Barcelona star responds to speculation over exit, Real Madrid and Manchester United target set to cost more than £100 million, and more transfer news - 8th November 2018

Manchester United have reportedly been told that their top transfer target will cost more than £100 million
Manchester United have reportedly been told that their top transfer target will cost more than £100 million

Another day, another set of transfer stories.

Welcome to Sportskeeda's daily transfer roundup. Today, we've seen the emergence of a whole new set of transfer rumours, stories, news, and updates.

Overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of rumours being generated? Well, worry not. We're here to separate the best from the rest, and bring to you all the top stories of the day - stories that involve some big clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United, as well as multiple high-profile stars.

On that note, here is a look at some of the most significant transfer news, rumours, and updates you would probably want to know about:


Arsenal monitor Juventus' Medhi Benatia

Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Juventus star, Medhi Benatia
Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Juventus star, Medhi Benatia

Medhi Benatia has seen his game time drop drastically at Juventus, having made just 5 appearances in all competitions so far this season. Further, the Moroccan faces stiff competition for a place in the starting eleven, from the other defenders - Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani.

The 31-year-old is understood to be unhappy with the situation, and is reportedly open to a move away from the Serie A champions in January.

According to reports from The Daily Star, Premier League side, Arsenal, are reportedly planning a January move for the defender. The report claims that the Gunners have already made the first contact with Juventus over a potential move.

Serie A's AC Milan are also believed to be monitoring the situation with their own fair share of interest in Benatia being revealed.

Despite manager Massimiliano Allegri claiming that Benatia remains an important part of the Juventus side, Benatia has entered the final two years in his current contract, and will be available for a reasonable price, should either of the aforementioned clubs decide to move for him.

Manchester United to offer Anthony Martial a new contract

Anthony Martial has been extremely impressive in the recent past
Anthony Martial has been extremely impressive in the recent past

To the relief of Manchester United fans across the planet, the club is reportedly preparing to offer Anthony Martial a new five-year contract.

As per reports from The Sun, the Red Devils are now willing to offer the Frenchman a new contract believed to be worth £45million including bonuses.

After struggling to make it into Jose Mourinho's good books, Martial has been in tremendous form this season. The 22-year-old has scored 5 goals in his last 5 appearances, becoming one of Manchester United's most important players.

Martial recently declined a £160,000-a-week deal, but the new contract will see him earn close to £190,000-a-week. Having only just settled down, Martial allegedly wants to remain at Manchester United. The report claims that United will tie the Frenchman down to the long-term deal by Christmas.

Nabil Fekir open to move

Nabil Fekir reportedly hopes to secure a move away from Lyon
Nabil Fekir reportedly hopes to secure a move away from Lyon

Nabil Fekir almost became a Liverpool star earlier this summer, but owing to concerns over his knee, the deal fell through. The Frenchman, however, is still fancied by several clubs including the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

His current contract at Lyon is until 2020, but the midfielder will look to secure a move away sooner than that, according to reports from L'Equipe (via Goal.com). The player himself has refused to end speculation as he spoke about his future, reportedly saying

"My future? We have not discussed an extension yet, we will see what happens."

Milan Škriniar will cost Manchester United £100 million

23-year-old Milan Skriniar could cost Manchester United a fortune
23-year-old Milan Skriniar could cost Manchester United a fortune

Inter Milan's Slovakian defender, Milan Skriniar, has quickly become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a potential move to Manchester United, with the likes of Real Madrid also believed to be lurking.

Skriniar is on contract until 2022, but has refused to sign a longer contract, prompting many to believe that the attention from other clubs is too tempting for him to resist.

Now, reports from The Daily Mail claim that Skriniar could be worth a staggering £100million, with Inter Milan's manager, Luciano Spalletti, backing that sentiment. The Italian manager recently said

"If it's Barcelona, they will have to pay €100m and if I am them I would pay a €20m tip on top. And if I'm Real Madrid, €100m with a €40m tip - that is how highly I rate Skriniar."

Skriniar is undoubtedly set to become one of the best defenders in the world, in the future, and it will be interesting to see if either Real Madrid or Manchester United decide to pay the astonishing fee that will be demanded for him.

Barcelona star Malcom responds to exit talks

Malcom scored his first Barcelona goal against Inter Milan earlier this week
Malcom scored his first Barcelona goal against Inter Milan earlier this week

Malcom only arrived at Barcelona this past summer, but the lack of game time he has received saw the start of speculation over another move.

Premier League sides like Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to admire 21-year-old, leading to further speculation.

However, Malcom scored his first Barcelona goal a couple of days ago against Inter Milan, in the UEFA Champions League before being reduced to an emotional version of himself as he celebrated the goal.

After the match, Malcom addressed the transfer speculation, nipping it in the bud. Speaking to Goal about the rumours, the Brazilian said

“That is fake information and it will not break my confidence,”
“Scoring a goal for Barcelona right after that [the rumours] was important for my confidence and I’m sure I can do much more to help the club.”

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Edited by Sripad