Real Madrid identify alternative signing to Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe no longer a priority for Real Madrid, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang contract talks stall with Arsenal, Everton join race for Brazilian defender and Leicester look to extend Christian Fuchs' contract.

Mbappe no longer the Real deal

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to "scrap their world-record transfer swoop for Kylian Mbappe" and go after everyone's favourite wonderkid Erling Braut Haaland instead. According to the Sun, Madrid president Florentino Perez could turn his attention to the Borussia Dortmund forward, who would be significantly cheaper than attempting to sign Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. Haaland has only just joined the Bundesliga club in January, but the Norwegian has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which will be active from 2021. Mbappe would cost Los Blancos closer to £250 million, especially after he signed permanently for PSG for over £160 million in 2018.

Aubameyang contract talks with Arsenal hit a halt

Arsenal's contract talks with club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have stalled, according to the Sun. The Gunners' star striker will be entering the final year of his contract this summer, leaving the north London club in a stressful situation if he were to decide not to extend his current deal. Arsenal would risk losing Aubameyang for free in 2021, so it's expected the club would accept selling the 30-year-old at the end of this season if contract talks are unsuccessful. The Sun report that Inter Milan are looking at a potential swoop for Aubameyang this summer if they lose Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona.

Everton join battle to sign Brazilian defender

Everton have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal and Leicester City in the pursuit of Lille centre-back Gabriel. According to the Mirror, the Toffees have made Gabriel their "priority summer signing" as Carlo Ancelotti looks to bolster his defensive options. Everton's scouting team have reportedly watched the Brazilian several times in the recent months, with Arsenal and Leicester also attending Ligue 1 matches to check out the 22-year-old. Gabriel has admitted that a move to the Premier League would be a "dream", but Lille will demand around £30 million for their defender this summer. The Mirror state that Everton are willing to match the asking price, which could mean the Toffees will win the race for Gabriel.