Real Madrid strengthens defense! Former Manchester City player willing to give up salary to join, Arsenal fringe player's €40 million transfer sets record.

After Yoro was intercepted by Manchester United, Real Madrid continues to search for center-backs in the transfer market, but still lacks "sufficient sincerity." Earlier, Spanish newspaper AS reported that Laporte performed excellently in the European Championship, coinciding with Real Madrid's current shortage of center-backs, so Ancelotti wants to bring him in to strengthen this position. Real Madrid's interest delighted Laporte, who is willing to abandon his remaining two-year contract to move to Real Madrid. Al-Nassr spent €27 million to sign Laporte from Manchester City, so convincing them to release him would require a transfer fee. However, Real Madrid only wants a free transfer, which currently leaves the two sides far apart.

This is Real Madrid: a free transfer brings immediate satisfaction, and continuous free transfers bring ongoing satisfaction. But it's not that Real Madrid is unwilling to spend money; rather, they prefer to use funds on "key priorities." This summer, Mbappé joined as a free agent, but the signing fee and commissions combined certainly exceed €100 million, which essentially amounts to a "€100 million signing." For a superstar like Mbappé, Florentino Pérez is definitely willing to spend.

However, in the center-back position, we can sense Real Madrid's "casual" attitude from Yoro's transfer. With its powerful appeal, Real Madrid can attract the top stars in football, so they have always been quite confident in transfers. For example, with Yoro previously, he was eager to join Real Madrid, and Real Madrid calmly offered a bid of around €30 million. This price was far below Lille's expectations, but Real Madrid did not intend to increase it, even facing Manchester United's aggressive pursuit.

Laporte is similar; faced with Real Madrid's offer, he doesn't want to miss the opportunity and is willing to abandon two years of high salary to join. But Real Madrid only wants a free transfer, and Al-Nassr certainly won't release him for free. Why should they give away a player they paid a transfer fee for, after using him for just one year, without compensation?

This approach naturally sparks considerable controversy, but it reflects Real Madrid's current recruitment strategy for center-backs. Because center-backs are not an urgent need: Rüdiger and Militão are the starting pair, Alaba is expected to return around November, and Tchouaméni can also fill in. Therefore, they only need a rotational center-back and don't need to spend heavily.

According to Italian journalist Nicolò Schira, Arsenal midfielder Smith Rowe is set to join Fulham for €40 million, with a contract until 2029. UK's Sky Sports also confirmed this news, noting that this price will set Fulham's club record for transfer fees.

Smith Rowe initially made a breakthrough in Arsenal's first team with impressive performances, affectionately called "the Crown Prince" by Arsenal fans. In the 20-21 season, he played 33 matches with 26 starts, scoring 4 goals and assisting 7 times; the following season, he played 37 matches with 11 goals and 2 assists, and his market value once reached €40 million. However, he later suffered injury setbacks, leading to a sharp decline in appearances over the past two seasons. Over two seasons, he only appeared in 33 matches with just 4 starts, gradually becoming a "fringe player."

Smith Rowe is only 23 years old; staying at Arsenal would make it difficult to get sufficient playing time, and he also desires to leave for a fresh start. Currently, Smith Rowe is participating in the US preseason tour with the team, waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement so he can discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. In the preseason match against Bournemouth, Smith Rowe was on the bench but did not play, further fueling rumors of his imminent transfer. Let's wait and see!