Transfer Talk: Rüdiger wants new deal as Saudi clubs circle

The winter transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Rüdiger wants contract talks as Saudi clubs circle

Antonio Rüdiger has distanced himself from links with a move to the Saudi Pro League in January and wants to renew his contract with Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg.

The report might bring some positive news for the club after being trounced 4-0 in Saturday evening’s Clásico against archrivals Barcelona. Rudiger played the full 90 minutes for Los Blancos but was ineffective against the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Even so, the Germany international is reportedly comfortable in Madrid and seen as a key leader for the team, and he is now looking to cement his future past his current deal’s expiration in 2026. With that said, the Madrid hierarchy are understood to have been stalling on talks.

The centre-back position has been a topic of discussion for Los Blancos for some time, and Rüdiger’s spot in the team could come under threat if Madrid’s rumoured pursuits of Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero and Arsenal’s William Saliba are successful.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Juventus are looking at Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar, Ajax Amsterdam’s Jorrel Hato and Empoli’s Adrian Ismajli as they aim to replace injured Bremer in January, according to Calciomercato. However, the latter could renew his contract with Empoli and whether Juventus will be able to afford the 28-year-old could depend on the potential departures of Arthur Melo and Arkadiusz Milik.

– There is a deal in place for Mario Balotelli to join Genoa on a contract that will run until June 2025, reports Fabrizio Romano. The 34-year-old striker has been a free agent since his Adana Demirspor contract expired in July.

– AC Milan and Napoli will compete to sign Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, as reported by Calciomercato. The Rossoneri see the 20-year-old as a potential successor for Theo Hernández, while Gli Azzurri view him as a possible left-sided version of Giovanni Di Lorenzo and somebody who can alternate with Leonardo Spinazzola. Napoli boss Antonio Conte was spotted speaking to Dorgu after his side’s 1-0 win over Lecce on Saturday.

– Manchester City are looking at Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, claims Football Insider, with the 17-year-old seen as a long-term prospect having worked his way into the Portuguese giants’ first team. The same outlet suggests that the Citizens are laying the groundwork to sign Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro, with the 25-year-old having previously been on their books without making a senior appearance.

– Speaking on Sky Sports Italia, Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi admitted that La Dea are monitoring Monza ace Daniel Maldini. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is the son of AC Milan icon Paolo, and made his debut for Italy earlier this month.