The transfer rumour mill is in full swing with daily stories of players arriving and leaving.
Here we bring you the best transfer gossip and the likelihood of those transfer stories materialising.
Real Madrid are set to be patient in their approach to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, reports Le Parisien. Mbappe has been the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who have reportedly tabled an offer in excess of €300 million to sign him. But while Real are confident in the package they have offered 24-year-old Mbappe this summer, president Florentino Perez isn’t prepared to rush a move through for the France international.
Everton have lost the race to sign Almeria forward El Bilal Toure, reveals L’Equipe. The Toffees were reported to have been in competition to sign the 21-year-old with Atalanta. But with the Serie A side looking for a forward as they prepare for the potential exit of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United, the latest indication is that they have seen their offer, worth upwards of €30 million, accepted. It is understood that Everton’s proposal failed to meet Almeria’s asking price.
Manchester United have gained ground in their pursuit of Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, writes Mundo Deportivo. Despite previously being linked with Atletico Madrid, the Spanish side are understood to have made Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg their number one target, and that has seen Amrabat begin to lose patience. Talks are yet to begin between United and Fiorentina, but it is understood that there would be few concerns over reaching an agreement over a fee.
Completed transfers of 2023
Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is on the radar of Premier League side Wolves, according to Ekrem Konur. It is reported that the English club are preparing to make an enquiry over the 26-year-old Ivorian, who could be made available for transfer this window. Kessie arrived at the Camp Nou from AC Milan last summer.
Manchester United are preparing to make their opening offer for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, reveals Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano. Personal terms are said to have already been agreed between the Premier League side and Hojlund, with the Danish striker offered a five-year contract at Old Trafford. The major stumbling block appears the size of the transfer fee, with United unwilling to meet Atalanta's €100 million asking price.
West Ham are keen on signing both Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, reports Sky Sports. Talks are understood to have been held between the two clubs but no bids have been received.
Eintracht Frankfurt will only sell Danish midfielder Jesper Lindstrom if their €35 million asking price is met, reports Calciomercato. The 23-year-old has been on the radar of multiple clubs after impressing last season, including Premier League side Arsenal, and it is reported that Frankfurt have recently informed Juventus of their demands following an enquiry.
The five pillars of Islam
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Results
Stage three:
1. Stefan Bissegger (SUI) EF Education-EasyPost, in 9-43
2. Filippo Ganna (ITA) Ineos Grenadiers, at 7s
3. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo-Visma, at 14s
4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE-Team Emirates, at 18s
5. Joao Almeida (POR) UAE-Team Emirates, at 22s
6. Mikkel Bjerg (DEN) UAE-Team Emirates, at 24s
General Classification:
1. Stefan Bissegger (SUI) EF Education-EasyPost, in 9-13-02
2. Filippo Ganna (ITA) Ineos Grenadiers, at 7s
3. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin Fenix, at 12s
4. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo-Visma, at 14s
5. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE-Team Emirates, at 18s
6. Joao Almeida (POR) UAE-Team Emirates, at 22s
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Sam Smith
Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday November 24
Rating: 4/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 1 (Martinez 18' pen)
Juventus 2 (Dybala 4', Higuain 80')
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
