LIVE Transfer Talk: Xavi asks Gerard Pique for Barcelona exit, eyes Jules Kounde
The summer transfer window is approaching, and there's plenty of gossip swirling about who's moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals! TOP STORY: Xavi tells Pique his time with Barcelona is done Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has reportedly met with centre-back Gerard Pique to tell him that he will not be called upon next season, according to a report by Diario Sport. While Pique's ability is not in question, Xavi cited physical issues and unprofessional behaviour as reasons for the decision being made, the report says. The main issue is reportedly that Pique isn't fully focused on football due to his multiple businesses and off-pitch controversies. Pique was reportedly told that the best solution would be to leave Camp Nou in the most dignified way possible, which would include renouncing a large amount of the €40 million that the club owes him, given his contract expires in 2024. However, the 35-year-old is said to have refused to leave and insisted that he will train more than ever, a plan that includes abandoning his commitments outside of football. The Diario Sport report also mentions that Xavi sees Sevilla's Jules Kounde as the man to replace Pique. Chelsea are also interested in the France international, whose transfer fee could be worth up to €60m, but Barcelona hope to be able to afford to bring him in once they have reduced their wage bill. Despite Andreas Christensen coming in on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer, and Eric Garcia also being in the squad, Xavi reportedly dreams of a defensive partnership consisting of Kounde and Ronald Araujo. - ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access LIVE BLOG 21.27 BST: AC Milan see centre-back, right wing and attacking midfield as the key areas to strengthen this summer, reports Tuttosport, which adds that Lille's Sven Botman is the priority in the first of those positions. The other potential incomings listed are Club Brugge duo Charles De Ketelaere and Noa Lang, Lille's Renato Sanches and Antony of Ajax. If those three positions are covered, they will also try to bring in Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca. 20.54 BST: AS reports that Sime Vrsaljko's departure from Atletico Madrid this summer is almost certain, as the Croatia international will be a free agent by the end of the month when his contract expires. With funds hard to come by, Los Rojiblancos will aim to keep Alvaro Morata and Saul Niguez when they return from their loans with Juventus and Chelsea respectively, as the club feels there is no better replacement that would be available for them. 20.37 BST: ESPN Brasil's Gustavo Hofman reports that Real Madrid could have a new contract for Vinicius Junior by next week. Sources tell Hofman Madrid have offered a five-year deal through 2028, but Vinicius' agent wanted the deal through 2026, but the sides are likely to agree on a deal through 2027.
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