Transfers

€100 million Move: Arteta Worries As William Saliba Drops Transfer Hint

William Saliba reportedly considers Real Madrid his “ultimate dream club”, with Arsenal valuing the 23-year-old French international at €100 million.

According to a report by Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sport Switzerland, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

The reigning La Liga champions have recently held talks with the Arsenal defensive mainstay’s representatives. Meanwhile, the French international considers Los Blancos as his “ultimate dream club”, with the North London club valuing him at €100 million.

William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Arsenal. The Frenchman did not immediately get the desired opportunities at the Emirates, with the North London club sending him out on three loan spells.

However, the 23-year-old has not looked back since establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at the Emirates. Saliba has turned out over 100 times thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with seven goals and two assists.

Meanwhile, the French international defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Widespread reports have heavily linked Real Madrid with the former US Saint-Etienne centre-back, with the two parties recently holding tentative talks. Meanwhile, Arsenal will demand around €100 million to entertain parting ways with him.

Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are desperately scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after spending two seasons without most out-and-out central defenders. The crisis has deepened this term, with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba currently on the sidelines.

In addition, Carlo Ancelotti does not trust Jesus Vallejo, who will likely depart from the Santiago Bernabeu after the 2024/25 season ends. So, Real Madrid must sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Saliba emerging as a viable target. However, Arsenal’s asking price of around €100 million might pose a problem, considering the Merengues need reinforcement in several other departments.

Meanwhile, the French international views Real Madrid as his “ultimate dream club”, although he might not push for a departure from the Emirates anytime soon. In addition, widespread reports have claimed that Arsenal will block Real Madrid and other suitors from pursuing the 23-year-old Frenchman. So, a summer deal might not see the light of day.

Transfers

Victor Osimhen Speaks On Botched Manchester United’s Deal

Galatasaray loan striker, Victor Osimhen has opened up through his camp on rumored Manchester United move after a deal could not happen in the January transfer window.

Osimhen has been rumoured for a move to English Premier League side, but the Napoli striker who is currently on loan at Galatasaray believe he has more potential to give any club than moving from a cut pay.

According to a source close to the player, he said: “At his level, he can’t be moving to Manchester United and be earning less, he will rather go to Saudi Arabia and become a world highest earning player. No big deal about Manchester United and they need his image and characters to boost their profile at this moment,” a source told ThePapers.ng

“Victor is not in desperate move and he will never move to any club for pay cut, he will rather move to Saudi Arabia and earn over a state budget in Nigeria.”

“At the moment he’s very happy and will continue to be playing happily. You will mention Osimhen before Erling Haaland and others at the moment, so why will he move to take pay cut.”

Asking if Napoli would lower how price tag, he said: “Napoli will lose if they insist, let’s wait and see.” He concluded.

Premier League

Amorim defends January Transfer Risks at Man United

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted it was his decision to “take the risk” of not securing additional signings in the January transfer window, despite squad concerns.

The Red Devils completed only two signings: left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

However, the loan exits of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa and Antony to Real Betis left United without reinforcement in attack.

“We are taking a risk, but we want a different thing in the team, different profiles. It was my decision to do that,” Amorim explained.

He emphasized the club’s cautious approach: “Everybody here does not want to make the same mistakes of the past. In the summer we will see, but we are being really careful with transfers because we did some mistakes in the past.”

United face Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, where Dorgu and Heaven could debut.

Acknowledging the pressure of results, Amorim admitted, “This is a sport of results, and we are in a difficult situation… but I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks because in the end, it’s going to pay off.”

Transfers

Willian rejoins Fulham on Short-Term Deal

Fulham have re-signed winger Willian until the end of the season, six months after his departure from the club. The Brazilian, who previously played for the Cottagers from 2022-24, returns as a free agent after leaving Olympiakos in December.

“I’m completely happy, my family’s happy. We are happy to be back, and I think we can do good things until the end of the season,” Willian said, expressing excitement to rejoin the team.

During his previous spell at Craven Cottage, the 36-year-old made 67 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists. He moved to Greece in September but spent only three months with Olympiakos.

Willian has accumulated 317 Premier League appearances, having played for Chelsea and Arsenal, and won two titles with the Blues.

Fulham’s next match is away at Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.