Transfer Talk: Modric Eyes Croatia Return, White’s Arsenal Future in Doubt

February 23, 2026

The transfer window continues to generate buzz, with reports suggesting AC Milan midfielder Luka Modrić is considering a return to his homeland, while Arsenal defender Ben White’s future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain. Several other potential moves are also developing across Europe’s top leagues.

Luka Modrić Considers Dinamo Zagreb Return

At 40 years classic, Luka Modrić, currently playing for AC Milan, is contemplating a move back to Dinamo Zagreb, the club where he began his senior career. ESPN and Receive More Sports report that the Croatian captain, whose idol was Dinamo Zagreb president Zvonimir Boban, is weighing his options after representing Croatia at the World Cup.

AC Milan reportedly holds an option to extend Modrić’s stay for another year, but will only trigger the clause if the player expresses his desire to remain. Retirement is also a possibility for the veteran midfielder.

Ben White’s Arsenal Future Uncertain

Ben White’s position at Arsenal is under scrutiny, with the club monitoring Sporting CP right-back Iván Fresneda as a potential replacement, according to ESPN and Get More Sports. Manchester City, whose sporting director Hugo Viana previously worked at Sporting, are also reportedly interested in Fresneda, as are Newcastle United.

Other Transfer Rumors

• Christos Mouzakitis (Olympiacos): Paris Saint-Germain is tracking the 19-year-old midfielder, who won the 2025 Golden Boy award. Several Premier League clubs are also showing interest.
• Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur): Juventus views Vicario as their preferred option to replace Michele Di Gregorio, with a potential transfer fee between €25 million and €30 million. Competition from International is also present.
• Marco Palestra (Cagliari): Tottenham Hotspur scouts were reportedly in attendance to watch the 20-year-old wing-back during Cagliari’s match against Lazio.
• Amadou Onana (Aston Villa): Aston Villa are determined to retain Onana despite renewed interest from Manchester United.
• Ernest Poku (Bayer Leverkusen): Napoli and Juventus are monitoring the Bayer Leverkusen winger.
• João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain): Neves has extended his contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2030.
• Zeki Celik (Roma): Celik intends to leave Roma as a free agent in the summer and has received offers from clubs in Italy, England, Germany, and Turkey.
• Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus): Juventus is scheduled to meet with Vlahovic’s agent in March to discuss a contract renewal.
• Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United): Newcastle United will only consider offers for Woltemade if the striker requests a move.
• El Chadaille Bitshiabu (RB Leipzig): Bitshiabu may force a move from RB Leipzig this summer if his situation doesn’t improve.
• Mattia Perin (Juventus): Perin could depart Juventus during the summer transfer window.
• Andrija Bulatovic (Lens): Bulatovic is set to sign a new contract with Lens, extending his stay until 2030.

Luka Modrić’s Career to Date

As of February 22, 2026, Luka Modrić plays as a central midfielder for AC Milan, having previously played for Dinamo Zagreb (2003-2008), Tottenham Hotspur (2008-2012), and Real Madrid (2012-2025). He has 194 caps for Croatia, scoring 28 goals. He was a runner-up in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.