Real Madrid keen on Monaco starlet; Hatem Ben Arfa in high demand

Real Madrid keen on Monaco starlet

Spanish giants Real Madrid are hot on the trail of Monaco youngster Kylian Mbappe Lottin, according to AS.

Los Blancos have been keeping close tabs on the 17-year-old footballer, but they are not the only top side in the race for his signature.

AS has claimed that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United are all ready to challenge Real Madrid for the youngster’s services.

The talented forward began the season playing for the reserves, but he got promoted to the first team set up at the end of November.

Mbappe has since made two substitute appearances in Ligue 1 and also tasted Europa League football, while starting the Coupe de la Ligue game vs Bordeaux.

His suitors Real Madrid are currently priced at 9/2 to lift the La Liga trophy, sitting two points behind arch rivals Barcelona, who also have a game in hand.

Hatem Ben Arfa in high demand

Nice forward Hatem Ben Arfa has been the subject of heavy interest from top European clubs, according to L’Equipe.

The former Newcastle star did brilliantly to kick start his career at Allianz Riviera, while also playing himself back into the first team plans of France boss Didier Deschamps.

Following some scintillating showings in French Ligue 1, a number of high-profile clubs have started casting admiring glances his way.

L’Equipe has learned that AC Milan, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray are all keen, but luring the 28-year-old away from Allianz Riviera will not be an easy task.

Namely, after the disappointing spell in England, Ben Arfa finally feels settled at Nice and is not too interested in moving clubs midway through the season.

It goes without saying that les Aiglons will give their best to keep hold of the player who bagged 7 goals in 18 league outings this season.

Benfica agree to sign Grimaldo

Portuguese media outlet Record has learned that Benfica have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign Barcelona full-back Grimaldo.

The Eagles have been negotiating with the La Liga giants for several weeks now and it was only a matter of time before the deal was wrapped up with the youngster having decided to quit Camp Nou in January.

Record understands that the transfer will be announced in the coming days, with Grimaldo set to join Benfica in January rather than when his contract expires in the summer.

The 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects at Barcelona, but the Catalans have failed to tie the left-back down to a new long-term contract.

And with his current deal due to expire in June 2016, the Camp Nout outfit had no choice but to cash in on his services.

After showing a great deal of potential playing for Barcelona B, Grimaldo will be keen to prove his worth at Benfica as well.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2015/16 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.