Contract speculation around Nico Schlotterbeck has dragged on for months, and while fans were tracking results on Cricket Exchange during the winter, the picture surrounding his future slowly began to change. At one stage, a departure felt inevitable, but heading into early 2026 his realistic options have narrowed sharply. Bayern Munich no longer have room after extending Dayot Upamecano, Real Madrid have shown no concrete interest, and Barcelona are prioritizing attacking reinforcements. With Liverpool stepping away weeks ago, Borussia Dortmund now stand as the only credible destination left, forcing the club to rethink long-held principles in order to secure their defensive cornerstone.

To convince Schlotterbeck to commit, Dortmund are prepared to include a release clause in his new contract, a move that traditionally sits uncomfortably within the club’s philosophy. Under the proposed terms, elite clubs would be able to activate a clause exceeding 60 million euros in the summer of 2027. This structure gives the player long-term flexibility while still offering Dortmund stability in the short term. On top of that, the club are ready to offer an annual salary of around 14 million euros, which would make the 26-year-old their highest-paid player, alongside a significant signing bonus designed to seal the deal.

Such concessions underline how much Dortmund value Schlotterbeck, even if it means bending their own rules. From a broader market perspective often discussed on Cricket Exchange platforms, this compromise reflects a balance between retaining competitiveness and acknowledging financial reality. By locking in a premium asset while preserving future exit routes, Dortmund protect themselves from sudden value loss and keep their squad competitive without reckless spending.

Elsewhere in Europe, Arsenal continue to set the pace in the 2025–26 Champions League. Their 3–1 victory over Inter Milan kept a perfect record intact, making them the only team with a 100 percent win rate after seven matches. This run marks the longest Champions League winning streak in Arsenal’s history, though it still falls short of the all-time benchmark. Bayern Munich hold the top two streaks with 11 straight wins in 2019–20 and 10 in 2010.

For Mikel Arteta’s side to challenge that record, they must win four more matches, including the final league-phase fixture against Kairat Almaty and three knockout games. Judging by current form and confidence, it is a tall order but not beyond reach. As attention shifts back and forth between elite football and Cricket Exchange updates, Dortmund and Arsenal both illustrate how modern clubs must adapt quickly, whether by breaking taboos to keep key players or by sustaining excellence on Europe’s biggest stage.