Gyokeres, Rashford, Araujo, Martinez & Branthwaite: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Friday, March 15th

Arsenal eyeing Gyokeres swoop

Booking their Champions League quarter-final ticket earlier in the week following a nail-biting penalties victory against Porto, Arsenal are enjoying a remarkable purple patch this season.

Really firing on all cylinders and currently leading the chase to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since 2004, the Gunners have also gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances.

However, while the likes of Bukayo Saka might have stolen most of Arsenal’s headlines this season, it is no secret that Mikel Arteta has a new number nine at the top of his summer wishlist.

Although the Gunners might have remained heavily linked with a move for Brentford talisman Ivan Toney, it has been suggested that the red-hot Viktor Gyokeres has plenty of admirers in north London.

Continuing on what has been a stunning start to life with Sporting Lisbon after arriving from Championship outfit Coventry, the Swedish international has bagged 19 goals in his first 23 Primeira Liga appearances this season.

As exclusively revealed by @stevek9KS1TV, Arsenal have made Victor Gyokeres their #1 striker target this summer 🎯 pic.twitter.com/JbRjZoJuc1

— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) March 13, 2024

PSG keen on Rashford

While Marcus Rashford might have found the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances since opening March, the England international has certainly come under increasing scrutiny this season.

At the heart of an off-field controversy last month and with fans around Old Trafford left unimpressed, there has also been speculation over Rashford’s long-term future with Manchester United.

With it all but confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be completing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid this summer, PSG are rumoured to have a small fortune burning their pocket ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

While Rashford might have been linked with a potential move to the French capital over the past 12 months, there have been reports this week that the defending Ligue 1 champions have identified the Englishmen as a standout option.

Although the 26-year-old might have only signed a bumper contract exertion at Old Trafford last year, PSG are reportedly weighing up a bid in the region of £75million.

Marcus Rashford to PSG? 🤔pic.twitter.com/5q0gIXejhm

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 14, 2024

Barca could cash in on Araujo

Although Barcelona might have put their name in the hat for this season’s Champions League quarter-finals, the Spanish icons are still dealing with some public financial issues behind the scenes in Catalonia.

With it already confirmed that Xavi will be leaving his post in the Nou Camp dugout at the end of the season, the reigning La Liga champions know the importance of once again slashing their wage bill.

Reportedly keen on making Joao Felix’s loan switch a permanent one this summer, Barca are keen on forcing a number of their first-team starts out of the exit.

While Ronald Araujo might have made 20 La Liga appearances this season and remained a key part of Xavi’s plans in Catalonia, the Uruguay international is one star who could be forced out of the Nou Camp when the summer window opens up.

Previously linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich, it has been reported that Barca would allow the 26-year-old to leave should they receive an offer in the region of £86million.

🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: FC Barcelona will consider selling Ronald Araujo this summer if an offer of more than €100M arrives.

Bayern Munich & a club from the Premier League are ready to make an offer for him this summer. @espn pic.twitter.com/XaqQjq1uiU

— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) March 13, 2024

Inter desperate to get Martinez tied down

While Lautaro Martinez might have blazed over from the penalty spot as Inter Milan watched their Champions League adventure come to an end at the hands of Atletico Madrid in midweek, the Argentina international is enjoying a remarkable free-scoring romp this season.

With the Nerrzazuri holding a stunning 16-point buffer at the top of the Serie A table, a huge part of their domestic success has come thanks to their attacking talisman.

Now regarded as one of European football’s elite marksmen, Martinez has notched 23 goals in his 25 Serie A appearances this season and is cruising his way to Italy’s Golden Boot.

Continuing to shine since being appointed Inter’s new skipper this year, the 26-year-old now looks set to put pen to paper on a bumper new deal with the Italian heavyweights.

Although there might have been some speculation earlier in the season that both parties have reached an impasse over new terms, it has been reported that there is optimism an agreement will be reached soon.

⚫️🔵🇦🇷 Inter directors had meeting in Madrid with Lautaro Martínez’s agent to discuss new deal details.

Negotiations over salary proceeding as Lautaro wants to stay; working on key details with more discussions to follow in the next weeks. pic.twitter.com/24vLve1M93

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 13, 2024

United monitoring Branthwaite

With it appearing that Raphael Varane will be heading for the Manchester United exit this summer, the former Premier League champions have a long-term central defender at the top of their summer wishlist.

Although Everton might find themselves at the heart of another top-flight relegation scrap, Jarrad Branthwaite has continued to receive a string of plaudits in what has quickly become a breakout campaign.

Announced as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for March’s fixtures and potentially set to earn a first senior international cap, the 21-year-old has certainly attracted some heavyweight interest.

With another potential points deduction hanging over Everton’s head, the Toffees are still juggling some public financial struggles and United are keen on testing Sean Dyche’s resolve this summer.

While the Goodison Park hierarchy might value their defensive talisman at £75million, it has been suggested that the Blues would be unable to turn down £65million and some achievable add-ons.

🚨Understand Dan Ashworth is pushing hard for Man Utd to sign Jarrad Branthwaite. Ineos huge admirers, too. Asking price for Everton 21yo is set at £75m but £65m+add-ons could do it for #mufc.@Transfersdotcom https://t.co/XQGR3u23BM

— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) March 12, 2024