Arsenal Target Nico Paz as Real Madrid Retain Buy-Back Clause
Arsenal have set their sights on Nico Paz, but any move for the 22-year-old will have to go through Real Madrid’s shadow. The Argentina forward, now at Como, is being closely monitored by the Gunners, yet Madrid retain a powerful safety net: a buy-back clause set at 80m euros (£68.7m), according to ElDesmarque.
If Paz explodes in Serie A, Arsenal will not be the only ones forced to do the maths. Real can bring him back at a fixed price, and any bidder will know they are operating under that ceiling. For now, it’s a watch-and-wait game in north London.
Liverpool and Villa circle Ndour
On the continent, Cher Ndour has drawn English interest. Liverpool and Aston Villa are tracking the Fiorentina midfielder, 22, as he starts to carve out a role in Serie A. Caught Offside report that the Italy international is on several Premier League shortlists, his profile ticking boxes for clubs wanting a long-term option in the middle of the park.
No bids yet. Just a growing queue of scouts and dossiers.
Sunderland won’t drop Catamo chase
Sunderland’s pursuit of Geny Catamo is turning into a saga. The Championship side failed to land the Mozambique winger, 25, from Sporting in the summer, but, as Record report via Sport Witness, they are refusing to walk away.
They see a wide player who fits their high-energy blueprint and are prepared to keep pushing, even after the window shut on their initial attempts. January could reopen the door.
Monaco set steep price for Camara
At Monaco, the message is blunt: Lamine Camara will not come cheap. The Ligue 1 club believe they can command 70m euros (£60.1m) for the 22-year-old Senegal midfielder, a player who already came close to a major move.
TeamTalk report that his switch to Chelsea collapsed on deadline day, yet interest has not disappeared. Chelsea and Liverpool remain linked, but any approach now comes with a hefty price tag attached.
Nmecha ready to walk without minutes
Lukas Nmecha’s patience at Leeds United has a clear limit. The 25-year-old Germany forward will look to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season if his game time does not increase, according to Football Insider.
Leeds know the equation: play him, or risk losing him for nothing.
Celtic track Liverpool full-back
Celtic are already plotting their January business and have turned their attention to Anfield. The Scottish champions are keeping tabs on Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers, 22, as they weigh up a potential move in the next window, Football Insider report.
With full-back depth always under scrutiny in Glasgow, Chambers represents a young, English option who fits the club’s usual recruitment profile.
Zaha offered to Malaga after Galatasaray exit
Wilfried Zaha is back on the market and being steered towards Spain. The Ivory Coast winger, 33, has left Galatasaray as a free agent after two loan spells with MLS side Charlotte FC and has been offered to Malaga, according to Mundo Deportivo.
It would be a striking change of scenery for a player who once carried Crystal Palace and then chased titles in Turkey and the United States.
Barcelona move to lock down wide options
Barcelona are already planning their next chapter on the flanks. Raphinha, under contract until 2028, could be tied down even longer, with AS reporting that the Spanish champions are considering an extension to 2030 for the Brazil winger, now 29.
The club have gone even stronger on youth. Sport report that Barca have finalised a new deal for 18-year-old Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim, running to 2030 and armed with a 150m-euro (£128.7m) release clause.
In a market where prices keep climbing, Barcelona are making one thing clear: if anyone wants their emerging talent, they will have to pay elite money.
