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Transfer Rumours: Alonso eyes Barcola Liverpool signing as green light given to Premier League move
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 18 Mar 2026 17:15 GMT
- 8 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 18 March, including the latest updates on Bradley Barcola and Said El Mala.
Man Utd join Arsenal in race for Godts
Manchester United are ready to rival Arsenal for the signing of Ajax wonderkid Mika Godts.
In recent weeks, reports from the Netherlands have claimed that Arsenal have enquired about the exciting wide player, who has earned comparisons to Eden Hazard thanks to his brilliant technical ability.
However, the Gunners are far from the only club to have taken notice of his exploits in Amsterdam. According to The Touchline and confirmed by Sacha Tavolieri, Man Utd have also added Godts to their shortlist of targets.
While the initial report only spoke of interest, Tavolieri asserts that the Red Devils have already made contact with the 20-year-old’s camp to sound out a potential summer transfer.
The Belgian journalist adds that Godts is expected to leave Ajax and that he will be one of the "main attractions" this summer. The previous report claimed that the Eredivisie giants are demanding around €32 million for the youngster.
Alonso eyes triple signing to take Liverpool job
Liverpool have spared no expense in the transfer market lately, and Alonso has made significant demands of the board if he is to be appointed as Slot’s replacement, according to El Nacional, which indicates that three major signings have been identified by the Spaniard.
Alonso wants to strengthen each line of Liverpool’s squad and wants a centre-back, a central midfielder and a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Bradley Barcola has been identified by Alonso as the player he wants for the wing. The France international netted in Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Chelsea but has reportedly been unsettled in Paris.
In the heart of the pitch, meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is the player the Reds want. He has long been linked with a move to the Anfield club.
Finally, in the middle of the defence, Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan has been targeted. He is being touted as the heir to Virgil van Dijk thanks to his quality, experience and distribution.
Barco set to be Rosenior's first Chelsea signing
The Argentine has been starring for BlueCo club Strasbourg since joining from Brighton on an initial loan in early 2025. Barco struggled in the Premier League, but he has developed into a magnificent player in France.
Originally a left-back, the 21-year-old was converted into a central midfielder by Rosenior during his time in Alsace. When he took the Chelsea job, Barco was one of the first names to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The speculation has only intensified since. Last week, renowned journalist Guillem Balague tweeted that Barco is "very close" to joining Chelsea, while reports elsewhere in Spain corroborated this.
Ekrem Konur has now also chimed in, stating that the deal is "nearly done." The shared ownership between Chelsea and Strasbourg naturally "makes the move smoother."
Dortmund consider Sancho return
The former England international is spending the season on loan at Aston Villa, but his future beyond the current campaign is shrouded in mystery. The only thing that is clear at this point is that he will leave Man Utd.
According to BILD, Dortmund could move for Sancho when his contract expires this summer. While there is an acknowledgement that the winger’s behaviour could cause friction - he was repeatedly late during his two spells at the club – Niko Kovac is aware of the potential the player has.
Kovac has given the green light to this proposed transfer, and Sancho is keen on another return, too. The 25-year-old is prepared to halve his reported €15 million-per-season salary in order to rejoin his beloved club.
El Mala gives green light to Premier League move
El Mala is enjoying a remarkable debut season in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.
Brighton have made several offers for the tricky winger. However, his club Koln rebuffed the Seagulls' approaches because they knew he would increase his value significantly this season.
According to BILD, El Mala's parents have signalled to Brighton that they are ready to hold talks over a summer move. The youngster recently dropped his long-time agent and is now represented by his family.
The tabloid emphasises that Koln have not yet been formally informed of this transfer green light by his parents, nor have Brighton made an improved offer for El Mala since their January approach.
However, it is evident, reports the outlet, that El Mala wants to leave Koln in the summer. Despite a contract until 2030, it is unlikely that Koln will be able to keep hold of him, especially if their poor results continue. They are currently four points clear of an automatic relegation spot.
Transfer Rumour round-up
Milan are interested in a €30m deal for Troy Parrott this summer after the striker’s impressive season for AZ Alkmaar and Ireland. (The Independent)
Juventus could make a move for Bernardo Silva this summer, with the playmaker likely to leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season. (Matteo Moretto)
AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit has admitted he would prefer a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona this summer due to the sunny weather ahead of Premier League interest. (Supergaande)
Arsenal will face competition from Juventus for the signing of Leon Goretzka when the midfielder's contract at Bayern Munich expires this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Manchester City could allow Savinho to leave this summer and Tottenham could revive their interest in the youngster if they survive in the Premier League. (Football Insider)
Football transfer news headlines today
Man Utd open talks to sign the 'next Eden Hazard'
‘Forget it!’ – Howe responds to Tonali’s Arsenal ‘goal’ claims
Barcelona have been told how to sign Erling Haaland – and Lionel Messi holds the key
Joao Gomes’ Liverpool dream crushed as Man Utd emerge top choice
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