Real Madrid and Barca want Rodri - Monday's gossip

Manchester City face a summer battle to retain Spain midfielder Rodri after both Real Madrid and Barcelona expressed firm interest in the 29-year-old, according to German outlet Bild. The La Liga giants are preparing approaches that could test City’s resolve to keep the influential pivot, whose understated authority has become central to the Premier League champions’ midfield structure.

Elsewhere, Liverpool’s pursuit of Roma right-back Zeki Celik has gained momentum after the player’s agent ruled out a switch to Juventus, the Mirror reports. The 29-year-old Turkey international, valued for his defensive diligence and overlapping runs, now appears increasingly attainable for Arne Slot’s squad overhaul.

In the capital, Arsenal and Chelsea are locked in a three-way tussle with Barcelona for Atlético Madrid’s Argentine forward Julian Alvarez. Teamtalk suggests the London pair are “pushing hard” to convince the 26-year-old that a move to England offers the quickest route to silverware and regular starts.

Juventus, meanwhile, have set their sights on Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Gazzetta dello Sport indicates the Bianconeri have made the 29-year-old Italian their priority between the posts, though Inter Milan are ready to rival any bid for the former Empoli stopper.

Newcastle United will entertain offers for Germany striker Nick Woltemade only if the 24-year-old personally requests a transfer, Football Insider understands. The Magpies’ stance underscores their determination to retain emerging talent unless the player forces an exit.

At left-back, Arsenal lead Manchester City and Newcastle in the race for Sporting’s 21-year-old Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda, according to Spanish site Fichajes. Fresneda’s potential arrival at the Emirates could pave the way for England international Ben White, 28, to depart, adds Teamtalk.

Manchester United have emerged as joint favourites alongside Arsenal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old German centre-back Nathaniel Brown, Caughtoffside claims, as both Premier League clubs scour the market for youthful defensive reinforcements.

Finally, Chelsea are open to allowing Trevoh Chalobah to join Aston Villa this summer provided the Blues secure a replacement first, Football Insider notes. The 26-year-old England defender has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could be sacrificed to balance squad numbers.