Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Vinicius Jr rejects Real Madrid! La Liga giants still in talks with over new contract for Brazil star despite claims of huge Saudi Arabia move

Posted Saturday, February 08, 2025 by Goal.com

Real Madrid target Arsenal's William Saliba as priority

Real Madrid have reportedly made an Arsenal star a 'priority' transfer target this summer but they will need to fork out a mammoth fee for him.

According to RMC Sport, Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is an 'absolute priority' transfer target this summer. The report adds that the Gunners do not want to lose the Frenchman but if he is sold he would become the most expensive defender in football history.

Vinicius rejects Real Madrid contract offer amid Saudi links

Real Madrid are reportedly in negotiations with Vinicius Junior to extend the Brazilian's contract amid ongoing links with the Saudi Pro League.

According to Relevo, Madrid and Vinicius sat down for contract talks two weeks ago but an agreement is not close. Los Blancos' offer is said to have been rejected by the Brazilian because it is too low, especially with Saudi Pro League officials allegedly offering him a €1 billion (£834m) contract.

Alba reveals Messi dream that hints at contract extension

Jordi Alba has explained a dream that he shares with Lionel Messi, as contract extensions at MLS Cup hopefuls Inter Miami are hinted at.

Alba has told The Athletic of future plans for Messi and Co: “I’d love to play at the new stadium, all of us, with Leo, Busi and Luis. It’ll be spectacular. As of today, I’m just going year by year, to see how I feel physically, mentally. So we’ll see, but yeah, it’d be great.”

USMNT star Weston McKennie lined up for another new contract at Juventus

USMNT star Weston McKennie is reportedly in line for another new contract at Juventus, with fresh terms set to land him a significant pay rise.

Cunha's new release clause revealed as Arsenal handed boost

Matheus Cunha reportedly has a release clause inserted in his Wolves contract as Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea handed a boost ahead of next summer.

Real Madrid show interest in Arsenal-target Zubimendi

Real Madrid are considering a move for Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi as they look to strengthen their midfield for the future. According to The Athletic, discussions have already taken place between the Spanish giants and the 26-year-old’s representatives. The Bernabéu management sees him as a strong candidate to fill Luka Modric’s role in the coming years.

Los Blancos are not the only club keeping an eye on Zubimendi. Arsenal are also reportedly interested, adding potential competition for his signature. The midfielder previously rejected a summer move to Liverpool despite the Reds triggering his £50 million release clause.

Man City ignoring ‘fire sale’ & relegation threat in FFP saga

Manchester City have ignored any threats regarding relegation and a “fire sale of footballers” as they wait on a verdict in their protracted FFP case.

Amorim emphasizes patience in Manchester United’s transfer approach

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stressed the importance of avoiding past transfer missteps following a subdued January window.

He said: "What I feel is that the club is taking its time. We know the urgency of the team at the moment, but I think everybody here doesn't want to make the same mistakes we did in the past. We have to improve the players that we have, win some games and then, in the summer, we will see. We are being really careful with transfers because we made some mistakes in the past.

"It's a moment that it's hard to turn things around in a few games. It's going to be like that - really hard - until the end of the season. We want a different thing in our team, we want profiles and that is my area, so it was my decision to do that [not make wholesale changes in January].

"We are taking some risks, but it's the way we want to proceed. We can improve our team. We will have time to train because I'm always complaining about not having time to train. Now we have time to train, we are going to improve the team, the players. I want a certain type of player, a different profile and we are changing right away."

Ramos has a new club! Madrid icon joins Liga MX side Monterrey

Sergio Ramos joined Mexican club Monterrey, setting up a future showdown with his ex-Real Madrid teammate James Rodriguez, who plays for Leon.

Amorim makes telling Rashford admission after Villa loan move

Ruben Amorim revealed Marcus Rashford was not on the same page after the exiled Manchester United forward completed his loan move to Aston Villa.

“What I say is I couldn’t put Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it," he told reporters.

'I have no idea' - Van Dijk's worrying update on Liverpool future

Virgil van Dijk refused to commit his future to Liverpool after dropping a sensational performance against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he stated: "I am feeling good, what the future brings I have no idea. Anyone who says they know, they are absolutely wrong."

Van Nistelrooy unfazed by Leicester’s financial setbacks in January window

Leicester City’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, remains steadfast in his role despite unexpected financial constraints that altered the club’s transfer plans in January. Despite their efforts, Leicester’s only signing last month was defender Woyo Coulibaly. The inability to secure multiple targets has been a source of frustration, but van Nistelrooy remains focused on working with his current squad to stay afloat in the Premier League.

When he was asked whether he has thought about quitting, Van Nistelrooy said: “Not at all because when you’re part of the conversations and you are informed on a regular basis how things are going, then things are not a surprise. I don’t have to be considering these things.”

Postecoglou says Tel will STAY with Spurs beyond his loan

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has claimed that Mathys Tel will stay with the Lilywhites beyond his initial loan from Bayern Munich.

Speaking to the media, Postecoglou said: "He'll be a Tottenham player, mate. He'll be a Tottenham player. I think he'll show everyone he's going to be a Tottenham player in the next six months. I didn't bring him here for six months."

Evan Ferguson talks about West Ham and future

Evan Ferguson was West Ham United’s only signing in the January transfer window, arriving on loan from Brighton, while James Ward-Prowse returned to the club from his loan at Nottingham Forest.

"I can see and know how big West Ham United is,” he said. “It was a big opportunity for me to come here. I know the gaffer well and look forward to working under him again. I want to come in and do my best for the club, score goals, and see where we get to.

When pressed on what could happen in the future, he added: “We’ll see what the future holds.” While it might be music to the ears of West Ham fans, it must be noted that there is no buy option in the loan deal that brought Ferguson to London.