An updated tracker of the biggest soccer transfer rumors going on in the summer 2023 transfer window. Only the most reliable sources are utilized and only the most important rumors are discussed.
Check back here for more analysis and rumors as transfers are completed and more information is available regarding the biggest soccer stars and clubs this summer.
Bayern submit Harry Kane bid
Bayern Munich have been contemplating a transfer bid for Tottenham superstar Harry Kane. He would be the best possible option to address their need at striker, but Die Roten know he will be very expensive, especially when considering his importance to Spurs.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Bayern have submitted a bid of 70 million euros, plus add-ons, to Tottenham for the No. 9. It was reportedly rejected. Fabrizio Romano says Bayern will try a second bid.
Daniel Levy has always driven a hard bargain for the greatest player in the history of his club. ESPN’s Mark Ogden has gone so far as to report that Tottenham have told Kane he is not available for a transfer at all this summer.
Arsenal sign Declan Rice
According to a report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City submitted a new offer to West Ham for Declan Rice worth 80 million pounds with an additional 10 million pounds in bonuses in an effort to eclipse Arsenal. However, this offer was rejected by West Ham, who wanted 100 million pounds.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein then reported a new, record-breaking offer from Arsenal of 100 million pounds plus an additional five million in bonuses, which would make Rice the most expensive British player in history. This offer would meet Fab’s reported threshold for West Ham to consider a transfer.
Romano reports that City have decided not to match Arsenal’s latest offer, while he and other later reported that the Hammers accepted the deal. Rice will be joining Arsenal.
He is the most highly-rated midfielder on the transfer market as he is only 24 years old and is already one of the best holding midfielders in world soccer. Bayern Munich previously had interest in Rice, but they are seemingly unwilling to get into a bidding war.
Lucas Hernández to PSG
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Lucas Hernández will join PSG from Bayern Munich for a transfer worth approximately 50 million euros.
Hernández joined Die Roten for a then-record 80 million euros in 2019 from Atlético Madrid. Although he has played at a very high level for Bayern, injuries have prevented him from being a regular starter over Matthijs de Ligt, signed in 2022, and Dayot Upamecano, signed in 2021. Both are among the best center backs in the world.
A French international, Hernández would be a major upgrade to a PSG defense that struggled last season. Meanwhile, Bayern have agreed to terms with Kim Min-jae, another one of the best center backs in the world after his breakout 2022/23 season for Serie A title winners Napoli. Kim will be joining Bayern on July 1 when his 50 million euro release clause becomes available.
Manchester City negotiating for Joško Gvardiol
Joško Gvardiol is one of the most coveted young defenders in world soccer, because he is a 21-year-old who can play multiple positions. His best fit is as a left-sided center back in a back three, as he can get up the pitch, help in the build-up play, and focus on being an aggressive ball-winner.
As of last season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola started utilizing a back three to great effect, winning the 2022/23 Champions League and Premier League despite receiving a strong challenge from Arsenal in the latter competition.
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City already have personal terms agreed with Gvardiol but are now negotiating with RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga side demand a steep fee of 100 million euros, as they know the 2022 World Cup and 2020 European Championship standout holds immense value. Likewise, City have deep pockets.
Kyle Walker’s future
More Manchester City transfer drama, as superstar right back Kyle Walker has been heavily courted by Bayern Munich and their new manager Thomas Tuchel as a more well-rounded solution at right back. Bayern acquired João Cancelo on a loan deal during the last winter transfer window but decided not to sign him permanently for the fee, likely due to the same concerns City had about his defending.
Per Fabrizio Romano, Bayern are pushing hard for Walker but so are City. They do not want to lose him, as he was also great as a right-sided center back in 2022/23.
It all comes down to his choice.
Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid is the perennial transfer saga in the world of soccer, and it seems like the superstar forward really does want to leave PSG. He has a player option to exit for free at the end of the 2023/24 season, but PSG, just like in 2022, do not want to lose him for free. Therefore, they could try to sell him this summer. Mbappé, however, may not be amicable to an immediate sale, as he would have to forfeit his hefty 2023/24 salary and bonus.
Thus, ESPN FC’s Rodrigo Fáez and Alex Kirkland report that Real Madrid are “hopeful” they could sign Mbappé this summer. They are, however, reportedly also “cautious”, likely because of how the saga ended in 2021 and 2022.
If they want Mbappé now and want to secure his signature for the immediate future, they may have to pay around 200 million euros to the Qatar-backed Ligue 1 side.
Mason Mount to Manchester United
Manchester United have been hard at work trying to negotiate a transfer for Mason Mount with Premier League rivals Chelsea, and the competition between them in league play is likely a factor for why it has been so difficult for Erik ten Hag to land his top midfield transfer target in 2023.
Mount had no intention of staying with Chelsea, which means he will leave in 2024 for free when his contract runs out. Manchester United bid 55 million pounds, but Chelsea would not accept their offer.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Mount will finally be headed to United for 55 million pounds plus an additional 5 million pounds in add-ons.
