Transfer Talk: Musiala is Real Madrid’s No. 2 behind Mbappe،
The summer transfer window is closed across Europe, but there are still moves afoot and plenty of gossip swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: If Mbappé fails, Real Madrid want Musiala
Real Madrid wants to sign Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala if they fail to bring in Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé over the summer, according to a report from Sport Bild.
Bayern Munich want to renew 20-year-old Musiala’s contract – the current deal runs until 2026 – but that would require almost tripling his salary from around €8 million a year.
Despite this, Musiala does not want to think about his future or his contract at the moment, with any talk of an extension on hold until the end of the season.
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His impressive performances have been matched by four goals and three assists in 12 matches in all competitions this season, which has attracted the attention of many clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid the most notable spectator.
Even though Mbappé remains Real Madrid’s priority after long-term links between The Whites and Musiala, 24, is considered the first alternative.
A move would see Musiala team up again with good friend Jude Bellingham, with his 20-year-old compatriot currently topping the La Liga goalscoring charts and co-leader of the Champions League.
Manchester City are also keen on Musiala, with manager Pep Guardiola considering him as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
Paper gossip
– Manchester City wants to sign promising Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to FourFourTwo, although it is unclear how much it would take to bring in the 18-year-old or if the Red Devils would even accept an offer. Mainoo was expected to play a role in manager Erik ten Hag’s first team this season before he was injured against Arsenal in a friendly in the United States.
– Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone wants to bring in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey return to the club, which could open the door to signing from Juventus Rodrigue de Paul, according to Tuttosport. Tottenham Hotspur Pierre-Émile Hojbjerg and that of Udinese Lazar Samardzic are both always interesting I Bianconeribut negotiations for either midfielder in January are expected to be difficult.
– Athletico Paranaense and Victor Roque are both waiting to hear if Barcelona will be able to sign the striker in January, amid uncertainty over whether the Blaugrana could complete the deal while respecting the rules of financial fair play, reports Mundo Deportivo. The 18-year-old will return from injury to help his side win a place in the Copa Libertadores if a transfer is not possible before the summer, but will not push for it if Barca can have him this winter.
– LA Galaxy confirmed on their official channels that they had separated Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez after his contract with the MLS club expired. The 35-year-old forward first joined the Galaxy in 2020 and has scored 39 goals in 82 appearances for them.
– AC Milan does its best to sign Partizan Belgrade attacking midfielder Matija Popovicreports the Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto. With the 17-year-old’s contract ending this summer, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax are also interested in him.
