Sergio Martínez: the Racing midfielder with Real Madrid and Barcelona watching closely

Three million euros. That is the release clause of a 19 year old midfielder who, until recently, was unknown outside Cantabria and now has both Real Madrid and Barcelona watching him closely. His name is Sergio Martínez, he plays for Racing Santander, and according to Diario AS, both clubs have been tracking him since last season for his knack of creating danger between the lines. The goal he scored in the 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Sunday only sealed the deal for the scouts watching him. At that price, either Spanish giant could sign him without much trouble at all.

The transfer market, though, has plenty of pricier storylines going. At Old Trafford, a familiar subplot is resurfacing: Galatasaray has reportedly stepped up its pursuit of Bruno Fernandes, and according to The Telegraph, is prepared to put 50 million euros on the table and double the Portuguese midfielder's salary. The Athletic, however, reports that Manchester United has no intention of letting its captain go and is already working on a new deal. This is not the first time Fernandes has fielded a tempting offer from outside Europe. Last year he turned down a bid from Al Hilal that he himself called "very ambitious," and later admitted it had stung to feel the club wanted him gone.

It hurt to feel like the club wanted me to leave.Bruno Fernandes

Mudryk, Rodri and the rest of the board

At Stamford Bridge, another name is on the move, though for very different reasons. Mykhailo Mudryk has not played an official match since November 2024, after a four year ban for testing positive for meldonium. Even so, TEAMtalk reports that Coventry City is leading the race to land the Ukrainian on loan, with Frank Lampard convinced he can make use of his attacking profile. Chelsea, which paid 70 million euros for him in 2023, still considers him part of its plans and believes he needs regular minutes in the Premier League.

There is more movement further back in Chelsea's closet: the club will demand more than 120 million pounds for Enzo Fernández if Manchester City continues to push, and will ask for roughly 100 million pounds for Pedro Neto given Al Hilal's interest. City, meanwhile, is making progress on another front. According to sources consulted by ESPN, the club is close to sealing a deal for Lille's Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a personal agreement in place for five years and City accepting the 100 million euro valuation set by the French club.

The most advanced case, however, belongs to Barcelona. After two failed attempts, the Catalan club has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Manchester City to sign Rodri, after tabling a third offer worth close to 76.5 million euros. Elsewhere, Juventus wrapped up the loan of Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham for 10 million euros with an option to buy, and Liverpool is said to have already agreed personal terms with PSG's young winger Ibrahim Mbaye, just 18 years old, while negotiating a transfer fee close to 50 million with the Paris club.

With Ollie Watkins being floated at Al Hilal as a possible Benzema replacement, and interest in Rafael Leão crossing between Saudi Arabia and Galatasaray, the summer still promises several more moves before the transfer window finally closes.