Bayern Would Need to Smash the World Record to Keep Michael Olise as Real Madrid Circles

The summer transfer window is heating up and the rumor mill is churning hard on a few big names. Let’s get into it.

Real Madrid’s Olise interest might be more than just noise

There was a lot of chatter about Real Madrid making a massive play for Julian Alvarez. But some reports now suggest that was a smokescreen. The real target might be Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise. According to Diario AS, Real Madrid sees Olise as the next Galactico signing.

Here’s the catch though. Bayern Munich has no intention of letting him go. At least not easily. Word is they’d demand a fee that clears the current world transfer record — the $257 million Neymar deal from 2017 to PSG. We’re talking well north of that number. That’s a “go away” price if there ever was one.

PSG is also sniffing around Olise. They’d have to break their own record to make it happen. So either way, this isn’t a cheap chase.

Arsenal pushing for Christos Tzolis as upgrade on current wingers

Across London, Arsenal is working on a move for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. Mikel Arteta wants more match-winners and the Greek international fits the profile. He put up 51 goals and assists combined last season. Across Europe, only Harry Kane and Michael Olise had better production. That’s elite company.

The reported fee is around $43 million. Sky Sports says the Gunners view him as a potential upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. It’s a direct move to add juice to the attack.

Liverpool circling Khephren Thuram again

Liverpool has reportedly revived interest in Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram. Corriere dello Sport says the Reds are preparing a bid. Juventus missed out on Champions League qualification and needs to sell. Thuram was on Liverpool’s radar back in 2023 and sources say he could be open to a new challenge. This one has legs.

Napoli wants Vicario back to Italy while Leeds eyes Brandt

Over in Serie A, Napoli is trying to bring Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario back to Italy. Vicario wants out of Spurs and Napoli is interested. The catch is they need to offload Alex Meret or Vanja Milinković-Savić first. Gianluca Di Marzio also mentioned Juventus as a potential rival if they can’t land Emiliano Martínez.

Back in England, Leeds manager Daniel Farke is pushing to sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer. Brandt is leaving Borussia Dortmund. The Yorkshire Post reports Farke is optimistic about convincing his fellow German to join the Championship side. That’d be a serious coup.

West Ham eyes Wilson Isidor for promotion push

West Ham is plotting a move for Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor. Football League World says the Hammers have him on their summer list as they try to bounce back from Premier League relegation. That’s a direct aim for instant return.

Plenty of moving parts still. Agents are working. Clubs are bluffing. The real action is likely weeks away still.