Arsenal have identified Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas as a serious long-term target, with plans reportedly forming for a move in 2026 that could test the resolve of the Spanish giants. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta view the 19-year-old defender as an ideal fit for their evolving squad, with the north London club prepared to play the long game in their pursuit.
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of one of Brazil’s brightest young forwards is facing a formidable obstacle, with Real Madrid reportedly preparing to muscle in on the race for Vasco da Gama sensation Rayan. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s most coveted prospects this season, and interest from Europe’s elite is now beginning to crystallise into concrete plans.
Kylian Mbappe scored two and set up another as Real Madrid unconvincingly saw off Spanish third-tier side Talavera 3-2 to reach the last-16 of the Copa del Rey. The 26-year-old converted a penalty, forced the hosts into an own-goal, and scored a fortuitous long-range strike, but that nearly wasn't enough as the underdogs made it a tense finish with two late goals on Wednesday.
Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham shared pictures of girlfriend Ashlyn Castro on her birthday on Wednesday. The couple have been dating since January and have kept their relationship relatively low profile, with few posts referencing each other on Instagram. However, Castro has been spotted in the stands at the Santiago Bernabeu in support of Bellingham.
Modernising the role of a full-back 30 years ago, Roberto Carlos undoubtedly set the benchmark. A tactical genius and a physical specimen, the Real Madrid and Brazil legend won countless trophies at club and international level, contributing bucket loads of goals and assists. No one in the past, present or future can ever claim to be his equal - he was that good.
Dayot Upamecano is literally 'on the move' in Munich, but his change of address could signal a major blow to his international suitors. While Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain circle the French defender ahead of the January window, Upamecano’s decision to relocate within the Bavarian capital offers the biggest hint yet that his long-term future lies at the Allianz Arena rather than the Bernabeu or the Parc des Princes.
Paris Saint-Germain have been ordered to pay Kylian Mbappe over €60 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, but the legal battle may not be over yet. The French champions have confirmed they will execute the initial judgment while pointedly refusing to rule out a future appeal, insisting they have always acted with "good faith and integrity" throughout the bitter dispute.
England are being advised to drop Jude Bellingham from their starting XI at the 2026 World Cup, with the Real Madrid superstar being informed that Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers currently has “more of an influence” on games. Thomas Tuchel has warned all of those at his disposal that no places in his plans for a shot at global glory next summer are guaranteed.
Bayern Munich’s hopes of securing the long-term future of Dayot Upamecano have hit a significant stumbling block, with reports emerging that the French defender’s camp is insisting on a massive salary hike and a release clause that could force the German giants into a difficult corner. As the January transfer window approaches, the 'contract poker' at the Allianz Arena is reaching a fever pitch.
Joan Laporta has hit back at Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with a scathing diagnosis, claiming the Spanish capital is suffering from a case of "acute Barcelonitis". The Barcelona chief dismissed recent attacks regarding the Negreira scandal as proof of an obsession, suggesting Los Blancos are more concerned with their rivals than their own internal issues.
Jose Mourinho has been hailed as a genius, with former Benfica striker Dean Saunders explaining his “spoil” tactics to GOAL. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ is, however, considered to face plenty of challenges in modern day management due to player power - with it being pointed out that delivering a “rollicking now is dangerous” and can lead to sackings.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has thrown his full weight behind Florentino Perez in the ongoing war over the Negreira case, insisting that the lack of punishment for Barcelona is viewed with total shock across the rest of Europe. The Madrid president described the ongoing controversy as the biggest scandal in football history as he criticised Spanish football's authorities over a lack of action.
Kylian Mbappe has emerged victorious in his bitter legal war with Paris Saint-Germain after a French court ordered the club to pay him €60 million (£50m/$63m) in unpaid wages and bonuses. The ruling marks a significant blow to the Ligue 1 champions, who saw their own staggering counter-claim of a €440m payment from their former player dismissed by the court.
Atletico Madrid icon Saul Niguez has sparked controversy by claiming bitter rivals Real Madrid have "no fans" compared to his current club Flamengo. The midfielder, now playing under former teammate Filipe Luis in Brazil, launched a stinging attack on the Bernabeu atmosphere while praising the passion of the South American giants ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Marcelo's son is set to make his debut with Real Madrid Castilla after impressing head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The weight of a legendary surname has followed Enzo Alves since his earliest touches of a football, but this week, the 16-year-old has edged closer to forging an identity of his own as he has been summoned to the Castilla squad for the first time ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League International Cup clash against Manchester City’s Under-21s at the Joie Stadium.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has used his traditional Christmas address to launch a blistering attack on Spanish football authorities regarding the Negreira scandal. The club chief labelled the affair the "biggest scandal in football history" and slammed La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for leaving his club "isolated" in their pursuit of justice over the controversial payments.
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil", contrasting it sharply with the support Alonso enjoyed at the BayArena.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Cole Palmer’s stunning return to action at Stamford Bridge against Everton has drawn extraordinary praise from inside the Chelsea dressing room. The attacking star opened the scoring for the Blues against the Toffees, and Wesley Fofana later compared his team-mate to his highly successful compatriots, Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.
Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has firmly dismissed reports of 'threats and ultimatums' from Dayot Upamecano regarding his future, labelling such claims as 'nonsense'. Amid interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, Eberl insisted that contract talks with the French defender are progressing well and remains 'very confident' a deal will be reached soon.
Kylian Mbappe bagged another goal to build on his superhuman individual season and Rodrygo broke his La Liga scoring slump as Real Madrid left it late to edge a well-drilled Alaves side. Xabi Alonso's men needed a result to save their manager's job, and even if they were lacking in quality, individual moments of brilliance got the job done in a vital 2-1 away win.
Barcelona are keen to 'tempt' Kobbie Mainoo away from Manchester United but face stiff competition in the race for the midfielder. The England international had pushed to leave Old Trafford over the summer but was rebuffed in his efforts to leave the Manchester powerhouse. A January transfer has been mooted, though United need reinforcements before sanctioning his exit.
Speculation around Real Madrid’s search for a potential successor to the under-pressure Xabi Alonso has intensified, but Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has shut down hopes of luring Jurgen Klopp back to the dugout. With Los Blancos enduring a turbulent run and Klopp named as a dream candidate, Mintzlaff insists the former Liverpool boss is not returning to coaching "at the moment".
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has revealed the circumstances behind the "rift" which developed between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar during the latter stages of their time together at the Parisian giants. The pair, signed as the world's two most expensive players ever and amongst the biggest stars in the game at the time, shared a close friendship at first but saw issues between them grow over their period at the club.
Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Newcastle in the transfer race for AZ Alkmaar's 'Dutch Pedri' Kees Smit. The 19-year-old, valued at around £25 million ($33m), has attracted attention from across the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also tracking his progress in the Netherlands. However, it is the Blues who are said to be in pole position as it stands.
Real Madrid
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