Chapter 808 - 9: The Betting Companies’ Fear of Ma’el! Signing a Salary-Raise Contract! The Start of a Brand-New Season!

What he said is indeed true. If Real Madrid offers a 40 million Pounds signing fee for a four-year contract, it essentially means an extra 10 million Pounds in salary each year.

Florentino didn’t stop talking. Since he had already made his intentions clear, he continued, "Moreover, if you join Real Madrid, your income will certainly be higher than at Arsenal.

"You’ll sell more jerseys, sign higher-paying endorsements, and gain more attention.

"I don’t know how much you earn from this now, but at Real Madrid, with your ability, in 1-2 years, you’re sure to be in the Forbes athlete income list top three alongside Ronaldo."

Ma’el picked up his water cup but put it down, replying, "Sir, actually the support from Arsenal fans as well as fans worldwide is enough for me. Being here is the best choice.

"The number of followers on my single social media platform has exceeded 70 million, meaning that as long as I perform well, I could achieve everything anywhere I am."

Florentino was still unwilling to give up. After sitting up straight, he asked, "Could you tell me how much your annual endorsement income is?"

He wanted to know the specific figure of Ma’el’s income and then use the potential income at Real Madrid to give the player a direct impact.

Ma’el roughly calculated, then sincerely said, "Not including bonuses, around 40 million Pounds, and last season, my bonuses were higher than my endorsement fees.

"The base this season is too large; I can’t be sure if I can get such bonus amounts, but half should be no problem."

While speaking, he kept watching Florentino’s expression, clearly seeing the other party visibly halt.

Florentino stayed motionless, not knowing how to continue the conversation.

"There’s one more thing."

Ma’el was in a good mood, willing to say more, or he wanted to make the other party give up, "Arsenal just paid me more than 7 million Pounds from jersey and merchandise sales.

"And that’s just for last season. They told me that this season I might get over 30 million Pounds in share income from the club through my image rights."

He purposefully mentioned image rights to let the other party know that he has 100% image rights at Arsenal, which Real Madrid can’t offer him.

"Oh, by the way."

Ma’el spoke eloquently, smiling, "Arsenal also included the club’s image rights and various benefits in my salary. I purchased a media company and produced two column programs.

"Yesterday, I went to check, and the subscription numbers for the two columns are already 280,000 and 250,000. Roughly calculated, this can bring me over 10 million Pounds in income next season.

"Moreover, with these rights, my media’s influence in other lines is also skyrocketing. Last season, it made a total profit of 8 million Pounds.

"This year, there are more programs and opportunities; it is expected to multiply several times, accounting for about two-tenths of my total income."

After Florentino was completely stunned, Ma’el delivered the ultimate blow, "And money, compared to other attractions here, is actually the least significant point."

Florentino crossed his fingers, stood dazed for a long time, finally smiling with relief, "Having a player like you is Arsenal’s fortune. They seem to know this too, knowing how to cherish it.

"It’s truly an enviable collaboration. It seems I can only continue paying attention to you. It’s impossible to have you in the short term."

He picked up the kettle, personally poured Ma’el some water, then said, "However, Ma’el, I want to say one thing. As long as you want to come to Bernabéu, the door here is always open for you."

The two didn’t part unhappily. They proceeded to talk about many other things, laughing heartily when it came to personalities. Their personalities were quite congenial.

"Real Madrid is very likely to miss out on Ma’el; the player has already begun negotiations for a new contract with Arsenal. Florentino will focus fully on pursuing Bell!" ——"Asi Bao"

The following night, Ma’el met with Guardiola in a hotel in London. They dined in the hotel restaurant.

Unlike Florentino, who operated as a businessman, Guardiola, as a coach, continuously discussed tactics, team prospects, and some of his fantasies with Ma’el.

But Ma’el’s answer remained the same. Regardless of the angle approached, he clearly blocked his path towards Bayern.

"Alright....."

Eventually, Guardiola shook his head with regret, "You are an excellent player. I admire you. I hope this season to encounter the Arsenal you lead in the Champions League.

"I also hope that then I can thoroughly study you, using my expertise to make you feel powerless in your profession."

"Let’s wait and see." Ma’el stood up and shook hands with him, then soon after left the hotel.

On August 16th, two days before the new Premier League season begins, the match atmosphere became completely heated everywhere.

Ma’el was told that day that the new contract negotiations were almost complete, likely to be signed the next day.

"How much?"

"Still not confirmed, but I am sure it will exceed your highest expectation among the three tiers you provided. It will be a surprising contract."

During a call with Mendes, Ma’el listened to the hidden joy in his voice, and his heart was filled with anticipation for the new contract.

After hanging up, he wasn’t in a hurry; he patiently awaited the signing day to come.