Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in the post-World Cup market, with Monaco receiving interest from clubs across Europe and the player reported to be keen on a fresh challenge. Any sale could become the second-highest for a U.S. player, behind only Christian Pulisic’s $73 million switch to Chelsea in 2019.

The forward’s profile suits several different needs. Arsenal represent a natural fit. Balogun came through Arsenal ’s academy but was sold without ever really getting a chance in the first team. Two goals in just 209 senior minutes was impressive but Balogun left with a sense of unfinished business with the Gunners. Arsenal spent big on Viktor Gyökeres last summer but ended the season with Kai Havertz as their starting striker, leaving many believing manager Mikel Arteta may not be entirely satisfied with the options available to him. Bringing Balogun, a homegrown talent, back to the club would be a great move for Arsenal, although whether the 24-year-old would accept such a move without a guarantee of regular starts is a different matter. He has, however, spoken glowingly about the opportunity to be closer to family on brief returns to London.

Chelsea remain a potential suitor despite a crowded forward line. João Pedro has been an excellent addition, but Liam Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a massive disappointment and could be coming to an end this summer. Returning loanee Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha add to a bloated forward line. Much will depend on the opinion of new manager Xabi Alonso, who has been given significant influence in Chelsea’s transfer dealings after agreeing to replace Liam Rosenior.

Newcastle could offer minutes and resources. Last summer the Magpies spent heavily on strikers, bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa for around $164 million (£124 million), yet Eddie Howe quickly lost faith in both and is thought to be chasing another starting striker.

Juventus face turnover up front after a mixed window. Jonathan David was solid at best, Loïs Openda is available following a triggered purchase clause, and Dušan Vlahović could depart, creating room for change and a link-up with international teammate McKennie.

Finally, Borussia Dortmund’s record of developing forwards and the chance to capitalise on World Cup momentum make them an appealing option. Across these five destinations, Balogun’s next move will hinge on Monaco’s valuation and the guarantees each club can offer.

Real Madrid have made clear they will not entertain offers for Álvaro Carreras this summer, a development that complicates Chelsea’s search for a replacement for Marc Cucurella. According to AS, the Spanish club consider Carreras “untouchable” and are not prepared to move him on only a year after his arrival.

Carreras arrived from Benfica last summer for $58.42 million (€50 million) and was handed a six-year contract. Los Blancos view him as part of a recent investment and, per the report, will only consider offers that would see him leave at a financial loss on that initial outlay. Mourinho is expected to rely on Carreras to compete with Cucurella for the starting left back position next season.

Real Madrid also face uncertainty in their left-back ranks beyond Carreras. Ferland Mendy’s recurring injury problems have left the Frenchman as an unreliable alternative, and he could be on the way out of the club. Fran García, a La Fábrica graduate, has attracted interest from several teams across Europe and may also depart. With two of the four left backs in the squad potentially headed for exits, Carreras provides necessary depth and competition.

For Chelsea, Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid removes one target and Carreras’s unavailability leaves the Blues with limited options. At present, 20-year-old Jorrel Hato is the only recognised left back at Xabi Alonso’s disposal. Hato was also used regularly at centre back during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have secured the signing of Denner Evangelista, but the 18-year-old is considered a long-term prospect and is not expected to join the first team this summer. Reuniting with Lewis Hall has been suggested as a possibility, but it appears unlikely given that the same ownership group previously allowed the Cobham graduate to leave. As the window progresses, Chelsea will need to widen their search for a left back while Real Madrid maintain a firm stance on Carreras.

Enzo Maresca has agreed to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City this summer, but his arrival at the Etihad has been delayed amid a dispute with his former club, Chelsea.

Maresca formally left Chelsea on January 1, 2026, after a turbulent spell that included a public intervention at a press conference in which he said a lack of support from “people in general” had contributed to the “worst 48 hours” of his time at Chelsea. The press conference followed a period in which he repeatedly clashed with the club’s ownership over transfers and team selection.

Reports indicate City began monitoring Maresca in December while he remained under contract at Stamford Bridge. The Italian spoke to City while still employed by Chelsea and, under the terms of his agreement with the Blues, was required to disclose those talks to the club’s owners. The subsequent public row and Maresca’s departure came around two weeks later.

Chelsea regard the exit as a turning point in a season that then deteriorated. The club’s problems were not confined to the pitch: his departure led to further financial consequences following the hiring and later dismissal of Liam Rosenior, for which compensation was paid.

Because Maresca is no longer employed by Chelsea, the club accepts they cannot block his final negotiations with City. The initial contact, however, is the subject of Chelsea’s complaint. Chelsea did not give permission for City to speak with Maresca, a contracted employee, and The Guardian state Chelsea believe they have sufficient evidence to report City to the Premier League for an illegal approach.

Chelsea are also said to be considering a separate claim against Maresca for breach of contract. Until those issues are resolved, City’s confirmation of Maresca remains on hold and the move is being pushed back.