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Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

“Kylian Mbappe attracted some attention with his reaction to being asked about moving to Real Madrid next summer, but I’m afraid I still have nothing at all to report at this point,” Romano said.

“I don’t expect any big movement now in this moment of the year. Mbappe is focused on PSG and Real Madrid are happy with their current situation, then in 2024 it will become clear what he wants to do with PSG on the contract situation… and at that point, with Real Madrid too.

“We’ll have to wait and see, but there’s nothing happening now, despite stories.”

The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City want away linked with surprise move to Real Madrid

Sean Walker — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:09:21 +0000

Real Madrid have been offered a chance to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The England international has struggled to settle into Pep Guardiola’s squad since making the move from Leeds two seasons ago.

At the time, Phillips was regarded as one of the best players in his position in the league, which is why Manchester City were willing to spend £45m to secure his signature.

But the 27-year-old has made 27 appearances for the Treble winners since with only five of them being starts.

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Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

It is no secret that the club are willing to sell him and a host of clubs have shown interest over the past few months.

The most surprising of which is Real Madrid who according to Spanish news outlet Defensa Central, have been contacted by Phillips’ agent over a potential transfer.

Los Blancos currently have one of the best midfields in the world and with Jude Bellingham performing exceptionally well, it’s difficult to see Phillips making the move.

The post Manchester City want away linked with surprise move to Real Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Exclusive: Possible that £53m La Liga star could move to Arsenal in 2024 as talks ongoing

Darren Looney — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:49:27 +0000

Arsenal have been looking at the possibility of bringing in a new midfielder in 2024 but as of now, talks of one arriving in January are premature.

The Gunners are currently holding formative internal talks on all potential names that could be pursued next year as the future of Thomas Partey at the Emirates remains up in the air.

Two names that have been heavily linked to Arsenal are Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

According to Ben Jacobs, the French star is very unlikely to leave the Bernabeu anytime soon but the Spanish midfielder could be an option as he has a £53m release clause in his current contract.

Martin Zubimendi is wanted by Arsenal

Writing in his latest exclusive column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs provided the latest on Arsenal’s search for a new midfielder.

“Thomas Partey has a muscle injury but is expected back in a few weeks. His injury has prompted rumours of a new midfielder arriving, but it’s a bit premature to be leaping to that conclusion,” the journalist wrote.

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Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

“Partey was subject of firm Saudi interest over the summer and Mikel Arteta is delighted he’s still at the club. There is just frustration that Partey’s minutes have been so limited this season.

“Links with Aurelien Tchouameni are wide of the mark. There has been no approach. Tchouameni wants to stay at Real Madrid, who also have no desire to sell.

“Martin Zubimendi is perhaps more possible in 2024. Arsenal wanted the Real Sociedad midfielder in January but there was no player buy-in and the La Liga club also didn’t want to sell. Zubimendi has a £53m release clause.

“Right now, Arsenal are only holding formative internal talks on all potential names. And from what I am told, if Arsenal have their way they could well look a bit closer to home. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is still appreciated. It’s tough because he’s enjoying life at Villa under Unai Emery.”

The post Exclusive: Possible that £53m La Liga star could move to Arsenal in 2024 as talks ongoing appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Cristiano Ronaldo caught being salty over Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win once again

Darren Looney — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:57:15 +0000

Lionel Messi was crowned the winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eight time on Monday night at a ceremony in Paris and it did not go down well with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The award comes off the back of an incredible year for the 36-year-old, who guided Argentina to their third World Cup with one of the best campaigns the tournament has ever seen.

This was alongside helping Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy and claiming the Ligue 1 title with PSG.

Messi is now three Ballon d’Or’s ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in second place and the Portuguese superstar, who has a tendency to be salty when the Barcelona legend achieves something significant, was at it again.

Messi with his eighth Ballon d’Or

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Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Cristiano Ronaldo caught being salty over Messi’s Ballon d’Or win

Whether it is Ronaldo himself or a member of his family, someone always has to comment on Messi’s achievements in the aftermath of their occurrence and it was the superstar who took to Instagram this time.

Ronaldo has apparently liked and commented on an IG post which said: “Hello friends. What we knew happened, they were going to give Messi another Ballon d’Or again. He went to retire in Miami, even though he already looked like he was retired at PSG preparing for the World Cup. He won the World Cup, yes, good, but with 6 penalties…

“The World Cup was 10 months ago, it’s November. Messi has 8 Ballon d’Ors, he should have had 5. He has Iniesta/Xavi’s Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski’s who won 6 trophies in one season and Haaland’s who was the top scorer.”

This is once again a bad look for Ronaldo, who clearly is not coping with the attention Messi has earned over the last year.

? Cristiano Ronaldo liked and commented on an IG post which said:

"Hello friends. What we knew happened, they were going to give Messi another Ballon d'Or again. He went to retire in Miami, even though he already looked like he was retired at PSG preparing for the World Cup.… pic.twitter.com/vVXIYZYZgf

— Football Tweet ?? (@Football__Tweet) October 31, 2023

The post Cristiano Ronaldo caught being salty over Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win once again appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Man United & Chelsea transfer target responds to Real Madrid links

Mark Brus — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:49:17 +0000

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has spoken out on his future amid recent transfer rumours linking him with Real Madrid.

The Argentina international is one of the finest attacking players in Europe on his day, and there’s long been speculation about him potentially moving to the Premier League or to another major Champions League club.

During the summer, Martinez was said to be on the radar of both Manchester United and Chelsea, according to Football Insider, though those clubs ended up making different signings up front, with Rasmus Hojlund moving to Old Trafford while Nicolas Jackson made the move to Stamford Bridge.

It seems Martinez isn’t that keen on leaving Inter anyway, if his quote below, as cited by Fabrizio Romano on X, is anything to go by…

?? Lautaro Martinez when asked about Real Madrid: “It’s clear that Real Madrid are an important team… but my head and heart are always with Inter”.

“I’m very happy there”, Lautaro said from Paris. pic.twitter.com/q86lCrFkzL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 31, 2023

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Martinez could undoubtedly be a fine signing to help Real Madrid replace club legend Karim Benzema, though of course it would also still be exciting to see him in English football at some point.

Chelsea could probably still do with a striker as Jackson has been unconvincing so far, while Hojlund has also been a little below expectations for Man Utd.

The post Former Man United & Chelsea transfer target responds to Real Madrid links appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Video: Kylian Mbappe gives intriguing response to being asked about Real Madrid transfer

Mark Brus — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:05:48 +0000

Kylian Mbappe smiled and winked when asked by El Chiringuito about a potential transfer to Real Madrid next summer.

The France international is coming towards the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, meaning he could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of this current campaign.

Real Madrid have long been linked with Mbappe, and it seems he didn’t make too much effort to play down the speculation in the video clip below…

? IMAGEN @elchiringuitotv ?

? Madridista, ILUSIÓNATE con el GUIÑO de MBAPPÉ.

?? @10JoseAlvarez: "¿El año que viene al Madrid o no?" pic.twitter.com/W37CHOzxjS

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 31, 2023

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Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Mbappe is one of the finest footballers on the planet and it would truly be exciting to see him alongside other elite young players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior at the Bernabeu.

The post Video: Kylian Mbappe gives intriguing response to being asked about Real Madrid transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arteta sets his sights on his homeland as he looks for Arsenal’s midfield alternatives

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:58:04 +0000

Mikel Arteta has worked wonders with his young Arsenal side and whilst it’s still too early in the season to assess their title credentials, the expectation is that they’ll be there or thereabouts come the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Gunners are already showing the resolve that’s required to close out even the most difficult games, and are the joint top scorers out of the top four teams, conceding only one more goal than Man City.

Give Arsenal’s chastening experience in 2022/23, that should hold them in good stead as they progress through the current season.

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Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

With the January transfer window just two months away, thoughts are already likely to be turning to which areas of the squad need strengthening, and which players will be able to help the club in that regard.

Arteta clearly feels that there’s something more required in midfield, with Calciomercato noting that he has his eye on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni.

Though it isn’t clear at this stage if either player is available and willing to move to north London, Arteta at least has the luxury of knowing the market in Spain.

Having played for Real Sociedad as well as being born in San Sebastian, that might give him an edge when trying to land the talented Zubimendi.

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Chelsea set for £50m loss on one player as club’s poor transfer policy exposed again

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:10:05 +0000

Chelsea are hopefully on the way to building themselves a title-winning side under Mauricio Pochettino, though any supporters of the club will have to accept that it will take time to deliver.

As long as owner, Todd Boehly, gives the Argentinian the time he needs, there’s every chance that he will be able to bring success back to Stamford Bridge.

In the meantime there are still likely to be some questionable decisions made in the transfer market by the Blues, perhaps none more so than the situation the club find themselves in with Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The keeper is on a season-long loan at Real Madrid and has enjoyed a relatively comfortable start to his life in the Spanish capital.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

So much so that he apparently wants to stay there, and according to The Sun, Los Blancos are not prepared to pay any more than £17.5m for his services because of his age and contract situation.

Given that the Spaniard cost the club a world record £71.6m, that would represent a loss of over £50m for the west Londoners.

Such a loss on one player would be hard to stomach at any time, perhaps more so at present with Chelsea still trying to keep within the bounds of Financial Fair Play.

Surely the question has to be asked as to when the haphazard nature of their buying and selling will even out and give Pochettino some semblance of calmness during the transfer windows…

The post Chelsea set for £50m loss on one player as club’s poor transfer policy exposed again appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Jude Bellingham wins Kopa Award after stellar season

Sean Walker — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:55:51 +0000

The English midfielder has deservedly claimed the award after an incredible year in both Germany and Spain.

The 20-year-old is currently one of the best midfielders on the planet proving it for club and country over the past year.

Jude Bellingham was a revelation at the winter World Cup last year, dominating in an England side that reached the quarter-finals.

He almost won the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund in Germany before completing a big-money move to Real Madrid in the summer.

With 13 goals in 13 games for the Spanish outfit, the English midfielder has staked his claim as one of the best young talents in the world and was given the recognition on Monday night.

After coming in second place in 2021, Bellingham has won the Kopa Award becoming the first England international to ever claim the prize.

BREAKING: Jude Bellingham has won the 2023 Kopa Trophy! pic.twitter.com/KXixFeUhHn

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 30, 2023

“I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point – from Birmingham to Dortmund and now Real Madrid and the national team,” Bellingham said via Sky Sports.

“Thanks for the support, it means a lot – and more to come.”

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

The post Jude Bellingham wins Kopa Award after stellar season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City to compete with Real Madrid for 22-year-old La Liga attacker

Saikat Chatterjee — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:27:42 +0000

Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on the Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo.

A report from Fichajes claims that Real Madrid are keen on signing the 22-year-old as well and it will be interesting to see who ends up signing the Japanese international.

Kubo has established himself as a reliable performer in the Spanish league and he has five goals and three assists to his name across all competitions this season.

The versatile winger is capable of operating on both flanks and he will add flair and creativity to the Manchester City attack. Pep Guardiola could certainly use more cutting edge in the final third and the 22-year-old would be a solid long term investment.

The Japanese international is rated highly around Europe and he has the potential to develop into a top class attacker. A move to Manchester City would be the ideal next step in his career and working under a world class manager like Guardiola will help him fulfill his tremendous potential.

Takefusa Kubo in action for Real Sociedad

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Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano