Real Madrid News
Arsenal legend comments on club’s failed attempt to sign Vinicius: ‘It didn’t materialise, but…’
Martin Keown, Arsenal legend and ambassador, spoke after the UEFA Champions League draw about the club’s transfer activity and, in particular, two major names who were linked with a move to the Emirates this summer: Vinicius Jr. and Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners had shown a concrete interest in the Real Madrid superstar even as negotiations over his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu had hit a standstill.
There were talks between the two camps and there was a strong belief within the Arsenal camp that they could land the Brazilian international this summer.
However, Vinicius ultimately renewed his contract with Real Madrid, dealing a blow to the Premier League champions.
Arsenal competing for Europe’s elite
Speaking after the Champions League draw on Thursday, Keown stated that he believes the fact that Arsenal were even linked with players of Vinicius’ calibre demonstrates how far the club has progressed.
“I think the key to Arsenal’s success is that they can be linked with Vinicius. It didn’t materialise, but it shows the steps Arsenal are taking,” the former defender explained, as quoted by AS.
Keown placed Vinicius and Alvarez among the elite players capable of making a difference at any major European club.
“To play for Arsenal, you have to be a top-level player. And both of them are,” he said.
For the Arsenal ambassador, failing to complete either deal shouldn’t be viewed as a failure.
“The important thing is that Arsenal are competing for the best players in Europe,” Keown stressed.
Real Madrid to face Arsenal
Following the failed pursuit of Vinicius, Arsenal will face off against him and Real Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League.
Indeed, the Premier League champions have been drawn against the Spanish capital giants, with the clash set to be played at the Emirates Stadium.
It will not be an easy fixture for Jose Mourinho & co., considering how solid Mikel Arteta’s team has been. Moreover, it must be remembered that Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from the competition at the quarter-final stages during the 2024/25 season.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
