PSG MAKE MOVE FOR €40M STAR AS RIVALS OBSERVE CLOSELY
PSG is reportedly interested in FC Cologne's 19-year-old sensation, Said El Mala, to bolster their attack. The Parisians face competition from Bayern Munich for the rising German star.
PSG Lead Chase For €40M Bundesliga Star Under Rival Scrutiny - COURTESY/PHOTO
Early in the 2025–26 season, PSG's depth has been put to the test following a lengthy 2024–25 campaign. The Parisians have so far suffered injuries from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé's attacks. Both players have rejoined the team, though.
However, PSG needs to make sure they have the depth they need to overcome any injuries, given the number of competitions they play in, including international duty. It follows that the Ligue 1 team may be able to recruit an attacking player in the winter transfer window.
Said El Mala of FC Cologne is the most recent player to surface as a potential addition to PSG's attack for the second half of the season.
Could PSG Increase the Depth of Their Attacks?
Bild, a German publication, claims that PSG is very interested in the 19-year-old attacker. The young German player has already made appearances for Germany's U21 side and has been making waves in the Bundesliga, scoring three goals and dishing out one assist in just seven games.
El Mala has apparently already been the subject of PSG's inquiry, although a deal is far from final. European powerhouses like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have also taken notice of the budding star, promising fierce rivalry. However, it is unlikely that Cologne will part with its highly valued talent this winter.
According to journalist Christian Falk, Manchester City recently contacted Cologne to see whether they were interested. Bayern Munich has made signing El Mala a top priority, while PSG and Inter Milan are keeping a careful eye on the issue.
Journalist Florian Plettenberg also mentioned that a number of teams are even thinking about signing him this summer, which would mean that he spends the remainder of the season on loan at Cologne to further his development.
Cologne continues to maintain its valuation. El Mala is thought to be worth about €18 million, but proposals ranging from €30 million to €40 million have apparently been turned down, and the club is adamant on demanding a larger price.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.