Transfers

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo U-turn Opens Door For £85m Arsenal Deal

Rodrygo’s future hangs in the balance, with Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid officials reportedly open to a summer exit if a suitable offer is made, amid links to Arsenal.

Rodrygo was once seen as a key asset for Madrid but gradually fell out of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans last season. The 24-year-old scored just six league goals as the club ended the campaign trophyless for the first time in four years, leading to Ancelotti’s departure.

According to The Athletic, serious concerns emerged within Real Madrid’s hierarchy midway through last season regarding Rodrygo’s motivation levels in training, with hopes that the winger would respond positively.

However, Rodrygo’s father and agent, Eric Goes, has reportedly voiced internal frustrations, claiming his son’s situation is inextricably tied to the dominant presence of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior.

The report suggests these comments have not been well received by the club, prompting Madrid to consider a potential transfer. Xabi Alonso is said to have approved the player’s possible departure.

“Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid,” Alonso told reporters after being appointed as Madrid’s head coach.

“Rodrygo is a spectacular player and we will need him. He deserves it and so do we.”

Asked about Rodrygo’s situation in the build-up to Madrid’s opening Club World Cup clash with Al-Hilal, Alonso said: “I know what had happened in the final stretch [of last season], it was not easy for him.

“He took some time to reset his head and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute.”

But Rodrygo has been limited to just 23 minutes since starting Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal, and it appears Alonso is already preparing for the prospect of life without the Brazilian next season.

On Tuesday evening, the two-time Champions League winner was left as an unused substitute as Madrid edged out Juventus to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Borussia Dortmund.

Rodrygo’s contract in Madrid runs until June 2028, with Real Madrid valuing him at around £85 million, while Arsenal view him as their primary left winger target.

Standard.co.uk

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Transfers

Galatasaray, Napoli Agree Osimhen Transfer

Italian Serie A side Napoli have reached an agreement with Galatasaray for the transfer of Nigeria international forward Victor Osimhen for a fee in the region of €75m, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Both clubs have been locked in negotiations for the past two days after the Nigerian picked the team as his preferred destination ahead of Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal. The talks went on yesterday without a resolution.

Napoli insisted on getting a bank guarantee for the payment of the transfer fee after agreeing for it to be paid in installments. The Turkish side will pay €40m in cash with the balance of €35m to be paid in installments for the next three years.

Galatasaray agreed to provide Napoli with a bank guarantee letter and if it sits well with the Italian side after a review, Osimhen will be allowed to travel to Istanbul for his medical and subsequent unveiling on a permanent deal.

After a successful time on loan last season, he will be expected to help the club retain the league and cup they won last season, and also do well in Europe after the disappointment in the Europa League last season.

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Transfers

Transfer: Theo Hernandez Joins Al-Hilal From AC Milan

Deal worth some 25 million euros

France left-back Theo Hernandez has moved to former Lazio and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s Saudi club Al-Hilal from AC Milan, where the 27-year-old spent six mostly successful years.

Theo, as he is known, was a runner-up to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

He made no secret of the fact that he had fallen out with AC’s new management set-up.
The deal is worth around 25 million euros.

Ansa.it

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Transfers

WSL: Chelsea Forward Fishel Signs For Seattle Reign

Seattle Reign have signed Chelsea and United States forward Mia Fishel on a contract until 2029.

An undisclosed transfer fee will be paid to the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions who Fishel, 24, appeared for 21 times.

After signing from Mexican club Tigres for the start of the 2023-24 season, Fishel scored the winning goal against Tottenham on her WSL debut before an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury cut her campaign short.

The two-time WSL winner returned in March to make three appearances.

“I’m incredibly excited to sign a long-term contract in the NWSL and take this next step in my career with Seattle Reign FC,” said Fishel.

“This league is one of the best in the world, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team’s success.”

America’s National Women’s Soccer League is currently on a midseason break but Seattle Reign return to action against Angel City on 1 August.

Bbc.com

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