Real Madrid Targets Haaland and Mbappe for ‘Galactico’ Signing

According to reports from Diario AS, Real Madrid, the renowned Spanish club, is planning to make a significant acquisition and has identified Erling Haaland from Manchester City and Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain as their primary targets. It is said that Real Madrid possesses a substantial budget of £342 million, consisting of £111 million in available funds and up to £231 million in credit allowances. Furthermore, the club has managed to allocate sufficient funds in their wage bill to accommodate the arrival of a superstar player, as their yearly wage expenses have decreased by £68 million since the summer of 2022. It is yet uncertain whether they will be able to acquire Haaland or Mbappe’s services, as other factors aside from money will come into play.

In another development, Brentford is resolute in retaining their prominent forward Ivan Toney during the January transfer period. Toney has been associated with a potential move to Arsenal, but Brentford is prepared to reintegrate him into the main squad once his eight-month suspension for violating Football Association betting regulations concludes. The club anticipates Toney’s presence until at least the following summer, which will disappoint Arsenal and Chelsea, both of whom have expressed interest in the English striker. Brentford holds Toney in high regard and would only entertain selling him if a substantial offer is presented.

In the meantime, Arsenal is prepared to secure David Raya’s loan agreement from Brentford as a permanent deal. Raya has performed admirably as Arsenal’s primary goalkeeper, prompting the club to exercise their option to purchase in the loan agreement. The Spanish player will join Arsenal permanently at the conclusion of the season for an alleged fee of £27 million.

Conversely, Manchester United is open to the idea of letting Raphael Varane depart the club in January, but they will only consider a permanent transfer. At present, the centre-back from France occupies the fourth spot on United’s preference list, and it is claimed that he is dissatisfied with his circumstances at Old Trafford. Rumors suggest that Bayern Munich has shown interest in acquiring Varane, and United is willing to part ways with him for a sum ranging from £17.4 million to £26 million. Nevertheless, they will reject any proposal for the player to leave on loan.