Real Madrid name Arsenal star 'priority' transfer target

By: Shawn
Real Madrid have reportedly named an Arsenal star a 'priority' transfer target this summer, but they will have to pay a huge cost for him.

Real Madrid's 'Mikel Arteta.'
AFP

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

'William Saliba.'
Getty Images Sport

The 23-year-old has undoubtedly become one of the top centre-backs in the world, and if he leaves Arsenal, rumors claim he may fetch a cost higher than the £80 million ($99.7 million) Manchester United paid to get Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. However, the Gunners will battle tooth and nail to retain France international.

The 6ft 4in defender, whose Arsenal contract expires in 2027, has made 116 appearances for the north London club, scoring seven goals.

Aside from transfer rumors, Saliba will now focus on Arsenal's next game, which is away to Leicester City in the Premier League on February 15.

MORE FROM SPORT CRAVE

Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal? Former France International Says Premier League Move Cannot Be Ruled Out

Image
‎A future Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe cannot be completely ruled out, according to former France international Mikael Silvestre, who believes the Real Madrid forward should ultimately choose the club that gives him the strongest opportunity to win the major trophy missing from his career. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe’s future Premier League move is discussed as Mikael Silvestre says Arsenal cannot be ruled out. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Mbappe appeared to have found the ideal destination when he joined Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’. However, despite his outstanding individual performances, the France international is still waiting to secure the Champions League and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe Still Waiting for Champions League Success ‎ ‎Real Madrid have gone two seasons without winning the most prestigious trophy in European football, a situation that has reportedly added to the frustration surrounding Mbappe's pursuit of collective success. ...
Read more

The Rise of Umar 'Mai Yaki' Muhammed: A Young Basketballer’s Journey of Passion and Ambition

Image
‎For Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed, basketball is more than just a sport. It is a passion that has grown into a dream—one that he hopes will take him from the courts of Niger to bigger stages across Nigeria and, eventually, the world. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed. ‎Mai Yaki via SC ‎ ‎The upcoming basketballer from Niger, Nigeria, is currently based in Abuja, where he continues to pursue his passion for the game and develop himself as a player. With ambition, dedication and a growing love for basketball, Umar is focused on building a future in the sport he has come to love. ‎ ‎In this exclusive conversation with Sport Crave, Umar opens up about how his journey with basketball began, what keeps him motivated and what he hopes the future holds for his career. ‎ ‎Sport Crave: Umar, tell us about yourself and your basketball journey. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed: My name is Umar Muhammed, but many people know me as “Mai Yaki.” I am a basketball player from Niger, Nigeria, and right n...
Read more

Manchester City Agree Deal to Sign Arsenal Midfield Prospect Mishel Nduka

Image
‎Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after the 16-year-old turned down a new contract offer from the Gunners. ‎ ‎The England youth international is expected to undergo a medical imminently before completing his move to Manchester City on scholarship terms. A professional contract is then expected to follow as City continue their efforts to recruit and develop some of the most promising young players in the game. ‎ ‎Manchester City have agreed to sign 16-year-old Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after he turned down a new contract. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Arsenal had presented Nduka with a highly competitive long-term contract in an effort to retain the midfielder, but the teenager is now expected to continue his development at Manchester City. ‎ ‎Nduka joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured for Arsenal’s Under-18s and also made appearances for the club’s under-21 si...
Read more

‎Roma Step Up Alejandro Garnacho and Crysencio Summerville Chase Ahead of New Season

Image
‎Roma are accelerating their search for top-quality attacking reinforcements as they prepare to reshape their frontline before the new season. The Giallorossi have strengthened their pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho while remaining firmly interested in Crysencio Summerville as they aim to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level. ‎ ‎Roma intensify transfer talks for Alejandro Garnacho while maintaining strong interest in Crysencio Summerville. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Roma have stepped up their activity in the transfer market, with Alejandro Garnacho continuing to rank among the club's priority targets. According to calcionews24, the Serie A side have made fresh contact regarding the Chelsea starlet, underlining their determination to bring the Argentina international to the Stadio Olimpico. ‎ ‎Although convincing Chelsea to part with the talented winger represents a difficult challenge, Roma believe the deal is complicated but achievable and one that coul...
Read more

‎Chelsea Complete £117m Morgan Rogers Deal as Blues Hijack Arsenal Transfer Pursuit

Image
‎Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster £117 million transfer, with the England international choosing Stamford Bridge ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal. ‎ ‎Chelsea agree a record £117m deal for Morgan Rogers as the England star chooses Chelsea over Arsenal after Xabi Alonso’s influence. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was reportedly attracted by Chelsea’s project under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who played a key role in convincing Rogers to join the Blues. ‎ ‎Chelsea Break British Transfer Record with Morgan Rogers Deal ‎ ‎According to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea have accelerated their summer transfer plans by reaching a verbal agreement with Aston Villa for the signing of Rogers. ‎ ‎The deal, worth £117 million, will make Rogers the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history. The fee surpasses the previous British record of £116 million, which Manchester City recently agreed for ...
Read more

Marcus Rashford to Liverpool? David James Backs Shock Premier League Transfer Idea

Image
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has made a sensational suggestion involving a potential move for Marcus Rashford to Liverpool, despite the fierce rivalry with Manchester United. James believes the England forward’s ability remains unquestionable and feels his qualities could still flourish under the right environment, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola mentioned as a key managerial influence capable of helping him rediscover top form. ‎ David James backs Liverpool to consider Marcus Rashford transfer, praising his talent and suggesting Iraola could help revive him. ‎Getty Images Sport  The former England international has urged Liverpool to at least consider the possibility of signing Rashford, describing him as an elite-level talent despite recent questions about consistency and his long-term future. Uncertainty around Rashford has grown following reports that Barcelona decided not to activate a £30 million option to make his loan move permanent, leaving his n...
Read more

‎Can England Win the 2026 World Cup? Defence Remains the Biggest Question

Image
‎England enter the 2026 World Cup with plenty of reasons for optimism. Harry Kane continues to rank among the finest strikers in world football, Declan Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, and Thomas Tuchel brings tactical expertise capable of maximizing an attack filled with elite talent. ‎ England boast elite attacking talent, but concerns over fitness and experience in defence could threaten World Cup success. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎Yet despite their strengths going forward, England's defensive unit remains a major source of uncertainty. ‎ ‎The contrast between attack and defence is striking. While England's forward line can be devastating, Tuchel's preferred back four of Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly enters the tournament carrying concerns over fitness, experience and reliability. ‎ ‎Every contender has weaknesses, but England's defensive concerns are among the most visible and could ultimat...
Read more

Pep Guardiola Net Worth in 2026: Salary, Career Earnings, Manchester City Success and Coaching Legacy

Image
‎Pep Guardiola is a Spanish soccer coach and former professional soccer player with an estimated net worth of $160 million. ‎ ‎Widely considered one of the greatest managers in football history, Josep "Pep" Guardiola Sala transformed himself from the midfield orchestrator of Johan Cruyff's famed Barcelona "Dream Team" into one of the most influential coaches the sport has ever seen. His managerial success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City has been built on tactical innovation, positional play, relentless pressing, and exceptional control of matches. ‎ ‎Pep Guardiola's $160 million net worth, salary, career earnings, coaching success, and football legacy explained. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Throughout his coaching career, Guardiola has led some of football's most dominant teams, helping shape the careers of stars such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona before guiding Manchester City to a historic treb...
Read more

Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded to Miami Heat in Blockbuster Deal as Bucks Begin Rebuild

Image
‎The Miami Heat have completed one of the NBA's biggest trades, acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and bringing an end to the superstar's lengthy tenure with the franchise that drafted him. ‎ ‎The Miami Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis as Milwaukee secures young players and picks. ‎Getty Images ‎As part of the agreement, Bobby Portis will also head to Miami. Milwaukee receives a substantial package featuring Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round draft picks, a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick. ‎ ‎Among those draft assets is the No. 13 overall selection in Tuesday's NBA Draft. The remaining two first-round picks included in the trade are unprotected. ‎ ‎Why the Bucks Chose to Move On ‎ ‎For more than a year, reports suggested Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee was uncertain. The speculation intensified after a disappointing 32-50 season in which the Bucks fin...
Read more

'I Don’t Have Energy': ‎Marcus Rashford Refuses to Discuss Manchester United Future Before World Cup Knockout Match

Image
‎Marcus Rashford has dismissed concerns over his Manchester United future, saying his complete focus remains on England as they prepare for a crucial World Cup last-16 showdown against Mexico. ‎ ‎Marcus Rashford says England's World Cup campaign is his only priority despite ongoing transfer uncertainty. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎England Comes First for Rashford ‎ ‎With transfer speculation continuing around the Manchester United forward, Rashford has chosen to put all club-related matters on hold until England's World Cup campaign is over. ‎ ‎After spending last season on loan at Barcelona, where he regained form in La Liga, the Catalan side decided against activating the £26 million option to sign him permanently. ‎ ‎Ahead of England's knockout fixture, Rashford explained his approach to the situation. ‎ ‎“As a person, I live in the moment,” he said. “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup. I wanted it done before, and if not, then I won't...
Read more