Real Madrid target Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as Alvaro Arbeloa alternative, Karim Benzema 'refuses to play' for Al Ittihad - Euro Transfer News

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A round-up of the biggest stories on the continent, with Real Madrid reportedly sounding out Unai Emery in case Alvaro Arbeloa struggles at the Bernabeu. Karim Benzema is refusing to play for Al Ittihad amid a contract dispute, while Chelsea youngster Tyrique George has been offered to Napoli and Roma. Napoli have also ruled out a move for free agent Raheem Sterling due to his wage demands.

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Real Madrid target Emery

According to Real Madrid YouTuber and reporter Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Los Blancos’ hierarchy have made contact with Unai Emery’s camp over the manager's position.

Indeed, the Aston Villa boss is allegedly being considered as a ‘plan B’ option should Alvaro Arbeloa struggle to make his mark in the Madrid hot seat.

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Alvarez de Mon said in a YouTube video, translated from Spanish: "Real Madrid have a plan B in mind in case Arbeloa doesn’t work.

"I want to make it clear that Real Madrid’s plan A is Arbeloa. Their plan is for Arbeloa to be their coach for as long as possible.

"They’ve given me another name. Unai Emery, who is having an amazing time in England with Aston Villa, a team that isn’t one of the supposed ‘Big Six’.

"He has already been spoken to - just a feeler, not a proposal or an agreement. There’s nothing concrete."

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Benzema refuses to play for Al Ittihad

According to French publication Foot Mercato, Karim Benzema is refusing to play for Al Ittihad amid a contract dispute.

The former Ballon d’Or winner, whose contract with the Saudi Pro League side runs until June 2027, is allegedly unhappy with the club’s latest proposal over a new deal.

Foot Mercato’s report claims: "Having arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023, Karim Benzema's contract with Al Ittihad expires this June.

"And according to our information, Benzema has decided not to play in Al Ittihad's next match.

"The French striker himself informed the club's management of his decision, a direct consequence of his dissatisfaction with the new contract offer submitted by the Saudi club.

"This personal decision, taken full responsibility by the former Lyon player, marks a new development in the ongoing discussions surrounding his future."

George offered to Napoli and Roma

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Chelsea’s Tyrique George was offered to Napoli in the wake of The Blues' 3-2 Champions League victory in Naples.

Roma are also said to be interested in the 19-year-old, though Gian Piero Gasperini is said to favour more experienced options.

As per Pedulla: "Chelsea offered Tyrique George to the Azzurri after last night's match, and the same was done with Roma, who had been interested in him last summer.

"But Gasperini would like a more capable attacking winger (we'll see if any developments with Carrasco) after having already invested in Vaz.

"And for Conte, who is usually not keen on giving young players a chance, Sulemana would also be a welcome option."

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Napoli rule out Sterling move

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has closed the door on a move for Raheem Sterling due to the winger’s financial demands.

Sterling is a free agent after mutually agreeing the terms of his Chelsea exit on Wednesday.

"Raheem is very strong but he hasn’t played for a long time," Manna told Sky Italia – relayed by Gianluca Di Marzio.

"We spoke with him during the summer, but I see it as difficult for now; he has important economic expectations."

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