chelsea player has faced injury challenges, his priority remains to stay at Barcelona. However, the current contract offer does not align with his expectations, creating uncertainty regarding his future.
OTHER RUMORS
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– Nicolas Jackson is expected to leave Bayern Munich and return to Chelsea following his loan this season, with no discussions ongoing regarding a second loan or a permanent transfer. (Florian Plettenberg)
– PSG prospect Ibrahim Mbaye is “one to watch this summer,” following a period without playing time for the Ligue 1 team. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Borussia Dortmund is leading the pursuit to sign NK Lokomotiva Zagreb talent Liam Claude Kante, with Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim, RB Salzburg, and Serie A clubs keeping tabs on the defender. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Romelu Lukaku is attracting interest from AC Milan, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Lyon, and Monaco ahead of a departure from Napoli, who have set a transfer fee of €10 million for the striker. (Ekrem Konur)
– Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Milan, and Juventus are competing to sign Giacomo Raspadori from Atalanta. (Ekrem Konur)
– West Ham aims to finalize the permanent acquisition of Axel Disasi after his loan from Chelsea concludes this season. (Nicolo Schira)
– Ao Tanaka is open to remaining at Leeds United, provided he is given opportunities to play for the team, amid rumors of a potential exit this summer. (Football Insider)
– Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, should he become available this summer. (Caught Offside)
– AS Monaco is considering a permanent deal for Ansu Fati after his loan from Barcelona ends this summer. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Juventus is looking to re-sign Randal Kolo Muani, with the striker set to return to PSG from his loan at Tottenham. (Calciomercato)