Real Madrid’s hopes of signing Kylian Mbappé have received a boost with the news that Liverpool will not be making a January move for the Paris Saint-Germain striker. The 24-year-old French international has stalled on signing a contract extension in Paris, with his current deal expiring in 2024.
Real Madrid have made no secret of their desire to add Mbappé to their star-studded attack. However, Los Blancos were believed to have ended their pursuit in recent weeks due to the player’s exorbitant wage demands.
Liverpool were rumored as surprise contenders to sign Mbappé in January, which would have required allowing Mohamed Salah to leave Anfield. However, reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that the Reds are cooling their interest in the World Cup winner.
This development clears the path for Real Madrid to renew their efforts to sign Mbappé, who seems intent on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer if PSG do not decide to sell him in the January window.
Arsenal and Spurs are also linked with the French star
In addition to the European heavyweights Real Madrid and Liverpool, Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring Mbappé’s situation.
The prolific striker would represent a massive coup for either North London club. However, taking Mbappé away from PSG midseason or outbidding Europe’s elite next summer remains a tall task.
Genoa Defender Dragusin Attracts Premier League Interest
21-year-old Romanian center-back Radu Dragusin has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham.
Dubbed the next Nemanja Vidic for his robust defending, Dragusin joined Genoa from Juventus this season and has impressed in Serie A. With a £26 million release clause in his contract that runs until 2027, the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United, AS Roma, and AC Milan are also tracking him. Additionally, you can also read about- Kylian Mbappe Reaches 300 Goals Faster Than Messi and Ronaldo
Tottenham Lead Race For Exciting PSV Winger
Tottenham Hotspur are positioned as favorites to sign electrifying 20-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko in the January window.
Bakayoko has emerged as an alternative target to Juventus’ Samuel Iling-Junior as Spurs seek to inject more flair into their attack. His mesmerizing dribbling ability has caught the eye of many top European teams.
Injury-hit Tottenham aim to fast-track their transfer business in January, with Brentford also keen on securing the talented Belgian’s signature.
Branthwaite Spoilt For Choice If He Quits Struggling Everton
Promising Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite will have his choice of clubs vying for his signature if he decides to leave crisis-stricken Everton.
The Toffees recently extended the England U21 international’s contract but may be open to offers given their precarious financial situation and impending relegation battle.
Premier League trio Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are monitoring Branthwaite’s development closely. The left-footed center-back has seen plenty of game time this season.
Villa’s hefty price tag forces Arsenal and Liverpool to look elsewhere
Arsenal and Liverpool’s January pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has likely ended after the Midlands club slapped a massive valuation on the Brazilian.
Luiz has been ever-present in Villa’s engine room this season, scoring six goals and four assists in the process. Both Arsenal and Liverpool were rumored to be preparing offers this month.
But Villa’s reluctance to lose a key player midseason has forced the Premier League heavyweights to look at alternative central midfield targets instead.
Inter Milan Chase Porto Striker Taremi
Italian giants Inter Milan are hoping to secure Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi on a free transfer this summer when his contract with FC Porto expires.
The prolific 31-year-old was a target for Inter last summer before they eventually signed Alexis Sánchez and Marko Arnautovic. With Taremi unlikely to renew his deal in Portugal, the Nerazzurri aim to beat other suitors to his signature after previous Bosman signings like Hakan Calhanoglu.
