In a stunning development, Real Madrid's star winger Vinícius Júnior is reportedly weighing an 'irrefusable' offer from Saudi Arabia, which includes a prestigious role as an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup. According to Marca, representatives of the 24-year-old Brazilian met with high-ranking officials from the Saudi Royal House, where an 'unprecedented' proposal was presented. The Saudi Pro League is optimistic about securing his services this summer, though Vinícius has yet to make a final decision.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is intensifying their pursuit of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Telegraph reports that Los Blancos are preparing an 'all-or-nothing' approach to sign the 26-year-old defender on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer. Alexander-Arnold, who recently returned from injury in Liverpool's 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Everton, has just over four months remaining on his current deal at Anfield.
In Serie A news, Juventus is moving to secure the long-term future of USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie. Calciomercato reveals that sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is eager to reward McKennie's impressive form under manager Thiago Motta with a new contract that could keep him at the Allianz Stadium until 2028 or 2029, despite the player having signed a new deal just last summer.
In other transfer developments, Manchester City has opted out of the race to re-sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, according to Football Insider. While Chelsea and Manchester United maintain their interest in the 22-year-old, City has decided against exercising their buyback clause, having already strengthened their attacking options with the acquisition of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Lastly, Brazilian Serie A club Grêmio has reached an agreement to sign LAFC winger Cristian Olivera. As reported by Cesar Luis Merlo, the deal is worth $4.5 million for 75% of the player's rights, with the 22-year-old set to sign a contract through December 2028. Both clubs are currently finalizing the paperwork to complete the transfer.
