Mike Maignan and Emiliano Martinez lead targets as transfer window opens
Premier League and European clubs are preparing for a frantic summer of spending as the 2026 transfer window opens on Monday, with high-profile stars like Mike Maignan and Emiliano Martinez potentially available.
The English top-flight market officially opens for business, sparking a potential flurry of multimillion-pound deals across the continent.
European leagues will follow suit on July 1, but domestic sides are already actively identifying realistically attainable targets.
Maignan and Martinez top goalkeeper wishlist
AC Milan’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League has cast significant doubt over Maignan’s future at San Siro.
The French shot-stopper only signed a contract extension in January, but a lucrative bid could force the Italian giants to negotiate.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s well-documented financial constraints mean they may entertain offers for their established number one.
The 2022 World Cup winner nearly departed Villa Park last summer before a proposed switch to Manchester United ultimately collapsed.
Trafford seeks exit as Chevalier struggles
James Trafford finds himself in a difficult position at Manchester City after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s unexpected arrival blocked his path to the starting line-up.
The 23-year-old Englishman is widely considered ready for regular first-team football and represents a premium prize for top-tier suitors.
Elsewhere, Lucas Chevalier is already seeking an escape route from Paris St-Germain following a disastrous debut campaign.
The young Frenchman moved to the capital from Lille for an initial €40m (£34m) but has surprisingly failed to establish himself.
Diogo Costa also remains a highly sought-after commodity, with the Porto custodian tipped to finally leave Portugal if he impresses on the international stage this summer.
Schlotterbeck available for the right price
In defence, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as a prime candidate for sides seeking elite centre-back reinforcements.
The Germany international recently agreed fresh terms to extend his stay at the Westfalenstadion.
“There is a release clause in the €50m-€60m range for the right club,” reports German outlet Bild.
With several heavyweight clubs scouring the market for defensive solidity, the 26-year-old is expected to attract significant interest in the coming weeks.
