Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal make first move for €80m Real Madrid star Rodrygo

Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal make first move for €80m Real Madrid star Rodrygo

Arsenal have been told they must pay Real Madrid €80 million to sign Rodrygo after making their first move, while the Spanish club’s pursuit of Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister could end in failure. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

Arsenal have held the first exploratory discussions to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Rodrygo has become disillusioned with his role at the Bernabeu this season, and Los Blancos are prepared to allow him to move on if the offer is right. Liverpool have also been strongly linked with the 24-year-old Brazil international, who has won 33 caps for his country. Cadena SER has added to the speculation, saying that Real Madrid will tell Arsenal they want €80m for the winger. Rodrygo’s representatives are sounding out potential suitors, including the Gunners. However, a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi remains Mikel Arteta’s first priority amid competition from Real Madrid.

– Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has “almost an obsession” with Europa League winner Cristian Romero, according to Mundo Deportivo. The centre-back played a key role in helping Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur to European glory on Wednesday and will almost certainly be the subject of intense interest from Los Colchoneros once the transfer window opens. The Spanish outlet says Simeone has been constantly calling the 27-year-old Spurs defender and wants to sign the Argentina international “at all costs,” with his valuation being set at around €50 million.

Chelsea are determined to see off any interest from Real Madrid in midfielder Enzo Fernández, reports The Guardian, which adds that the Blues aren’t panicking about the situation. There is a similar feeling at Liverpool amid interest from Los Blancos in Alexis Mac Allister. Real Madrid are also tracking Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Hugo Larsson.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz will make a decision over his future in the next 10 days, according to kicker. Bayern Munich and Liverpool are the leading contenders for his signature, with Leverkusen demanding well in excess of €100m. Manchester City were strongly linked but pulled out when the total cost of the deal, including the player’s salary and payments to agents, was going to reach €300m. Bayern had previously considered Real Madrid their only serious rivals, but they are now very worried about Liverpool with the 22-year-old’s family having flown to England for talks.

– Atlético Madrid are seriously pushing to sign Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, according to Mundo Deportivo, which goes as far as saying that the 25-year-old is working to organise a life in Madrid in case negotiations are successful. Los Colchoneros are hoping for a loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent, but Liverpool want to recoup as much of the €85m they paid Benfica as possible.

OTHER RUMORS

– Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono and have put the 17-year-old on their shortlis. Talks have already taken place, with Mastantuono allowed to move to Europe when he turns 18 in August. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined Liverpool and Manchester City in showing an interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Even so, the FA Cup-winning Eagles are not willing to let the 21-year-old leave and will reject any offers. (Football Insider)

– Liverpool are considering a move for Lyon’s Malick Fofana, 20, if Barcelona are successful in their pursuit of Luis Diaz. (Mundo Deportivo)

– Following Fabrizio Romano‘s report that Joao Pedro could be allowed to leave Brighton & Hove Albion, the Daily Mail has now suggested that Chelsea are ready to offer £50m for the forward and could include other players in the deal.