Real Madrid eye ‘galactico’ with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe identified – Paper Round

Real Madrid have reportedly “made room in their budget to sign a galactico” and have identified Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe as targets.

Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS suggests Los Blancos have a “potential budget reaching up to £342 million”.

“Los Blancos have also cleared space in their wage bill to accommodate five or six seasons’ worth of a superstar being on the books as their salary expenses have decreased.

Diario AS claim that their £284m yearly wage bill is £68m less than it was in the summer of 2022, while their total income has increased by 17%.”

However, the story continues: “Whether or not they will land ambitious targets of Haaland or Mbappe’s ilk, however, is a question that relates to more than just cold, hard cash.”

Brentford will resist selling star striker Ivan Toney in January, according to The Mirror.

Toney has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal having scored 20 goals in his debut season in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old is currently serving an eight-month suspension after admitting to 232 breaches of Football Association betting rules.

“They are ready to embrace Toney back into the first-team after he completes his ban for breaking Football Association betting rules and expect him to stay at least until next summer. That will be a major blow for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea who are both keen on the England striker who has just 18 months left on his current deal.

“Toney, 27, has made no secret of the fact that he is ready to leave Brentford to further his ambitions as he sets his sights on playing in the Champions League and also becoming a regular member of the England squad.

“But it would take a huge offer to persuade Brentford to sell in the next transfer window and, even though there is strong interest in him, they want him to remain at the club and repay their faith in him.

There is a confidence that Toney will be determined to help the club push for a high finish and be as committed as ever with a place in England’s Euros squad also up for grabs. Brentford had wanted at least £60m when it became clear Arsenal were interested but that valuation has steadily gone up and might even be closer to £100m when they do eventually allow him to go.”

Arsenal will activate the option-to-buy clause in David Raya’s loan deal with Brentford, it has been claimed.

Raya joined The Gunners in the summer and has subsequently taken the place of Aaron Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The article states: “The Spaniard will consequently join the Gunners permanently from Brentford at the end of the season, with sporting director Edu tying up an important piece of transfer business ahead of the winter window.

“Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal have already agreed to turn Raya’s £3million loan deal into a permanent agreement – for a further £27m – by activating a clause with Brentford.

“The move is now said to be ‘guaranteed’, and Raya has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium on a long-term basis.”

Manchester United will let Raphael Varane leave the club in January – but only on a permanent deal.

Varane is currently United’s fourth choice centre-back with Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire forming a centre-back partnership in recent weeks.

“Sky Sport Germany claims that Varane is unhappy with his situation at Old Trafford. United are aware and are said to be prepared to let him leave in January but will refuse any loan exit,” the Express states.

“United will only entertain permanent offers for the former Real Madrid star of between £17.4m and £26m. Bayern are monitoring Varane’s position but are yet to make any formal interest known.”