Football Espana

Como playmaker Nico Paz continues to impress in Serie A, and Real Madrid have no intention of letting their iron grip on the Argentina international loosen. Tottenham Hotspur are the latest side to pursue the 20-year-old, but will need the green light from Los Blancos if they want to bring him in.

Spurs have been trying to get a deal done for Manchester City’s Savio Moreira, but with Pep Guardiola’s side keen to hold on to him, have moved for Paz. Real Madrid considered the idea of re-signing Paz this summer, with an €8m buyback clause in his deal, but opted against it after signing Franco Mastantuono for €45m. Following on from interest from the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Inter, Spurs have reportedly made a €70m bid for Paz.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham bid worth €70m package for Nico Páz has been turned down tonight.

Páz wants to stay at Como with view on Real Madrid future + Real were gonna match any proposal in any case.

Real have €10m buy back clause in 2026 but will compensate Como in future. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/8eaCZihgDq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2025

Spurs have €70m Nico Paz offer rejected

According to Fabrizio Romano, Como have rejected a €70m offer for Paz, who they signed 50% of his rights for €5m just last summer. He is keen to remain at Como this season, feeling it is his best path to returning to Real Madrid next summer. Los Blancos have a buyback option of €10m next summer, but would be willing to work out more compensation with Como down the line.

Real Madrid must give green light to deal

On the other hand, Marca paint something of a different picture. They say that not only do Real Madrid have their doubts over whether a €70m offer really did arrive from London, but that any deal will require the approval of Real Madrid. Given their buyback options, which remain active for the coming three summers, and his desire to return, Los Blancos are in the driving seat.

Paz could well have returned to the Bernabeu this summer, and had Paris Saint-Germain not made a firm move for Mastantuono, then he may well have done so. With Arda Guler already in the squad though, Xabi Alonso would have had three players of similar ilk in his squad this season.

Girona have had a quiet summer so far, but that will change in the final days of the summer transfer window. The sale of Miguel Gutierrez to Napoli, coupled with the impending departure of Ladislav Krejci to Wolves in a deal worth €35m, means that the Catalans will have money to spend – and some of it could go towards a familiar face.

The last 12 months have been disappointing for Girona, who have failed to build on their third place finish in the 2023-24 La Liga campaign. They narrowly avoided relegation last season, so a reaction will be needed in 2025-26 – although that did not start well as they lost 3-1 last weekend to Rayo Vallecano.

That match showed that signings are desperately needed, and one area that is to be addressed is left wing. And as it turns out, a return for Bryan Gil could be on the cards, with Nil Sola reporting that Girona have reignited their interest in the Tottenham Hotspur player.

Gil has no future at Tottenham, who are looking to move him on before the summer transfer window closes. A return to Spain has been speculated upon, and it could now happen with Girona.

Girona eyeing loan move with a view to free transfer in 2026

As per the report, Girona want to re-sign Gil on loan, with a view to signing him on a permanent basis when his Spurs contract expires next summer. The Premier League side will be prioritising a sale now, although that could be tricky to get done – especially since the 24-year-old is said to be very interested in a return to Montilivi.

It remains to be seen whether Gil does return to Girona by the end of the summer. He was somewhat underwhelming during his time at the club last season, although he should be able to improve if he gets settled in Catalonia.

Real Madrid could be set for receive a vast amount of money between now and the end of the summer transfer window, should Rodrygo Goes leave for the Premier League. And more could arrive courtesy of Nico Paz.

Last summer, Real Madrid sold Paz to Serie A side Como, where he was a standout performer. And although they have decided against triggering his buy-back clause for 2025, they will have the option to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu for a reduced fee in both 2026 and 2027.

However, it turns out that they may not get that chance. Paz has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent weeks, and he could now be on his way to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.

As per ED, Spurs are interested in signing Paz as an alternative to Eberechi Eze, who has opted to sign for north London rivals Arsenal. The 21-year-old is on a shortlist that features the likes of Maghnes Akliouche and Morgan Rogers, as well as former Girona player Savinho.

Real Madrid would receive 50% of the transfer fee

As part of the deal that saw Paz head to Como, Real Madrid inserted a 50% sell on-clause, meaning that they will be entitled to half of the transfer fee if the Argentina international joins Spurs this summer. However, this would mean that they would lose control over his future, which would be a significant blow.

Real Madrid would welcome any fee received from Paz’s sale, although it could be more worth it to bring him back to the Bernabeu in 2026 or 2027. However, Xabi Alonso already has a number of attacking midfield options at his disposal, and these were added to over the summer when Paz’s compatriot Franco Mastantuono completed his big-money move from River Plate.

Atletico Madrid are open for business this summer, be it arrivals or departures from the Metropolitano. It was reported back in April that very few members of the squad were assured of their spot in the squad, and it seems that remains the case for Conor Gallagher.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder moved for €42m last summer, and arrived to plenty of fanfare, but struggled to lock down a spot in the starting XI. His competition, Samuel Lino, was sold to Flamengo for €24m in July, but with the arrival of Alex Baena, Gallagher’s role on the left of midfield is further in doubt if anything. Gallagher was scarcely used centrally by Diego Simeone, and is expected to be behind Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios in the pecking order.

🚨 BREAKING – Pending Confirmation: Atlético Madrid is looking to sign SEVERAL players before the transfer window closes. The club’s main objective is to bring in a forward, while they are also in need of an additional midfielder and a center-back.@PedroFullanaSER pic.twitter.com/Kn28SUTaPM

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 4, 2025

Atletico Madrid still testing market for Gallagher

A source has indicated to Football España that Atletico continue to look for an exit for Gallagher, as they seek to earn back his fee this summer. Atletico have not made a decisive call on the midfielder, but he is not a prominent part of Simeone’s plans, and he has instructed his agent to explore a return to the Premier League. Earlier in the summer, Gallagher was offered to several Premier League clubs.

Tottenham most interested in Gallagher

Gallagher does still have plenty of credit in England, even if nobody has yet made a move for him. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is a fan of his, and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as a potential destination. Newcastle United had enquired about Gallagher, but have not progressed talks any further.

As things stand, Tottenham Hotspur are the most likely destination for Gallagher. Spurs value his combination of physicality and technical ability, and are thus considering an offer for him. It is not yet clear whether the arrival of Joao Palhinha will affect their interest.

Barcelona continue to make it known in public that they are open to departures this summer, despite their claims that they can register all three of their new signings without any. One of the names that has been floated as a potential exit is midfielder Marc Casado.

The 21-year-old was a surprise revelation last season in the Barcelona side, with injuries taking him from a potential summer exit on loan to a starter against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Within three months of his first start, Casado was in the Spain squad. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have been credited with interest in Casado, and Sport say he has a €30m price tag.

Tottenham Hotspur enquire about Casado

The Catalan daily go on to say that Tottenham Hotspur have also enquired about a move for Casado this summer, as they look to add a midfield alternative. They are seeking to add one or two holding midfielders this summer, and Barcelona have plenty of options in midfield, with Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado all competing for minutes in the deeper role at Barcelona.

Move unlikely on both ends

However with Spurs bringing in Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, their need for more options in the position has been dramatically reduced. At the other end of the equation, Casado is said to be completely focused on earning minutes at Barcelona, and is not listening to any offers to leave the club.

Barcelona's plan with the youth players who are close to the first team. @sport

– Roony Bardghji: will join the first team.

– Dro: will continue to develop at Barça Atlètic while in first team dynamics.

– Dani Rodríguez: could leave on loan.

– Jan Virgili: could leave while…

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 4, 2025

Can Casado get enough minutes in this Barcelona side?

Whether Casado might be forced to reconsider next summer is another matter. As mentioned, four players are competing for his position, while Gavi can play elsewhere in midfield, and Bernal is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Earlier on in the season Casado could have more opportunities, but by the end of the season, someone will likely be left with less minutes than they hoped for.

Real Madrid are open to losing forward Rodrygo Goes this summer, but it is not yet clear where his destination will be. The Brazilian has so far maintained that he is happy to remain at the club this summer, but with his role to be reduced next season under Xabi Alonso, he could be on his way out.

While Los Blancos have left the ball in Rodrygo’s court to some degree – they will not negotiate an exit before he does – it has also been made clear that they are open to a move if the right offer comes in. While initially Arsenal were cast as the most interested party, Liverpool now appear to be in pole position.

Tottenham Hotspur show interest in Rodrygo

According to Diario AS, Tottenham Hotspur have joined Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal as the next interested party, albeit Bayern and Arsenal appear to be pursuing different paths first. Spurs have promised new manager Thomas Frank investment and more investment, and Rodrygo could be a part of that. It is not yet clear whether Rodrygo is interested, but Chairman Daniel Levy would try to bring down his €90m asking price.

Liverpool contact Rodrygo camp after Xabi Alonso talk

Atletico Madrid have moved swiftly and with purpose during this transfer market, with two priority additions already over the line in Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri. Johnny Cardoso is expected to complete the trifecta of positional needs for Los Colchoneros, but they do look set to miss out on one of their other priorities.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero had been identified as a ‘dream signing’ for Atletico, with Diego Simeone desperate to add his steel to the backline. Spoken about in similar tones to Julian Alvarez last year, Romero has also made it clear that he would be delighted to play in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid give up on Romero

Spurs have been steadfast on their demands though, and despite ‘Cuti’ Romero refusing to sign a new deal with just two years remaining on his current contract, they were not willing to lower their €70m asking price. No formal offer for Romero has arrived from Atletico, but it is thought that CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin spoke to oppposite number Daniel Levy about Romero.

As per Diario AS, Atletico have decided to shift their attentions elsewhere, and are now looking at other targets. Tottenham have been adamant that they will not sell Romero, and despite Los Colchoneros insistence, they have been met with a brick wall. In London, it will be seen as a victory for Spurs.

🚨🇦🇷 JUST IN: Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami exclusively depends on Leo Messi's contract renewal with the team.

[🎖️: @gastonedul via @AlbicelesteTalk] pic.twitter.com/NxmBmUGNPd

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 9, 2025

Alternatives for Atletico Madrid?

Atletico Madrid have already finalised two summer signings, but there are plans for more players to join Diego Simeone’s squad for the 2025-26 season. Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri have arrived for a combined price of €75m, and there is a desire for Cristian Romero to be brought in, but he would cost in the region of this figure.

Romero is Atleti’s leading target for the centre-back position, and he has been for several weeks. Talks are planned with Tottenham Hotspur, but the Premier League are very unwilling to sell their star defender – and having won last season’s Europa League, they are under no immediate pressure to sanction a sale.

Tottenham Hotspur want €70m for Cristian Romero deal

And that has been reflected in their stance, with CaughtOffside reporting that Spurs would only sell Romero if they received an offer in the region of €70m, which is a valuation that Atleti deems to be excessive.

Romero has previously revealed his desire to play in La Liga, and this is an advantage that Atleti have in their pursuit. And another could be his contract situation, with reports from Argentina -as covered by Diario AS – revealing that the 27-year-old has turned down the offer of a new deal from Spurs.

Had he signed, Romero would have been Spurs’ highest-paid player, but as per the report, he has turned it down because he wants to leave in order to start a new chapter in his career.

Romero arrival would be statement of intent from Atleti

Deals for Baena, Ruggeri and the impending one for Johnny Cardoso are all excellent pieces of business that Atleti have done, but the possible arrival of Romero would undoubtedly elevate Los Colchoneros to serious La Liga title challengers alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is no surprise that they are pursuing his signature, but for now, it remains to be seen whether they are successful.

Atletico Madrid are determined to sign a new defensive midfielder, and in the coming weeks, they have a good chance of landing their primary target.

It is no secret that Atleti have been keen to sign a pivot for over 12 months. Diego Simeone wants a new option to compete with Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul and club captain Koke Resurreccion, and in recent weeks, Johnny Cardoso has been established as the main transfer target.

Personal terms have already been agreed with Cardoso, who is prioritising a move to Atleti despite Real Betis having a pre-existing agreement in place with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. And soon, a deal could be closed between the two La Liga clubs.

Atletico Madrid and Real Betis set for Johnny Cardoso talks

As reported by Diario AS, Atleti and Betis officials will meet next week, and the intention is for an agreement to be reached. There is a €10m difference in valuation at this time, but the two clubs are expected to come to a compromise during these upcoming negotiations.

Betis want €40m for Cardoso, who was signed for €6m 18 months ago. Atleti have no intention of paying that much, but there is a belief that Los Verdiblancos will bring down their asking price.

Cardoso has been a standout performer for Betis since arriving in January 2024, and there is no doubt that he would be an excellent signing for Atleti. Los Colchoneros are currently focused on the Club World Cup, but with a group stage exit looking like a realistic possibility ahead of the final round of fixtures on Monday, there could be more focused place on these upcoming negotiations for the United States international.

It remains to be seen whether Atleti can agree a deal to sign Cardoso, who is certainly needed at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano for next season and beyond.

Atletico Madrid have been on the hunt for a new sitting midfielder for some time, and after the fleeting Arthur Vermeeren experiment, are back to the drawing board. It appeared they had found their man in the shape of Real Betis’ and USMNT star Johnny Cardoso, but talks for the 23-year-old have slowed.

Cardoso is seemingly keen on a move, and has agreed in principle to a deal with Los Rojiblancos on personal terms. Tottenham Hotspur were also keen on a move for Cardoso, and have a €25m buy clause on him, but so far Cardoso has not shown a willingness to move to London. As things stand, he is prioritising Atletico.

🚨 OFFICIAL: IFAB’s full statement in reference to Julián Álvarez’s penalty injustice.

“The penalty should be retaken.” pic.twitter.com/S37pLu2bT2

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) June 3, 2025

Atletico Madrid unwilling to meet asking price

However Atletico have run into some roadblocks of their own. Los Colchoneros felt they could get a deal done for Cardoso for somewhere around the €25m mark that Spurs would have to pay in the event they executed that clause. Yet Cadena Cope (via Santiago Narvaez) have explained that talks are more complicated than that.

🟢🚨 Última hora #RealBetis.

👉 Informa @COPE que el Atlético NO está dispuesto a pagar los 40M€ que pide el Betis por Cardoso -como ya informamos días atrás-.

🔎 El equipo madrileño estaría buscando 𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 en el mercado.

✍️ Mi información es que Cardoso… pic.twitter.com/d0gOU3PxcR

— Santiago Narváez 🎙️ (@SantiagNarvaez) June 3, 2025

Betis are demanding €40m from Atletico for Cardoso, and as such, the Madrid-based side have begun to look at alternatives in the market. It is not ruled out that a content Cardoso remains at Betis next season either.

Value for money with Cardoso?

It is not yet clear what the other alternatives are for Atletico, but at Cardoso’s age and in his position, there is not a wealth of options, even if they do feel the price is disproportionate. Previously they had been most strongly linked with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is out of contract, the previous midfielder they had that filled the position before Koke Resurreccion was moved into the role. That talk has cooled though, and it is not clear where his future lies.