Football news 2023: Rumours, whispers, Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia, how much will he earn, contract, Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia, Martin Odegaard to PSG, Declan Rice to Bayern Munich, latest, updates

May 16, 2023

The two most recent Ballon d’Or winners are set to sign staggering nine-figure salaries and link up with the same team in what would be an almighty coup.

Two clubs are set to head-to-head to secure West Ham United skipper Declan Rice while Paris Saint-Germain weigh up a move for a Premier League star.

Catch up on all of the biggest whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!

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SAUDI ARABIA SET TO SNARE SUPERSTAR DUO?

It looks like Cristiano Ronaldo will have fellow superstars surrounding him in Saudi Arabia.

According to TV Dello Sport's Rudy Galetti, Lionel Messi is on the verge of joining Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal.

Galetti reports Messi will earn an eye-watering salary of $500 million, although the length of the contract was not specified.

Messi's switch is expected to be confirmed at the end of the Ligue 1 season which is when his deal with Paris Saint-Germain, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, expires.

It's not just Messi who could be making the move to the Middle East, either.

The Independent reports Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is "seriously considering" a deal to also move to Al-Hilal worth $164 million a year.

The Spanish giants remain hopeful Benzema will stay on for another year before moving on to pastures new, but the chance to earn a nine-figure salary at age 35 could prove to be too tempting.

The thought of Messi and Benzema running around together on the same team in Saudi Arabia would certainly be an interesting one, especially with the duo's staggering salaries.

PSG EYE SHOCK SWOOP FOR GUNNERS SKIPPER

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard enjoyed a season to remember as the Gunners came up just short in their unlikely title challenge.

The Norwegian bagged 15 goals and laid on eight assists across 37 Premier League games and will no doubt want better figures next season.

However, Odegaard's performances did not go unnoticed by Europe's heavy hitters and one could made a big splash in an attempt to secure his services.

The Daily Mail reports Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up a shock move for Odegaard as the French side looks to reinvigorate its midfield.

However, the same report claims PSG could find it difficult to prise Odegaard away from London given he appears settled and happy in the English capital.

With Odegaard only 24 years old, it's impossible to rule out a move in the future at the very least.

HAMMER STAR SWEEPSTAKES HEAT UP AS GERMAN GIANTS WEIGH HUGE BID

It's no secret West Ham United skipper Declan Rice is going to be a man in demand this summer.

Hammers boss David Moyes appears resigned to losing the midfielder, although the club is unlikely to budge from its valuation of around £100m for the star.

Arsenal are one of the teams leading the race for Rice, but they could be trumped by a European rival.

The Daily Mirror reports Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich are prepared to shell out £95 million to snatch Rice from right underneath the Gunners’ noses.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly made contact with Rice to gauge his interest in a move as the England international looks to fulfil his dream of playing in the Champions League.

Who knows where Rice will end up, but it seems certain he won't be with West Ham once next season begins.