Transfer gossip round-up: Man City join Man Utd in Kone race - Thursday's gossip

The BBC gossip digest has churned out a hefty batch of links, and the transfer board is buzzing with clubs circling the same names.

Manchester City’s scouting net is said to have stretched to Italy, with the Mail reporting that the Sky Blues have identified Roma’s Manu Kone as a potential signing, even as the French midfielder has already been linked with United this summer. Tottenham, meanwhile, are reportedly in talks with City for a double‑deal – the Athletic says the Spurs are eyeing both Brazil winger Savinho, 22, and Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, 27, from the Premier League champions.

In the north‑west, Chelsea’s defensive assets are attracting attention from multiple quarters. Sky Sports claims Aston Villa are interested in taking the 28‑year‑old English defender Tosin Adarabioyo as a replacement for Ezri Konsa after Arsenal’s deal for the latter, while the Sun says Benfica have also made contact with Chelsea over a potential Adarabioyo move.

Arsenal’s own recruitment agenda is sprawling. According to the Telegraph, the Gunners are working on deals for Gibraltar winger James Scanlon, 19, and English right‑back Habeeb Ogunneye, 20, both from Manchester United. In the same vein, the Mirror reports that Gabriel Jesus is not looking to move to Napoli despite their interest, and Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Juventus have joined Napoli in holding an interest in Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, 25, though both clubs must sell before they can act.

Barcelona’s radar is shifting as well. The Mail says the Catalans are monitoring Harry Kane’s contract talks with Bayern Munich, while ESPN notes that Barcelona have put attempts to sign Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, 26, from Atletico Madrid on hold and are exploring other options. Atletico themselves are said to be targeting a young defender – Teamtalk reports the Spanish club is looking to beat United to the signing of 19‑year‑old Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander.

Further down the league ladder, Sunderland could break their record by triggering a €60 million release clause for Sporting’s Mozambique winger Geny Catamo, 25, according to Teamtalk. Everton are also circling a youngster, with Teamtalk linking the Toffees to Como’s 20‑year‑old Senegalese winger Assane Diao, a player that could cost between £50 million and £60 million.

Hull City’s market activity is multi‑fronted. Sport reports the Tigers are close to an agreement with Real Betis for 20‑year‑old Spanish winger Pablo Garcia, while Mundo Deportivo says Hull, along with Ipswich Town and Al‑Ittihad, are pushing to secure Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, 26, from Girona.

All told, the summer’s early chatter paints a picture of clubs chasing the same talent pools, with several names appearing on more than one shortlist.