Transfer Rumours: Mourinho eyes Man City star as first Real Madrid signing

18 May 2026 06:02 BST | 6 min read

Josko Gvardiol, Man City, rumours — © IMAGO

Suraj Radia | Editor

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 18 May, including the latest updates on Rodri, Josko Gvardiol and Julian Alvarez.

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Arsenal handed Alvarez boost

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Julian Alvarez after being told Barcelona’s interest in signing the Atletico Madrid striker has cooled, according to reports in Spain.

The Gunners have a genuine interest in landing Alvarez in the summer but he is considered the dream target for Barcelona as they look to sign a replacement for departing forward Robert Lewandowski.

However, as both clubs vie for the Argentina international’s signature, Arsenal have now been made aware that Barcelona’s stance has changed ahead of the summer transfer window opening next month.

According to Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona believe it will be impossible for them to meet Alvarez’s asking price, with a separate report from the same outlet claiming Atletico want at least €150million (£130m) to part with the 26-year-old.

Liverpool eye Barcola deal

Liverpool are pressing ahead with plans to sign Bradley Barcola after learning Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to sanction the move if the winger asks to leave the club, according to reports in France.

Liverpool are believed to have ran the rule over RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, according to The Athletic, while French publication L’Equipe claims Monaco ace Maghnes Akliouche is also on their shortlist.

French outlet Le Sport 10 understands the club have now received a positive update claiming that Liverpool are now aware that the 23-year-old will be allowed to leave PSG if he expresses a desire to move on at the end of the season.

The same outlet also understands Barcola, who is contracted to PSG until the summer of 2028, is interested in the idea of joining Liverpool provided he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Alonso makes Chelsea transfer demand

Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his first transfer demand to Chelsea after being appointed their new manager, with his sights set on solving a major long-term problem.

The Sun report that Chelsea are ‘preparing’ a bid to sign Robin Roefs from Sunderland after an impressive debut campaign.

The Dutchman is said to be valued at £50 million (€57.3m) and would represent a long-term replacement for Robert Sanchez, who has seemingly failed to convince Chelsea of his credentials after three inconsistent seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Reports in Italy have also claimed that Chelsea could revive their interest in Milan shotstopper Mike Maignan after failing to sign him last summer, suggesting that a goalkeeper could indeed be Alonso’s top priority going into his new job.

Mourinho targets Rodri

Jose Mourinho has set his sights on Manchester City midfielder Rodri as his first signing as Real Madrid manager, according to Football Insider.

Mourinho is believed to be in advanced talks to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Madrid boss and his top priority upon his arrival in the summer is thought to be an experienced midfielder.

However, City are reluctant to sell Rodri and would only consider his exit if the 29-year-old asks to leave.

City could instead look to sell Tijani Reijnders after the Dutchman’s difficult debut campaign since joining the club from Milan last summer.

Gvardiol ‘offered’ to Real Madrid

Mourinho could also look to target another City star in Josko Gvardiol, with AS reporting that the defender has been offered to Real Madrid.

Current ETV

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€73.1M - €89.4M

Gvardiol has had a tough season due to an injury which ended his campaign in January but he is still considered a key player for City.

However, the 23-year-old’s contract expires in two years and formal negotiations have not begun as of yet, with the player’s representatives said to be exploring the market.

Real have held a long-standing interest in Gvardiol and the Spanish giants are believed to be one of his preferred destinations, with the proposal coming as a shock to the La Liga side.

More rumours

Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie has admitted he could leave the French side amid interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa. (Telefoot)

Brentford have joined Brighton and Chelsea in the race to sign Koln winger Said El Mala. (Daily Mail)

Antonio Conte has hinted he might leave Napoli at the end of the season having secured Champions League qualification for the Serie A side. (Football Italia)

Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus, with the 29-year-old having been linked with AC Milan and Juventus. (Caught Offside)

Liverpool want around €25 million for Federico Chiesa, with Juventus and Napoli touted as potential options for the 28-year-old. (Calciomercato)

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Read more about: Premier League Josko Gvardiol Julián Alvarez Maghnes Akliouche Mike Maignan Robert Lewandowski Robert Sanchez Robin Roefs Rodri Tijjani Reijnders Yan Diomande

Written by

Suraj Radia | Editor

Suraj Radia is an NCTJ-qualified journalist and editor with more than a decade of experience at some of the biggest sportsdesks and press agencies across the industry. He has been a regular freelance contributor to FootballTransfers since April 2022.

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