Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

Image
In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...

Real Madrid gets in touch with the agents of an Arsenal star

According to a French rumor, Real Madrid has contacted William Saliba's entourage at Arsenal in anticipation of a possible transfer next summer.

Since returning from his loan stint at Marseille in 2022, the towering center-back has been an unbreakable defensive foundation for the Gunners. Saliba's first full season in 2022–2023 was cut short by a season-ending back injury, which also caused Arsenal to lose the Premier League title. However, Saliba has only missed one of the team's past 59 Premier League games.

Saliba is regarded by many as one of the top center-backs in the world because of his exceptional combination of mental acuity and physical skill. Perhaps the greatest club team in the world is interested in that imposing profile.

A Foot Mercato story claims that Madrid has contacted Saliba's representatives. The defending champions are not anticipated to add any players in January, much to Carlo Ancelotti's chagrin. A possible move for Saliba is something that will be discussed more in the summer.

Without a doubt, Madrid needs additional defensive options when they eventually arrive.

Ancelotti has been forced to clumsily shoehorn defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni into a center-back position beside the flawless Antonio Rudiger because to injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba. Raul Asencio, 21, has unexpectedly gained a lot of minutes this season as a result of the Frenchman's few appearances in that role.

Saliba has a contract with Arsenal that runs through 2027, so it would take a hefty transfer sum to get him to go. Madrid is also keeping an eye on Castello Lukeba, a young center-back for RB Leipzig who would be significantly less expensive than his French counterpart but without the same assurance of quality.

Comments

POPULAR POST ON WANDERLUSTSPORT

Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

Man City ‘new De Bruyne’ possibilities feature Cole Palmer and Ballon d’Or contender

Rashford’s representative ‘seen’ with Manchester City executives as ‘noticeable presence’ in the stands… to observe Aston Villa

Chelsea's ten-man list to take-over Maresca includes a UCL semi-finalist and two club legends

Arsenal icon Lehmann issues sack warning to Arteta following Champions League loss to PSG

Should Enzo Maresca consider benching Cole Palmer? Right now, he is the least effective player on Chelsea...

'He won't join' – Amorim clarifies reasons Gyokeres might decline summer move to Man Utd