Tuesday’s transfer news: Arsenal target John Stones as Man United hit Bruno Fernandes roadblock
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Your support makes all the difference.After a tepid start to the January transfer window, it's beginning to heat up somewhat, with Manchester United edging towards a massive £60m move for Bruno Fernandes and Arsenal seemingly keen to acquire a new defender with Manchester City's John Stones said to be Mikel Arteta's ideal choice.
Liverpool have already signed Takumi Minamino, while Chelsea have added youngster Bryan Fiabema, but appear to have the potential to add more established names now that their transfer ban has been lifted. Manchester United and Arsenal could compete for Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani, who will be available for free this summer, though Atletico Madrid remain primed to add the Uruguayan - possibly this month, to boost their Champions League campaign, where they take on Jurgen Klopp's side next. Chelsea have highlighted their defence as an area to upgrade, leading to rumours of moves for Issa Diop of West Ham and their former centre-back Nathan Ake at Bournemouth, with £40m the likely fee for both players.
Tottenham Hotspur could be ambitious with Jose Mourinho eager to overhaul his squad and now desperate to strengthen in the market due to Harry Kane's long-term injury. Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti could be targeted, but with Ernesto Valverde's departure and the arrival of Quique Setien, Spurs may have to look elsewhere, while one of the stars of last season Matthijs de Ligt has failed to settle at Juventus and has been linked with a loan move back to Ajax, but the season-ending injury to Merih Demiral should end any possibility of that for now.
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United and Chelsea have both been linked with Dinamo and Spain star Dani Olmo. There could also be some big moves across Europe. Real Madrid have been linked with a £68m move for Timo Werner, as well as Flamengo wonder kid Reinier, while Arsenal have turned their eyes to RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano as a long-term target.
United offer four players in part-exchange to reduce Fernandes fee
Manchester United could offer Sporting one of four players to reduce the price of Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder is valued at £50m with the club hoping for add-ons to take the price up to £65m.
And A Bola are reporting Joel Pereira, Angel Gomes, Marcos Rojo or Andreas Pereira could be offered to bring that fee down.
Arsenal want Guimaraes
Arsenal are targeting Bruno Guimaraes from Athletico Paranaense, with the club's president Mario Celso Petraglia confirming their interest.
Chelsea and Benfica are also keen on the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
"Yes it’s true," Petraglia told O Jogo. "Yesterday came the official offer from Benfica to sign Bruno Guimaraes.
"Let’s study Benfica’s offer. On Monday we will meet the club board to assess this situation.
"Arsenal are interested, but will only make an offer towards the end of the season."
Dangote looking at Arsenal takeover in 2021
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote insists he is contemplating a takeover of Arsenal next year.
Dangote is considered the richest man in Africa and has a net worth of around £8.5 billion.
“It is a team (Arsenal) that yes I would like to buy some day, but what I keep saying today is we have $20billion worth of projects and that's what I really want to concentrate on,” Dangote told the David Rubenstein Show.
“I'm trying to finish building the company and then after we finish, maybe some time in 2021 we can.
“I'm not buying Arsenal right now, I'm buying Arsenal when I finish all these projects, because I'm trying to take the company to the next level.”
Solskjaer responds to Fernandes rumours
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has responded to speculation linking Manchester United with a move for Sporting's Bruno Fernandes.
Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, met with Sporting president Frederico Varandas on Friday at the club’s Mayfair offices in London to hold negotiations over a fee, with the Portuguese club holding out for £50m.
"I've got no transfer updates," he said. "If we get something we can tell you about we will, but we've got no news now."
Crystal Palace will allow Christian Benteke to leave on loan this month.
The Belgian has scored just one goal in 21 months for the Eagles and with the arrival of Cenk Tosun on loan, Roy Hodgson will allow the 29-year-old to leave.
Aston Villa are an option, report the Sun, with Dean Smith on the lookout for a striker after Wesley's season-ending injury.
Newcastle battle Lyon for PSV star
Newcastle are looking into signing PSV star Cody Gakpo, report Foot Mercato.
It comes after issues attempting to sign Karl Toko Ekambi from Villarreal.
Gakpo, who can play all across the front line, has scored four and assisted five this season.
The 20-year-old could cost around €10m.
Raiola 'held Rashford talks'
Mino Raiola held talks with Marcus Rashford's agents to discuss representing the Manchester United star in the future.
Rashford's brothers Dane Rashford and Dwaine Maynard are his current representatives.
But The Athletic report that a meeting took place with both sides impressed.
Chelsea to recall Gallagher
Chelsea will recall Conor Gallagher from his loan spell at Charlton with a view to sending him elsewhere for the remainder of the season.
The 19-year-old has shone for the Addicks, attracting interest from Burnley and Norwich City.
Football.London report that it is more likely that the player heads to Rangers or to the Championship at West Bromwich Albion, Millwall, QPR and Swansea.
AC Milan are looking to make an offer for Spurs right-back Serge Aurier.
Football.London reports that the Rossoneri could offer £15m for the Ivorian.
Spurs want closer to £25m for the 27-year-old though.
"I was looking for an exit [from Spurs], so I couldn't play," Aurier said at the start of the campaign.
"When you're trying to move, you can't play because an injury or whatever else can scupper everything. I wanted to leave so it was normal for me not to be on the pitch.
"That desire to leave, I think it's a bit normal. I'm an important player of the national team. I'm not 20 anymore and I need to play, to be happy."
Torino keen on City youngster Poveda
Torino are in the process of convincing Ian Poveda to sign from Manchester City.
The 19-year-old could join now or on a free in the summer from the Premier League champions.
Leeds are also thought to be keen, claim Tuttosport, who add his salary would not exceed €400,000 after tax per year.
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