Madrid pursuing Rodri and Diomande, Arsenal offer player for Alvarez

Real Madrid’s transfer pursuits
Real Madrid is reportedly making moves in the current summer transfer window, with interest in several key players. The club has revived its interest in Rodri, the Spain star and captain from Manchester City. Reports indicate that representatives of Rodri have held a meeting with Real Madrid, with expectations of a contract offer extending until the summer of 2030. However, as of now, there have been no discussions between the two clubs regarding a transfer.
The situation surrounding Rodri comes as Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that the player would be absent for an unspecified period following back surgery. Despite this, Paris Saint-Germain has also contacted Manchester City regarding a potential deal for Rodri. While strengthening the midfield was not initially part of PSG’s summer plans, Rodri’s contractual situation, with only one year remaining on his deal, has reportedly made him an attractive opportunity. Real Madrid is said to be leading the race for Rodri, with an agreement reportedly in place with the player himself, while Barcelona is also monitoring the situation.
In another development, Real Madrid has reportedly entered the race for Ivorian star Yan Diomande. According to one report, Real Madrid has opened discussions with the player’s representatives and his club, Leipzig. This interest follows a rejected offer from Liverpool for the young winger, which reportedly exceeded one hundred million euros. Diomande was also linked with negotiations from Paris Saint-Germain during the World Cup, and Arsenal has also made contact. It is suggested that Real Madrid used media attention around Michael Olise as a distraction while working to secure Diomande’s signing.
In preparation for potential future changes, Real Madrid has indicated a willingness to spend on RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande. However, the Côte d’Ivoire international is expected to cost a significant sum. Additionally, Real Madrid is exploring the situation of Aurélien Tchouaméni amidst reports linking the club to Rodri.
Other notable transfer activities
Arsenal is reportedly preparing an offer for Julian Alvarez, which includes cash and striker Viktor Gyokeres, to acquire him from Atletico Madrid. Barcelona remains a keen suitor for the Argentine star, though Atletico Madrid has rejected their official bid and is holding out for their financial demands to be met. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid has completed the signing of South Korea’s Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain, securing the midfielder on a five-year contract. Reports suggest Atletico paid around 35 million euros for the player.
In other transfer news, Romelu Lukaku’s agent, Federico Pastorello, has indicated that Lukaku will not accept a limited role at Napoli next season. Pastorello stated that Lukaku would not be content sitting on the bench behind Rasmus Hojlund. Rafael Leao has also clarified his position, confirming to a Brazilian podcast that he has made his stance clear to Milan regarding a fresh challenge away from the club. He plans to join collective training as usual until his future becomes clearer. Currently, Leao reportedly has no official offers on the table, with the exception of one from Fenerbahce, which does not align with his future aspirations. However, Fenerbahce has publicly denied reports of a 100 million euro package, including salary, to sign Leao, stating the rumours are untrue.
Besiktas is reportedly close to securing a move for Darwin Nunez from Al-Hilal. The Uruguay striker is said to be nearing personal terms with the Turkish club, though details regarding the transfer fee or deal structure have not been clarified. Ousmane Dembélé has not ruled out leaving PSG this summer, with strong interest from Saudi club Al Hilal. Al Hilal is reportedly prepared to offer Dembélé a substantial annual salary on a three-year contract, potentially making him one of the highest-paid players globally.
Manchester City has confirmed the signing of Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who has penned a five-year deal running until 2031, with an option for an additional year. Olympique Lyon has reached a verbal agreement to sign striker Louis Openda from Juventus on a loan deal, with the French club covering his full salary for a fee of around 3 million euros, without an option-to-buy clause.
Manchester City could be preparing for a future without Rodri, with reports suggesting they are willing to make a significant offer for Lille’s World Cup starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi. Liverpool, despite public faith in Alexis Mac Allister, might consider a suitable offer for the midfielder, with Chelsea emerging as an interested party. Newcastle United has no intention of accepting Arsenal’s improved bid for midfielder Bruno Guimarães. Manchester United is not considering selling Bruno Fernandes this summer, contrary to some reports. Aston Villa’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain player Ibrahim Mbaye is expected to cool as Manchester City has also entered the race. Lamine Yamal has reportedly requested the acquisition of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro, but Barcelona is cautious about meeting the asking price set by Spurs. Manchester United has reportedly agreed personal terms with Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with negotiations now focusing on the transfer sum. Aston Villa is reportedly willing to make Nicolas Jackson the most expensive player in the club’s history to secure the striker for Unai Emery. Tottenham is prepared to part ways with striker Richarlison, who has been linked with Juventus and Fenerbahçe. Chelsea is credited with interest in Barcelona’s defender Gerard Martín, facing competition from AC Milan. Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall is at the centre of a bidding war between Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest. Harry Kane is reportedly set to open formal talks with Bayern Munich regarding a contract extension to his current deal, which is set to expire in 2027. Atlético Madrid has joined the race for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres. The scramble to secure Real Madrid’s player Franco Mastantuono on loan next season has expanded to include Juventus and Inter, as well as Como.
Contract renewals and denials
Manchester City has confirmed that Abdukodir Khusanov has renewed his contract with the club until 2031. The Uzbek defender has signed a five-year deal with an option for an additional year. This renewal signifies a long-term commitment from the club to the player.
In contrast, Fenerbahçe has publicly addressed and denied several transfer rumours. The Turkish club issued an official statement on its website, refuting reports of interest in Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic. Furthermore, Fenerbahçe dismissed widespread rumours concerning a 100 million euro package, including salary, to acquire AC Milan’s Portugal forward Rafael Leao, asserting that these claims are unfounded.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the transfer market, with clubs actively pursuing new talent and managing existing contracts, while also addressing public speculation.
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Source: goal.com