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Arsenal close in on Martin Zubimendi as Flamengo push to land Jorginho, Real Madrid want early Trent Alexander-Arnold arrival - Paper Round
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Published 07/05/2025 at 23:27 GMT+1
Arsenal are closing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but may lose Jorginho to Flamengo, while Real Madrid are keen on Arsenal defender William Saliba and also hope to sign Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Elsewhere, Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg could stay with the club if they achieve promotion this summer.
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Arsenal close to Zubimendi deal
Arsenal are seemingly in advanced negotiations to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer for £60 million.
The Daily Mail reports that they may also sell Jorginho to Flamengo so he can play in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The paper writes: "Flamengo want Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in time for the Club World Cup.
"The Brazilian side are in advanced talks over signing the 33-year old, having made an approach in December.
"They are now trying to close an agreement on a deal early so that he can be registered to face Tunis in their opening group game on June 17.
"Arsenal are looking to strengthen their midfield and are in advanced talks to sign Martin Zubimendi.
"The Spain international from Real Sociedad would cost £60m this summer and have opened talks over a new deal for Thomas Partey."
Real keen on Saliba
Arsenal will attempt to tie defender William Saliba down to a new contract as Real Madrid step up their interest in the player.
The Frenchman is reportedly a target as Real look to rebuild over the summer after missing out on winning the UEFA Champions League.
The Mirror reports: "Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has ramped up contract talks with William Saliba in a bid to stave off Real Madrid interest, it has been claimed. French centre-back Saliba has been a long-time target for the Spanish giants, who are preparing a busy summer after falling short in their Champions League defence.
"A new centre-back is also high on their list, with injury issues leaving them light at the back this term. Toni Rudiger and David Alaba are out of contract in 2026, while Eder Militao has missed months of action with a second ACL tear in the space of two seasons.
"Saliba isn't the only player on their radar, but he played his part as Arsenal knocked Carlo Ancelotti's side out of the Champions League. He gifted Madrid a goal in the second leg, but by then the damage was done and Arsenal ended up progressing 5-1 on aggregate."
Real want Alexander-Arnold for Club World Cup
Liverpool will ask for a transfer fee if Real Madrid want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.
With hefty prize money on offer for the competition, it has been claimed Liverpool will not let him leave for free ahead of schedule.
The Athletic explains: "Madrid want Alexander-Arnold to play for them at the Club World Cup. Club sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, believe that an agreement can be reached between two clubs who have great respect for each other. They expect it would take a nominal fee for Liverpool to allow the player to end his contract early and be available for the tournament.
"It is unclear how much compensation Liverpool will demand to release Alexander-Arnold from his contract in time for the competition.
"According to senior Anfield sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, talks between the clubs were initiated by Madrid on Monday night. Not having to pay Alexander-Arnold’s wages in June would benefit Liverpool, but they are also expected to demand a fee, especially given the riches on offer at the Club World Cup."
Rigg linked with summer move
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg has been linked with a summer move, with Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund said to be keen.
The 17-year-old may yet stay at Sunderland, especially if the club are promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs this summer.
The Telegraph states: "An England Under-19 international who has been scouted by top clubs in this country and beyond, Rigg has been compared with a young Bryan Robson or even Roy Keane. He has technical ability and skill, but there is a competitive edge. He can look after himself and has needed to.
"How long Rigg will stay at Sunderland remains to be seen. He has already been linked with moves to Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, and, yes, Newcastle too.
"If Sunderland can win promotion there are no doubts he will stay, but his ambition is obvious and he points to the pathway led by another former Sunderland youngster Jordan Henderson."
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