Transfer news LIVE! Trossard to Arsenal ‘done deal’; Chelsea close in on Madueke; Tottenham make Zaniolo bid
Trossard #Trossard
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are stepping up their attempts to land some huge deals as the January transfer deadline approaches ever closer. We are ticking down towards the end of the window with Arsenal still scrambling for a Mykhailo Mudryk alternative after losing that particular battle following a sensational 11th-hour hijack by the Blues last weekend.
Tottenham have failed with bids for Pedro Porro and Nicolo Zaniolo and are lining up an audacious move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, while West Ham have agreed to sign Danny Ings in a shock £12m deal and Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Barcelona. Follow all the latest January transfer news, gossip and rumours below!
Latest transfer news and rumours
More on Trossard deal 16:42 , Matt Verri
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Brighton winger Leandro Trossard for an initial £21million with a further £5m agreed in performance-related add-ons, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
The 28-year-old now looks set to move to north London after having already agreed personal terms.
Mikel Arteta will get the boost to his attack that he has chased all month to bolster Arsenal’s bid to win the Premier League title.
Read the full story here
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to buy Noni Madueke for €40m.
The Blues have been linked with Madueke, who has been capped four times for the England U21 side, even after signing Mudryk.
And they look to have got their man, with Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink claiming that PSV have now agreed to sell the 20-year-old.
Leandro Trossard’s move to Arsenal is believed to be a ‘done deal’ after the Gunners reached an agreement with Brighton.
The Athletic report that Arsenal will pay £27m for the Belgian, who will provide some much-needed depth in forward areas.
The Gunners missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk but they have moved quickly to seal a deal for Trossard.
Tottenham will continue their discussions with Sporting over a move for Pedro Porro tomorrow.
The right-back remains a key target for Spurs, though they are unwilling to pay his €45m releause clause in full.
Sporting remain adamant that must be paid for any deal to be agreed – El Chiringuito report that more talks will take place on Friday.
Yann Sommer has been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United in the past, but he has now completed a move to Bayern Munich.
With the futures of Hugo Lloris and David de Gea uncertain, the two Premier League sides appear to be in the market for a goalkeeper, if not now then in the summer.
However, they can cross Sommer off their list. The 34-year-old has joined the Bundesliga champions.
Liverpool still planning Neves move 15:28 , Matt Verri
Liverpool remain interested in bringing Ruben Neves to Anfield this month.
Football Insider claim that the Reds plan on waiting for Wolves to complete their transfer business, before making a move late in the window.
Previous reports have suggested Wolves have no intention of letting Neves leave.
Brighton are hoping to get £30m for Leandro Trossard, with 10% of that fee going to Genk should a deal be completed.
Arsenal are pushing to sign the Belgian and there is confidence an agreement can be reached, with the Independent reporting that it is a £30m fee currently being dicussed.
Trossard is unsurprisingly keen on the move, having fallen out with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
In case you missed it earlier, Chelsea have now been told the price it will take to tempt Brighton into selling Moises Caicedo this month.
The high-flying Seagulls are under siege once again as clubs queue up for their top talents, with Leandro Trossard on his way to Arsenal.
Chelsea are also very interested in Caicedo as a midfield alternative to World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, having already “tested the water” on a deal at £65m, according to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports.
However, it is believed that it will take a package worth at least £10m more than that to land the Ecuador international.
Danny Ings may not be the only striker arriving at West Ham before the transfer deadline.
The Premier League strugglers have also been strongly linked with Lorient’s Terem Moffi as they plot a route away from the relegation zone.
Per Sky Sports, West Ham have not ruled out signing both players this month, with Moffi expected to fetch around £25m but apparently undecided over moving to the London Stadium.
The report adds that if Ings and Moffi were both to join, the Hammers would be willing to let Michail Antonio depart amid interest from the likes of Wolves and Everton.
Chelsea are also said to have made a shock enquiry for Antonio before signing Mykhailo Mudryk last weekend.
One other minor bit of confirmed news from St James’ Park, where Loris Karius has seen a contract extension with Newcastle triggered.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper has prolonged his stay on Tyneside until the end of the season having initially joined on a short-term basis back in September.
Karius, 29, has yet to play for Newcastle and has been Eddie Howe’s third-choice, behind Nick Pope and Karl Darlow.
And the return of Martin Dubravka from Manchester United coupled with Karius’ new deal should allow Darlow to go out on loan this month.
Done deal! Crystal Palace loan Ebiowei to Hull 13:38 , George Flood
A done deal in the Championship to bring you from earlier this morning.
Crystal Palace have loaned Malcolm Ebiowei to Hull City for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
The 19-year-old forward reunites with former Derby interim boss Liam Rosenior at the MKM Stadium.
“I am delighted that Malcolm has decided to join this football club and that we’ve beaten off a lot of competition for his signature,” Rosenior said.
“He was my main attacking target from the moment I came in and everyone has worked hard to make it happen.”
The former Arsenal and Chelsea trainee is currently carrying a minor injury, so could see his Tigers debut delayed.
Ebiowei has made five appearances for Palace in total after the club saw off plenty of rival interest to seal a transfer from Derby over the summer, including three in the Premier League.
Rangers see Whittaker bid snubbed 13:32 , George Flood
No success so far for Rangers in their pursuit of Morgan Whittaker.
The Scottish giants are looking to strengthen their squad this month under new boss Michael Beale in an attempt to eat into that nine-point deficit to fierce rivals Celtic at the Scottish Premiership summit.
They are particularly keen on Swansea winger Whittaker, who has struggled to make a lasting impact since arriving in South Wales from Derby in January 2021.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that a Rangers bid worth £1.2m has now been rejected by Swansea.
Chelsea are battling Manchester United for the signing of Denzel Dumfries.
The Dutch wing-back is long believed to have been on the radar of both Premier League giants, with Erik ten Hag keen on taking his compatriot to Old Trafford.
However, Chelsea look to have stolen a march on their rivals once again in the transfer market, with Italian newspaper La Repubblica claiming they have submitted a £30m bid to Inter Milan for Dumfries.
Ilkay Gundogan has agreed to join Barcelona this summer, reports claim.
The German midfielder will see his deal expire at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign and with no sign of an extension being agreed, is free to talk to foreign suitors over a potential pre-contract agreement this month.
Barcelona were reported earlier this week to be seriously interested in signing the experienced Gundogan and El Chiringuito’s Jose Alvarez is now suggesting that it is a done deal for the move to happen in June.
Things are moving fast on the Nicolo Zaniolo front.
After reports of that Tottenham bid, believed to be an initial loan with an option to buy in the summer, Leeds and West Ham are also being linked with his services.
There are suggestions that Leeds are already in talks over a deal for the Italy forward, who Calciomercato claim has instructed his entourage to find an exit from Roma.
Newcastle and Arsenal have also been linked with Zaniolo, who is unhappy at the Stadio Olimpico after being booed by fans during his contract stand-off.
Tottenham have made an offer to beat Arsenal to the signing of Nicolo Zaniolo.
Both north London rivals have been linked with the Roma and Italy forward in recent days, with rumours quickly gathering pace.
Sky in Italy now claim that Spurs are no longer pursuing the Arsenal-bound Leandro Trossard, instead reigniting their interest in Zaniolo.
However, an official offer has now been turned down, with Roma holding out for a £35m fee.
The Giallorossi are said to be willing to sell in this window or sanction a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy in the summer.
Liverpool have reportedly made their move for Jesper Lindstrom.
The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder is being lined up for a potential switch to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp eyes an overdue overhaul in the middle of the park.
Danish outlet Tipsbladet claim that Liverpool have made an enquiry over Lindstrom, but face competition from the likes of Serie A giants Napoli and AC Milan.
The fact that the 22-year-old has already publicly gone on record as a Reds fan should surely help them in their pursuit.
It seems that Brighton and Arsenal are not too far apart on their respective valuations of Leandro Trossard.
The Daily Mail claim that Arsenal want to pay £20m for the Belgian international, whereas Brighton are hoping to get around £26m.
Trossard is out of contract at the end of the season, but the Seagulls retain the option to trigger an automatic one-year extension.
However, as detailed, the 28-year-old has fallen out with manager Roberto De Zerbi very publicly and has been training on his own after a bombshell statement from his agent released last week in which his desire to move on in this window was made clear.
Chelsea are challenging busy Brighton’s resolve over Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international appears to have become the main transfer focus at Stamford Bridge after they beat Arsenal to the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk in sensational fashion last weekend.
Chelsea – who could not agree a deal with Benfica for Argentina’s World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez – want new midfield recruits to help bust them out of their current malaise and with doubts persisting over the long-term futures of the injured N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.
Per CBS Sports, they have now “tested the waters” with regards to Caicedo at around £65m.
However, Brighton are said to want a deal worth in excess of £75m for another of their star assets in what is proving a tough month for the in-form outfit.
Another interesting update on Arsenal’s move for Leandro Trossard.
It seems the Gunners are understandably keen not to hang around and risk another 11th-hour hijack, as happened with Chelsea’s deal for Mykhailo Mudryk last weekend.
As we said, Chelsea have also been linked with Trossard, along with fellow London rivals Tottenham.
Fabrizio Romano now says that talks between Brighton and Arsenal are “very advanced” and progressing quickly as the Gunners seek to wrap up a move within hours.
Trossard is expected to pen a long-term contract at Emirates Stadium having already reached a full agreement on personal terms.
Danny Ings to West Ham has now received the patented “here we go” treatment from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
He says the deal will be worth close to £15m if certain add-ons are met.
Romano adds that personal terms are nearly agreed and that a medical has been scheduled for this afternoon.
A very hectic morning in the transfer window.
We also have an update on the very fast-moving Danny Ings to West Ham move.
Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia reports that a £12m deal has now been agreed with Aston Villa.
The deal is subject to Ings agreeing personal terms and undergoing a medical.
And they are optimistic that he will be registered in time to face Frank Lampard’s Everton in what is shaping up to be a mammoth relegation six-pointer in the Premier League at London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Talk about a high-pressure debut!
Read the full story here
An update on David Raya now from Standard Sport football correspondent Nizaar Kinsella.
He reports that Chelsea are ready to rival Tottenham in the fight for the Brentford goalkeeper.
The Blues are looking for a new long-term no1 and are willing to sell either Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mendy recently rejected the offer of a new contract at Stamford Bridge and has interest from AC Milan, Monaco and Nice.
Spurs, meanwhile, are looking for a successor to the increasingly blunder-prone Hugo Lloris and are also eyeing Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid, who would cost significantly more than Raya.
Raya has 18 months left on his current Brentford deal and could be available for a cut-price fee in the summer.
Read the full article here
Arsenal have made a move for Leandro Trossard, according to the latest reports.
The Belgian forward is seeking to leave Brighton this month after falling out with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Trossard has been linked with Tottenham and a potential reunion with former Seagulls boss Graham Potter at Chelsea.
However, he has also been one of the several names mentioned in connection with Arsenal after they were pipped to the blockbuster signing of Mykhailo Mudryk by Chelsea at the 11th hour last weekend.
Now Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners are in advanced talks with Brighton over Trossard, who has already agreed personal terms.
A bid is said to be ready with negotiations ongoing this morning. Big news!
Well, West Ham certainly appear to have moved very quickly indeed on the Danny Ings front.
What is it about him and shock transfers out of nowhere – it was the same when he joined Aston Villa from Southampton in the summer of 2021.
According to Sky Sports, Ings has already agreed to join the Hammers in a deal worth £15m.
It sounds like he will even be registered in time to play in the pivotal six-pointer against Everton on Saturday.
Another player whose January transfer will be completed imminently is Yann Sommer.
Per Fabrizio Romano, the Swiss goalkeeper has now officially wrapped up his move from Borussia Monchengladbach to Bayern Munich.
Sommer swaps Bundesliga clubs in an €8m deal and is believed to have signed on until the summer of 2025.
A former target for Manchester United, he will take over no1 duties for the time being under Julian Nagelsmann after long-serving captain Manuel Neuer broke his leg skiing after the World Cup.
So, where exactly do Tottenham stand with regards to Pedro Porro?
The Sporting Lisbon defender has long since emerged as Antonio Conte’s top January transfer target as he seeks an upgrade at right wing-back.
However, Sporting’s insistence that his €45m release clause be met in full has been a huge sticking point, along with the reluctance of Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty to potentially leave north London.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham’s bid for Porro made yesterday – and swiftly rejected – included an unnamed player in part-exchange plus cash.
Negotiations are expected to continue with Spurs not giving up, but Sporting remain adamant over their stance.
One player definitely on the move this month is Memphis Depay.
The Barcelona forward has been spotted travelling to Madrid as he prepares to put the finishing touches on a move to Atletico.
Per Fabrizio Romano, the deal for the Netherlands international – whose contract at the Camp Nou expires in the summer – is worth a maximum of just €4m.
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Danny Ings.
They are desperate for a spark in attack to lift their season with under-fire manager David Moyes reportedly set to be axed if they lose a crunch Premier League six-pointer against Everton at the London Stadium on Saturday.
According to widespread reports this morning, West Ham have made a move for Aston Villa frontman Ings.
Fabrizio Romano says the offer is worth £12m, with talks ongoing and the player keen on the move.
Ivan Fresneda is not the only highly-rated youngster to have caught Arsenal’s attention in this window.
The Gunners also appear to have an eye firmly fixed on Warren Zaire-Emery at Paris Saint-Germain.
According to RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Arsenal are one of several clubs keen on a mid-season move for the 16-year-old midfield prodigy.
It seems that Tottenham may be about to enter the race for Dusan Vlahovic.
Arsenal have been linked with a return swoop for their long-term target, with Manchester United and Chelsea also mentioned in connection with the Juventus striker.
However, Spurs could aim to partner Harry Kane with Vlahovic, who only joined the Serie A giants from Fiorentina last January.
According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Tottenham are plotting a £44m bid for the Serbian international that includes academy graduate defender Japhet Tanganga heading to Turin in part-exchange.
Arsenal appear keen on landing Moussa Diaby as an alternative to Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Gunners have been left to readjust their January plans on the fly after being pipped by Chelsea to their top target in stunning 11th-hour fashion last weekend.
Among multiple reported attackers on the radar is Diaby, the French international who has forged quite a reputation in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Sport 1 in Germany claim that talks have been held between the two clubs, but with Leverkusen reluctant to part with their prized asset mid-season.
It is likely they will accept a deal in the summer worth €75m plus considerable bonuses.
Chelsea and Manchester United have joined Tottenham in the battle to sign David Raya.
The Spanish goalkeeper continues to go from strength to strength at Brentford, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp recently claiming that he should have a no10 on his back in reference to his abilities with the ball at his feet.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea and United are also convinced of Raya’s talent and will fight Spurs for his signature.
However, a summer deal seems far more likely at this stage.
Chelsea are still hoping to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this month.
The Blues are still on the lookout for reinforcements in the middle of the park having failed in their quest to land Argentina World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are one of three clubs yet to give up hope of landing Caicedo before the January transfer deadline.
Liverpool are known to be a rival suitor for the impressive Ecuador international, who is under contract at the Amex Stadium for another two-and-a-half years with Brighton reluctant to sell.
Good news, Tottenham fans!
According to Fabrizio Romano, the club have launched a bid to sign Pedro Porro from Sporting.
Still, the Lisbon giants are thought to have snubbed it…
ICYMI: Arsenal face battle to sign Ivan Fresneda 06:30 , Jonathan Gorrie
Arsenal face competition in the battle to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
The Gunners are interested in the 18-year-old, with Cedric Soares in talks to join Fulham this month.
Sky Sports report that Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle are also keen on Fresneda, who would be willing to leave Vallodolid for the right project.
Chelsea are in pole position to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo should he leave the club in January
Sky Sports report that the Seagulls do not want to sell Caicedo this month, but the Blues remain hopeful of striking a deal. It would likely require a fee in the region of £75m.
It’s claimed Liverpool and another unnamed Premier League side are also still in the hunt
Liverpool are believed to have made attempts in the summer to sign Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman looked likely to join Real Madrid as his contract at PSG ticked down, before he ultimately signed a new deal to keep him in Paris.
The Athletic report that Liverpool tried to bring Mbappe to Anfield as a replacement for Sadio Mane, but were told by PSG they would need to pay £352m for the forward. No surprise that move didn’t happen…
Louis Saha has encouraged Harry Kane to leave Tottenham and join Manchester United this summer.
Kane’s future looks increasingly uncertain, with 18 months remaining on his contract and no sign of a new deal being agreed.
“We all know that football careers go by super-fast, and you have to take your chance when you get it,” Saha told Paddy Power.
“Based on history, United would be a great fit for Harry Kane. He would be guaranteed 30 goals a season and he would have a better chance of winning a trophy.
“I can only see positives about going there because they’re such a forward-thinking team. It would really suit his game.”
Manchester City and Real Madrid are ready to enter the race to sign Josko Gvardiol.
The Croatia centre-back has been a target for Chelsea, but their signing of Benoit Badiashile has led to them turning their focus elsewhere.
Fabrizio Romano reports that has given encouragement to City and Real, who are planning bids for the summer.
Michail Antonio has insisted he is fully focused on helping West Ham get out of trouble.
The forward has been linked with a January move, potentially to Wolves, but the striker remains adamant he will not let any rumours impact him on the pitch.
“There are always rumours in football,” Antonio said on his BBC podcast.
“People have seen I have not been playing much recently and they’ve seen that we’ve been struggling. It’s one of those things where all I do is pay attention to myself and make sure I can play whenever I get the opportunity.
“My agent deals with all that and if something happens, something happens. Right now, I’m at West Ham and I have to pay attention to that. If something changes, it changes. We’ve got a striker in and are maybe looking at other strikers because, right now, we’re not doing it.”
Memphis Depay is on the verge of completing a move to Atletico Madrid.
He will leave Barcelona and join Diego Simeone’s side as a replacement for Joao Felix, after the Portuguese star joined Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season.
Fabrizio Romano reports that a fee in the region of €3m has been agreed, with personal terms not a problem.
Louis Saha has encouraged Harry Kane to leave Tottenham and join Manchester United this summer.
Kane’s future looks increasingly uncertain, with 18 months remaining on his contract and no sign of a new deal being agreed.
“We all know that football careers go by super-fast, and you have to take your chance when you get it,” Saha told Paddy Power.
“Based on history, United would be a great fit for Harry Kane. He would be guaranteed 30 goals a season and he would have a better chance of winning a trophy.
“I can only see positives about going there because they’re such a forward-thinking team. It would really suit his game.”
Liverpool are believed to have made attempts in the summer to sign Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman looked likely to join Real Madrid as his contract at PSG ticked down, before he ultimately signed a new deal to keep him in Paris.
The Athletic report that Liverpool tried to bring Mbappe to Anfield as a replacement for Sadio Mane, but were told by PSG they would need to pay £352m for the forward. No surprise that move didn’t happen…
Tottenham have had their first bid bid for Pedro Porro rejected by Sporting.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs offered an unnamed player in addition to a guaranteed sum, but Sporting are holding firm and insisting the €45m release clause must be paid in full.
Tottenham believe there is room for negotiation with Porro himself keen on the move.
Chelsea are in pole position to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo should he leave the club in January
Sky Sports report that the Seagulls do not want to sell Caicedo this month, but the Blues remain hopeful of striking a deal. It would likely require a fee in the region of £75m.
It’s claimed Liverpool and another unnamed Premier League side are also still in the hunt.
Michail Antonio believes Jude Bellingham should join Real Madrid if he leaves Borussia Dortmund.
The England midfielder is in high-demand, with Liverpool pushing to bring Bellingham to Anfield, but Real are also doing everything they can to persuade him to sign.
“If I was in his shoes, he has the pick of everyone, I would be going to Spain,” West Ham forward Antonio said on his BBC podcast.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, but the opportunity to play for Real Madrid and Barcelona… those teams are something else. Everyone dreams to play for them.”
Arsenal face competition in the battle to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
The Gunners are interested in the 18-year-old, with Cedric Soares in talks to join Fulham this month.
Sky Sports report that Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal are also keen on Fresneda, who would be willing to leave Vallodolid for the right project.
Mykhailo Mudryk guarantees Chelsea will pose a real threat in forward areas, according to Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The 22-year-old is in contention to make his debut this weekend against Liverpool at Anfield, after his was unveiled as a Chelsea player at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Despite being Arsenal’s top target for the January window, and being keen on the move to the Emirates himself, Chelsea acted swiftly to seal an £89m agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk and bring Mudryk to west London.
“I’ve seen him in the Champions League,” Wright-Phillips told Best of Bets. “I think he’s something that Chelsea have needed.
“If you go back to the days of [Arjen] Robben, [Damien] Duff, partly myself, Joe Cole – Chelsea could play direct with those wingers. They would get the ball down and take people on.
“There’s a guarantee that Mudryk will do that, he will get at defenders and get to the byline and put a ball in, or get shots off.”
Wolves have told Liverpool they will not engage in negotiations for Ruben Neves.
The Reds continue to be linked with a number of midfielders as they look to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes both appearing to be targets.
O Jogo report that Wolves have made it clear to Liverpool they will not sell Neves, even though he is entering the final 18 months of his contract.
Chelsea are monitoring Leandro Trossard’s situation as they consider a January swoop.
Both Tottenham and Arsenal are interested in the Belgian, who is pushing for a move away from Brighton after falling out with Roberto De Zerbi.
The Mirror report that the Blues could rival the north London clubs though, with Trossard expected to be available for £25m.
Some managerial news, and it’s not great for David Moyes.
The Telegraph report that he is likely to be sacked if West Ham lose to Everton this weekend, with Rafael Benitez and Sean Dyche among those being considered as replacements.
Should Moyes lose his job, he would then become a front runner to replace Frank Lampard at Everton should the Toffees also opt for a change of manager.
Graham Potter has been urged to ensure Jorginho is not part of his long-term Chelsea plans.
No midfielders have yet been brought in this month by the Blues, despite that being an area that appears to need attention.
Both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are out of contract in the summer, with the Italian expected to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf hopes that is the case, believing the 31-year-old is no longer good enough for the club.
“Jorginho has served the club very well but he’s nowhere near it anymore,” Leboeuf told Chelsea News.
“I had my time at Chelsea and people made it clear that John Terry was coming and I had to make way for him, and that’s understandable. That’s life.”
Read his full comments here
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the shock signing Fulham full-back Kevin Mbabu.
The Swiss defender has made just one Premier League start since his summer move, and could already be on his way out of Craven Cottage.
TuttoMercatoWeb claim that Man United are in advanced negotiations with Fulham, as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his right-back options. It would put Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future in doubt.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs eyeing a big-money move for Declan Rice, but it’s unlikely to come this month.
David Moyes has previously made it clear West Ham will not sell their captain mid-season, with Arsenal’s move for the midfielder expected to come in the summer.
Fabrizio Romano echoes that, reporting that Rice will not leave in January with the Hammers in such a difficult position after a frustrating season so far.
Newcastle are reportedly still interested in Moussa Diaby.
The Bayer Leverkusen winger has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent days, though a bid in the region of £88m is likely to be needed to get the Frenchman.
Newcastle were in for Diaby in the summer and the Daily Mail claim that the Magpies remain keen on bringing the winger to St James’ Park.
West Ham have been told they have no chance of signing Harry Maguire this month.
It’s been reported that the Hammers are interested in taking the centre-back on loan for the rest of the season, with Maguire struggling for minutes under Erik ten Hag.
However, Sky Sports claim that the Englishman has no interest in joining West Ham, and intends to stay at Manchester United.
As Tottenham’s form flounders, Harry Kane’s future is increasingly becoming the club’s elephant in the room, writes Dan Kilpatrick.
Kane’s contract is up at the end of next season and, as things stands, it would be a surprise if he was rushing to agree a new deal.
The England captain has consistently made it clear that he is happy to stay at Spurs, provided the club is progressing and in a position to challenge for the major trophies he craves.
The stark reality, though, is that Spurs have gone backwards since finishing fourth last season. Kane is, in short, back where he started when he broke into the first team nine years ago: part of an imbalanced squad at the start of a new cycle, but now on the cusp of turning 30 and faced with an even more competitive Premier League landscape.
If Kane does not sign a new contract before the end of the campaign, Spurs will be faced with the unenviable position of either risking him entering the final year of his deal and potentially walking away for nothing in summer 2024 or selling their greatest modern player.
Read our full piece here
Arsenal have made contact with Roma over a January move for Nicolo Zaniolo.
That’s according to La Repubblica, with it reported that Mikel Arteta is a fan and initial discussions have taken place.
Zaniolo is out of contract next summer and there are no signs of a new deal being agreed, so Zaniolo could be available this month for a fee in the region of €30m.
Lionel Messi is expected to sign a new deal at PSG.
Recent rumours have linked him with a move to Saudi Arabia and Al Hilal, but Fabrizio Romano reports no proposals have been made to the 35-year-old.
Instead Messi will meet with PSG to discuss extending his current contract, with an agreement likely to be reached.
Liverpool are hoping to bring both Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes to Anfield this summer.
Bellingham remains a key target for the Reds as they look to overhaul their midfield, with the England star likely to leave Borussia Dortmund in the next 18 months.
The Daily Mail report that Wolves’ Nunes, who only moved to England in the summer, is also on Liverpool’s radar.
Weston McKennie has reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Aston Villa.
Corriere dello Sport claim that the Juventus midfielder has no interest in making the move to Villa Park, and is instead holding out for an offer from Chelsea or Tottenham.
Spurs are keen on McKennie, with both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte big admirers.
Declan Rice has been encourgaed to join Chelsea should he leave West Ham as expected this summer.
The Hammers have reluctantly accepted they will likely lose their captain at the end of the season, though intend on holding out for a fee well in excess of £100million. Arsenal are believed to be currently leading the race, with Rice open to the move.
Rice has previously made it clear he wants to be playing in the Champions League, but Tony Cascarino believes the midfielder would have a huge impact on Chelsea should he be willing to sacrifice that ambition next season.
“Chelsea is where Rice could thrive and are a team who need a deep midfielder,” Cascarino wrote for The Times.
“I see a side that needs balancing — they have amazing wingbacks in Reece James and Ben Chilwell, and Rice would allow them to be aggressive in the final third.
“But I also see, with Rice, a new modification. Alongside Conor Gallagher, who does the running and attacking, Mateo Kovacic, who dribbles well and is smooth in possession, and then Rice, that is a great mix of skills.”
New Chelsea signing Mykhailo Mudryk says he “can’t wait to get started” as Graham Potter weighs up whether to hand the Ukraine winger his debut against Liverpool on Saturday.
Mudryk has joined up with the Chelsea squad this week after completing his £88.5m move from Shakhtar Donetsk.
He last played a competitive match on November 23 but he has been at a winter training camp with Shakhtar and Potter will assess his fitness ahead of the trip to Anfield.
“I’m very excited to be here and be part of the Chelsea project,’ said Mudryk, who has signed an eight-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge.
“This is a big club and I’m happy to be here. I want to try and help the team win titles, I want to try and improve my game and to always do my best for Chelsea.
Read his full comments here
Arsenal and Fulham remain in talks over a deal for right-back Cedric Soares, as the Gunners consider a move for Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda, writes Simon Collings.
Fulham are discussing both loan and permanent moves for Cedric and Cottagers manager Marco Silva is driving their interest in the 31-year-old.
Cedric has made just one Premier League appearance for Arsenal this season, while Fulham are targeting reinforcements as they bid to build on their strong start.
The Portugal international knows Silva from their time together at Sporting and is open to a reunion if Arsenal decide he can leave this month.
Read the full story here
Tottenham continue in their attempts to bring Pedro Porro to north London.
The Sporting right-back is a top priority for Spurs this month, but they are still reluctant to pay the €45m up front.
Record report that Tottenham have offered €34m, with various add-ons to then take the overall package up towards €45m, but that is an offer Sporting have rejected.
Conor Gallagher is reluctant to leave Chelsea this month despite interest from other Premier League sides.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle are among the clubs keen on taking the midfielder on loan for the rest of the season, with Gallagher far from a regular under Graham Potter.
The Daily Mail report though that Gallagher will turn down any offers, and has decided he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United are close to agreeing a new contract with young start Alejandro Garnacho according to The Telegraph.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag, most recently assisting Marcus Rashford’s winner in the derby against Man City.
Garnacho’s current deal runs until 2025, and is now expected to pen new terms after lengthy discussions.
Arsenal had no Plan B in the event of missing out on Mudryk, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.
The Gunners are back to square one after a months-long pursuit of the winger ended with Chelsea wrapping up a deal for him under their noses.
“There weren’t alternatives that they were pursuing,” Ornstein told The Athletic’s football podcast. “When you hear of clubs…going for a player and having others on the back burner…in Arsenal’s situation they didn’t have others on the back burner.
“That doesn’t mean to say that they don’t have recruitment lists and opportunities they could explore or have looked into in the past and can revisit.”
Thomas Tuchel would be interested in the Tottenham job if Antonio Conte leaves the club in the coming months, despite his Chelsea connection.
Conte’s position has come under scrutiny following a poor run of performances and results, including Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal, which left Spurs 14 points adrift of the League leaders.
The Italian has consistently refused to commit to Spurs beyond the end of the season, when his contract expires, but the club have an option to trigger a 12-month extension to his deal.
Tuchel is out of work after being sacked by Chelsea in September last year, and is currently enjoying a break from football. But he is now ready to return to the game and prepared to listen to proposals from leading clubs.
Read more: Tuchel keen on Tottenham job if Conte leaves despite Chelsea affection
If you believed Football Twitter over the last few days, the only reason Chelsea beat Arsenal to the signing of Mudryk was down to a far superior wage on offer.
Not so, according to The Athletic. Mudryk is earning ‘just’ £97,000-a-week at Chelsea on a deal which runs over eight seasons, which was less than £10k more than the deal on offer at Arsenal.
In fact, even the amount Mudryk can and will cost was the same offered by both clubs, the only difference was “ the speed at which the various instalments would be paid was markedly different”.
Very interesting.
Simmering away in the background away at Tottenham is the loaded issue of Harry Kane’s future, with the England captain out of contract at the end of next season, writes Dan Kilpatrick.
In appointing ‘win now’ managers in Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, rather than heeding Mauricio Pochettino’s warnings and backing him, or turning to another project coach, Daniel Levy may have been partly motivated by a desire to convince Kane that Spurs were close to competing for the trophies he craves.
Read the full story here!
Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has taken Europe by storm this season and is emerging as one of the most in-demand players around.
So much so, in fact, that Arsenal are reportedly eager to sign the Georgia star.
According to 90Min, Kvaratskhelia forms part of a five-man shortlist at the Emirates Stadium, which also includes Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Leandro Trossard and Kaoru Mitoma.
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Ivan Fresneda, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 18-year-old is attracting plenty of interest after impressing for Real Valladolid, with Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle.
Fresneda is a right-back, who Romano describes as “super talented”.
“Arsenal, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle have been monitoring Fresneda but at the moment there’s still no official bid on Valladolid’s table,” Romano said.
“These are the clubs in the race, the feeling is that it will take some days to understand who’s going to sign this super talented 2004-born right back.”
Weston McKennie is “dreaming” of a move to Tottenham.
The midfielder has been made available by Juventus, prompting links with Spurs, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and others.
And it is Spurs who McKennie is waiting for an offer from, according to journalist Ciro Venerat.
He said: “As far as the January market is concerned, the club will tend to sell because it would like to raise cash. First with McKennie.
“He dreams of Tottenham, but there are currently only offers from lower Premier League clubs.”
Chelsea are unwilling to match Denzel Dumfries’ asking price at Inter Milan.
That’s according to FC Inter 1908, who report that the player is ready to make the move to Stamford Bridge should the Blues cough up around £50million.
Chelsea will only go to £30m, though, which is surprising given their free-spending exploits.
Dusan Vlahovic is said to still be a name very much on Arsenal’s transfer radar.
He was their top striking target last January before admitting defeat to Juventus, who swooped to land the Serbian instead in a £66.6m deal with Serie A rivals Fiorentina.
Calciomercato report that Arsenal will go back for Vlahovic and are preparing a huge bid worth £71m, with the player permitted to depart Juve due to their off-field issues.
However, rival reports suggest that both Chelsea and Manchester United are also eyeing the 22-year-old.
Arsenal’s search for Mykhailo Mudryk alternatives has reportedly seen them land on Kaoru Mitoma.
The Gunners are having to move quickly in search of alternatives to their top target, who completed a shock move to Chelsea last weekend.
Japan international Mitoma has been in sensational form for Brighton of late, scoring against Arsenal and also terrorising the likes of Liverpool.
Now 90min.com claim that the Gunners are interested in both the 25-year-old and Seagulls team-mate Leandro Trossard, with the latter apparently seen as a more attainable target in this window.
There will be no move to Chelsea this month for Arsen Zakharyan.
The Blues were previously believed to have agreed a £12.6m fee with Dynamo Moscow to sign the Russian playmaker.
However, UK Government sanctions against Russia following their invasion of Ukraine meant the deal could not be completed.
Zakharyan has continued to be linked with Stamford Bridge since the summer, but the Press Association now report that he is no longer seen as a priority signing and won’t be coming to west London in January.
However, PA add that Chelsea are still keeping an eye on the 19-year-old and his development.
Antonio Conte has bemoaned English football’s “bad habit” of relying on managers to be the public faces of clubs, and says it would be “much better” if Daniel Levy or Fabio Paratici explained Tottenham‘s “strategy and vision” to the media.
Spurs chairman Levy rarely does interviews, preferring to address fans through an annual message ahead of the final home game of each season.
Managing director Paratici is also yet to take questions from English media – aside from a press conference after Conte’s appointment in November 2021 while the head coach was still awaiting a work permit.
Read the full story here!
Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United is certainly under threat.
With Luke Shaw now impressing in central defence, the England international and club captain could now even be fifth-choice at Old Trafford.
According to The Daily Mirror, West Ham are looking to take advantage by launching a loan move for Maguire.
Despite the fact Leandro Trossard has hit out at Brighton amid interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, the Belgian could come back into the picture on the south coast.
“Maybe his agent fancies selling him for a lower transfer fee… surely, Trossard didn’t tell me the truth,” said manager Roberto De Zerbi.
“Everyone in the dressing room knows how things went. But if Trossand wants to rejoin us with the right attitude, I am happy to coach him”.
Chelsea are yet to make a bid for Moises Caicedo, Brighton have confirmed, amid intense interest in the midfielder.
The Ecuador international is reportedly of interest at Stamford Bridge as manager Graham Potter looks for a reunion with his former player.
Caicedo himself has made no secret of his desire to work again with Potter at Chelsea. In September, he said: They are one of the best teams in the world and nobody would turn down an offer from Chelsea or any other club like that. It’d be a dream … to succeed there.”
Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has taken Europe by storm this season and is emerging as one of the most in-demand players around.
So much so, in fact, that Arsenal are reportedly eager to sign the Georgia star.
According to 90Min, Kvaratskhelia forms part of a five-man shortlist at the Emirates Stadium.
The Glazer family appear to be entering something approaching the end-game at Manchester United.
With the club up for sale, it appears as there is some light at the end of the tunnel for a fanbase who have frequently protested against the American family’s ownership.
According to The Times, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now joined the takeover race.
Ray Vallodoilid defender Ivan Fresneda is one of the most exciting young right-backs in Europe at the moment.
The Spanish U20 international has been linked with both Arsenal and Newcastle, with both clubs keen on the 19-year-old.
Still, according to Football Insider, Manchester United have now joined the race.
Wilfried Zaha is out of contract at Crystal Palace this summer and, frankly, it wouldn’t be a transfer window without him being linked with a move away from the club.
Given Arsenal’s pursuit of a new forward, the Palace star has been backed for a move to north London.
“I look at it in terms of who in the Premier League wouldn’t take Zaha for free? Maybe Man City wouldn’t. Chelsea would because they take everyone in that position. He would probably strengthen Arsenal and Tottenham,” said BBC pundit Pat Nevin,
Simmering away in the background away at Tottenham is the loaded issue of Harry Kane’s future, with the England captain out of contract at the end of next season, writes Dan Kilpatrick.
In appointing ‘win now’ managers in Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, rather than heeding Mauricio Pochettino’s warnings and backing him, or turning to another project coach, Daniel Levy may have been partly motivated by a desire to convince Kane that Spurs were close to competing for the trophies he craves.
Read the full story here!
While Tottenham have been backed to win the race to sign Leandro Trossard by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Brighton will not make it easy.
Excellent at holding onto their players and driving up fees, the club know what they’re doing.
Indeed, according to Sky Sports, Brighton will only let Trossard leave if their valuation is met, even despite his contract expiring next summer.
Arsenal can move on from their Mykhailo Mudryk disappointment by bidding for Raphinha and Youri Tielemans, according to Ray Parlour.
Barcelona reportedly want £89million for Brazilian winger Raphinha – roughly the same fee Chelsea paid for Mudryk – but former midfielder Parlour believes a loan deal may be plausible given his lack of form.
Read the full story here!
Ferran Torres, who has hardly put a foot wrong for either Manchester City or Barcelona, is seemingly constantly linked with a move away from whichever club he is playing for.
One of the most exciting reasonably young forwards in Europe, it’s difficult to see why, although Barca’s financial problems perhaps explain the latest round of rumours.
Arsenal have been linked with a January move for the Spanish international as they hunt for a wide forward.
Still, according to The Athletic, Torres is keen to stay at the Camp Nou.
What a difference a week makes at Southampton.
Nathan Jones was under huge pressure after a poor start to life on the south coast but the Welshman has turned things around, beating Manchester City to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals before claiming a vital three points away at Everton.
Now, things could get even better.
According to The Athletic, Saints are close to the signing of Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.
Eddie Howe has hinted that Newcastle need to sell to buy in order to balance FFP concerns.
Still, shifting players on from the Mike Ashley years to make space in the squad has certainly proven something of a problem for the club since their takeover.
They could, however, do a deal to see Ryan Fraser leave St James’ Park.
According to i News, the Scotland international has been offered to Premier League rivals Everton.
The leading force in a Napoli team that would well win Serie A for the first time since the 1980s, Victor Osimhen is never out of the news on the transfer front.
Such is the financial power of the Premier League, it increasingly feels like a matter of time before the Nigerian international makes the move to England.
Well, according to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Manchester United, Arsenal AND Newcastle could all battle for his services in the summer.
Arsenal target Facundo Torres has confirmed the Gunners made contract over a transfer as he awaits further talks.
As reported by Standard Sport in November, Torres has been of interest at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the current transfer window after being identified by famed South American talent scout Toni Lima.
Read the full story here!
Chelsea are expected to make a bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo THIS WEEK.
With two new defenders and forwards each signed, Graham Potter is reportedly now ready to strengthen his options in the middle of the park.
Having worked with the Ecuador international on the south coast, the Blues boss is said to be a big fan.
According to GIVEMSPORT, Chelsea could launch their first bid for the player in the coming days.
After missing out on top target Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal are looking for alternatives.
Raphinha of Barcelona is again of interest to the Gunners, although the Brazilian has since indicated his desire to stay at the Camp Nou.
So, it’s been a case of ‘back to the drawing board’.
Now, however, there could be action. Indeed, Sky Sports claim Arsenal have made contact with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for France international Moussa Diaby, who could cost up £88.5m.
Patrick Vieira has played down a potential return to Crystal Palace for Conor Gallagher.
The England international enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Selhurst Park last season but has since struggled for first-team football at Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher was included in England’s World Cup, thanks largely to the performances he put in for Palace, though has been handed only ten starts across all competitions this season.
Standard Sport understands the 22-year-old is attracting loan interest from both Palace and Newcastle, although it is understood Gallagher would prefer to stay at Chelsea unless he is forced out.
Read the full story here!
Fulham have been keen on a move for Arsenal defender Cedric Soares since the start of the window.
The deal, however, was being held up both because of the player’s wage demands and the fact Arsenal did not want to rush into a decision given their Premier League title challenge.
Still, according to Sky Sports, the Gunners have now given permission to their London rivals to speak to the Portugal international.
Antonio Conte and Tottenham hasn’t often seemed like a particularly happy marriage to say the least.
The Italian is coming towards the end of his contract in north London, though it’s not as if Spurs are currently flying.
If he is to agree a new deal, Conte is understood to want a significant pay rise on his £15million annual salary but, while the bigger picture is far from dreadful, there is no world in which he has earned a raise based on performances this season.
Read Dan Kilpatrick’s latest on Conte and Spurs here!
