Arsenal and Real Madrid have reportedly made initial contact over Erling Haaland’s future as uncertainty continues to surround Manchester City following the club’s financial-rule verdict.
The 26-year-old remains tied to City until 2034, but the independent commission’s finding that the club breached 114 of the 115 Premier League charges has prompted fresh speculation over the futures of some of their leading players. City have maintained their innocence and are expected to appeal.
Football Insider reported on Saturday that Arsenal and Real Madrid have approached Haaland’s representatives about a potential move in 2027. The report says Barcelona’s interest in the Norway international predates the verdict, while the Arsenal and Madrid approaches came afterwards.
There is no suggestion that Haaland has asked to leave City, nor has either interested club made a formal offer. Any transfer would also have to be negotiated with City, with the striker’s long-term contract running until 2034.
Arsenal and Real Madrid eye Erling Haaland amid Man City uncertainty
Haaland has given City little reason to consider moving him on from a footballing perspective. He has scored seven goals in his first seven club appearances this season and added two more for Norway in their Nations League victory over Denmark on Thursday.
The striker previously addressed the Premier League investigation when he signed his contract extension in January 2025, saying he was confident City knew what they were doing and that he did not want to comment extensively on the matter.
For Arsenal, Haaland would represent a potential solution to their long-standing search for a prolific central striker, while Real Madrid have maintained an interest in the Norwegian since before his move to England.
However, the immediate focus remains on the legal process surrounding City. No sanctions have yet been announced, and the club has reiterated that it intends to defend its position.
With Haaland under contract for another eight years, the latest reports represent preliminary contact rather than evidence that a transfer is imminent.
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