Erling Haaland Reportedly Prefers Spain if He Leaves Manchester City
Erling Haaland’s future is again being linked with a possible exit from Manchester City in 2027, with the Norway striker understood to prefer Spain to a move to Arsenal should he leave the Etihad Stadium. His City contract runs until 2034, but uncertainty surrounding the club’s financial charges and the potential consequences of those proceedings has prompted his representatives to consider longer-term options.
Key takeaways
- Barcelona and Real Madrid are expected to position themselves for Haaland if he becomes available.
- Barcelona continue to monitor Club Brugge forward Nicolò Tresoldi despite signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.
- Tottenham are watching Kaoru Mitoma, whose Brighton contract talks have reportedly stalled with 18 months remaining.
- Juventus have Brentford right-back Michael Kayode on their defensive shortlist ahead of January.
- Federico Chiesa could consider a Serie A return as he seeks more regular football away from Liverpool.
- Riyad Mahrez has verbally agreed a short-term deal with Qatar’s Al-Shamal after leaving Al Ahli in June.
Haaland, Barcelona and Premier League targets
Arsenal have the financial capacity to pursue Haaland, but Spain is said to be the 26-year-old’s preferred destination in the event of a future departure. Barcelona and Real Madrid would both be keen to lead the pursuit of the City centre-forward, whose contractual position means any prospective deal remains a longer-term consideration.
Barcelona have also kept Club Brugge striker Tresoldi under observation. The 22-year-old Germany Under-21 international was followed during the summer before Barcelona opted to bring in Gabriel Jesus, but the Catalan club could return for Tresoldi in a later window.
Tottenham’s interest in Brighton winger Mitoma is linked to Roberto De Zerbi’s desire to work with the Japan international again. Mitoma previously played under De Zerbi at Brighton, while Liverpool are also monitoring the 29-year-old as negotiations over a new deal remain unresolved.
Juventus are considering Kayode as they plan defensive additions. The Italian club have tracked their former academy player through spells at Gozzano and Fiorentina before his progress at Brentford. Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour and Borussia Dortmund prospect Samuele Inácio are also being assessed, with Juventus expected to focus on a left-back and midfield signing when the January window opens.
Chiesa is open to going back to Italy after finding first-team opportunities limited at Liverpool. Internazionale, Atalanta and Lazio are all following the Italy winger before the January market.
Contract plans and January possibilities
AC Milan are discussing an extension with Christian Pulisic, with the winger keen to continue at San Siro. Milan are also among the clubs monitoring Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, who could be allowed to leave. Tottenham and Aston Villa are likewise tracking the South Korea international.
Barcelona forward Dani Olmo has interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but the 28-year-old does not want to leave Camp Nou. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are trying to agree fresh terms with right-back Marc Pubill before the end of the year.
Roma are exploring a loan for Real Madrid forward Endrick that would include an option to make the move permanent. The Italian side are also preparing a proposed contract for youngster Emanuele Lulli through to 2031, worth close to €1 million per season.
Bayern retain an interest in Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read despite competition from Premier League clubs. Elsewhere in England, Brighton and Bournemouth are keeping watch on Atlético Nacional centre-back Néider Parra, while Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Newcastle United are closely following 17-year-old Genk talent August De Wannemacker.
Mahrez, a former Manchester City winger, became a free agent after departing Al Ahli in June and has now reached a verbal agreement to join Al-Shamal on a short-term basis.
