The transfer window might be shut across Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Real Madrid eyeing Arsenal’s Saliba
Real Madrid are interested in Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, reports the Independent.
Los Blancos are reported to be keen to reinforce their back line for next summer, and they have identified the 23-year-old as a star that could become the “future of their defence.”
Saliba has been a key player for the Gunners since establishing himself as a starter in manager Mikel Arteta’s side and is also reportedly on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain.
He remains contracted at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2027 after signing a new contract last year. Amid belief that it could be difficult to sign him, Real Madrid are also looking at Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero as an alternative.
The 26-year-old Argentina international is one of four Premier League players on the shortlist of the LaLiga champions, and it looks as though an attempt could be made to tempt him away from north London if Saliba stays put.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s side are also thought to be keeping tabs on Liverpool‘s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Arsenal are assessing the market amid hopes of signing a striker in January, reports Team Talk. Sporting CP‘s 26-year-old Sweden international Viktor Gyökeres is reported to be one of the names at the top of their wishlist, while they also still have interest in Newcastle United and Gyökeres’ compatriot Alexander Isak, amid the belief that Arteta needs a forward that can deliver a similar impact to that of Erling Haaland at Manchester City.
– Three clubs in Italy are keen on Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, reports the Sun. Juventus, Napoli and Internazionale are all reported to be looking at the 25-year-old, who the Gunners could be willing to part ways with in January if they receive an offer worth £25 million. Tomiyasu is yet to make an appearance for Arteta this season.
– Juventus have no plans to listen to offers for forward Kenan Yildiz, reports Nicolo Schira. Despite interest from Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, the 19-year-old is believed to be considered “untouchable” by the Bianconeri’s hierarchy. Yildiz scored on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League in their 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.
– Scouts from Barcelona are watching both of Monaco’s full-backs, reports Sport. Twenty-three-year-old right-back Vanderson and 27-year-old left-back Caio Henrique, are both reported to be on the Blaugrana‘s radar, with sporting director Deco still looking for potential upgrades at full-back for next summer. It is reported that the LaLiga side will be watching both Brazilians closely when they take on AS Monaco in the Champions League on Thursday.
– Leicester City and Bournemouth are interested in a move for free agent centre-back Joël Matip, reports Ekrem Konur. The two Premier League sides are the latest clubs to be linked with the 33-year-old, who has also been on the radar of West Ham United. Matip remains without a club after leaving Anfield in the summer and he is believed to be keen on staying in England.
– Talks between Arsenal and centre-back Gabriel Magalhães have begun over a new contract, reports Football Insider. Negotiations are reported to still be in the early stages, but the 26-year-old has been identified by the Gunners as a key player that they want to ensure remains a long-term part of their project. Magalhaes first arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2020.
