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Clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia are watching closely as Mohamed Salah's contract talks with Liverpool continue, while Arsenal are considering Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui as an alternative to Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip from around the globe.
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As of Jan. 1, Mohamed Salah will be free to open contract negotiations with clubs based outside of England. John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesTRENDING RUMORS
- Negotiations are ongoing between Liverpool and the representatives of winger Mohamed Salah, says Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg. Both sides are said to be "far apart" in the discussions that have taken place so far, and the 32-year-old is believed to have top clubs in Europe as well as Saudi Arabia keen on signing him. Salah, who has contributed to 14 goals in 11 Premier League games this season, will see his deal enter its final six months in January.
- Arsenal are interested in a move for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui, reports Ekrem Konur. The Gunners are reported to be "monitoring the situation" of the 25-year-old Italy international, having identified him as a potential alternative to Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyökeres amid plans to reinforce manager Mikel Arteta's attack. Retegui has been in bright form so far this season, scoring 11 goals in 12 Serie A appearances, and previous reports have indicated that an offer worth €50 million could be required to land him.
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- Three Premier League clubs are tracking Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup, according to Calciomercato. Liverpool, Brentford, and Brighton & Hove Albion are believed to be "keeping an eye" on the 23-year-old, who could be signed for an offer of around €20m, with his club looking to move players on to improve their current financial situation. Frendrup, a Denmark international, has previously been on the radar of Napoli.
- Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, according to Sport. The Brazilian joined Forest in 2023 from Brazilian side Corinthians for €13m but after impressing in the Premier League his transfer is now worth at least five times that. Liverpool, Chelsea and PSG have all shown an interest in the 22-year-old before but he does have a contract until 2028 so Forest are in full control.
- Liverpool are interested in FC Nordsjaelland left-back Daniel Svensson, writes TEAMtalk. Scouts from the Premier League club are reported to have been impressed by the 22-year-old Sweden international, who has also been watched by Arsenal and Manchester United. Svensson signed a new three-year contract in March that secures his future with the Superliga club until the summer of 2027.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN's Liverpool correspondent Beth Lindop explores why Liverpool should give Mohamed Salah a new deal.
If anyone were starting to doubt Salah's worthiness of getting a new Liverpool contract, his performances this season will have surely silenced them. The Egypt international has scored 45 Premier League goals from 124 shots on goal (above) since 2022-23 and has already posted an impressive tally of 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this term, becoming the first Premier League player to hit double figures in both departments.
AdvertisementAccording to Opta, he is currently averaging a goal contribution every 67.4 minutes for Liverpool, which represents his best ever minutes-per-G/A average in a season for the club. It is little wonder, then, that other teams are monitoring his situation, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Despite the fact he turns 33 next year, Salah is showing no signs of slowing down and would be a welcome addition to many top teams in Europe and beyond. But he is settled in Cheshire and has so far given no indication that he is seeking a move away from Anfield. The sticking point is likely to be the financial terms of any potential new deal, with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) typically refraining from handing out big-money contracts to players in the latter stages of their careers. However, on this season's evidence, Salah should be the exception to that rule.
OTHER RUMORS
If England winger Jack Grealish leaves Manchester City then Tottenham would be interested in signing him, though they have also been chasing Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. (Football Insider)
Real Madrid's dilemma for January is whether to focus on "the academy, or their wallet." Madrid are looking for players amid a defensive injury crisis, but haven't yet decided if they'll make a January signing or rely on youngsters. The player they're most keen on is Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, but he wouldn't be an option until next summer when his contract at Anfield expires. (Marca)
Lille striker Jonathan David has Juventus, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Manchester United interested in signing him on a free transfer next summer. (Tuttosport)
Chelsea, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are tracking 22-year-old Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo. (O Jogo)
Manchester United allowed left-back Alvaro Carreras to join Benfica in the summer but are considering actioning a clause to re-sign the 21-year-old now. (Marca)
Talks have stalled between Barcelona and midfielder Frenkie de Jong over a new contract. The 27-year-old is reported to have ignored the Blaugana's most recent offer of a long-term extension and is in "no rush" to sign a new deal. (Sport)
Juventus are looking to land unhappy Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee on loan in January. (Tuttosport)
Real Betis legend Joaquin says he wouldn't rule out a move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in January, although right now there's "nothing" going on between them. Ceballos is a Betis youth product who left for Madrid in 2017. (Cadena SER)
Having sacked Ivan Juric after less than two months in charge, Roma are in advanced talks to bring back coach Claudio Ranieri, who announced his retirement from club management after helping Cagliari avoid relegation from Serie A at the end of the 2023-24 season. (Ansa)
Santos have joined the race to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa, the club's president has revealed. Gabigol announced this week he will not sign a new contract with Flamengo with his current deal expiring in December. (ESPN Brasil)
Veteran defender Nacho Fernandez has ruled out a return to Real Madrid after the 34-year-old joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah in the summer. (Cope)
Source: espn.co.uk