Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal target Nico Williams, Liverpool eye Marmoush, Man Utd face Kobbie Mainoo interest
The transfer window is in full swing with sides at both ends of the Premier League table looking to strengthen as they battle for survival, European football and the title
Clubs across the continent are in the market for January transfer deals as they look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the 2024/25 season with titles, European football and survival all on the line.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are all rumoured to be circling new arrivals as they battle it out in the Premier League while the window could see some big exits confirmed with Trent Alexander-Arnold negotiating a possible free transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester United open to selling Marcus Rashford. Randal Kolo Muani is said to be one option for United, who look likely to miss out on Viktor Gyokeres this month, while Arsenal and Liverpool are chasing Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.
One of the more intriguing sagas is the fate of Dani Olmo who could be left in limbo is Barcelona fail in their attempts to re-register him. The Spanish giants are battling LaLiga over finanical issues which could mean Olmo needs to find a new club and there are plenty of teams, Arsenal and Chelsea included, monitoring the situation.
And across the rest of the English top-flight, clubs are sticking to PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to bolster their squads.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:
Juve offer surprise swap deal to Man Utd
Juventus have offered to swap Dusan Vlahovic for Joshua Zirkzee as part of a January transfer move according to talkSPORT.
Zirkee has only scored three Premier League goals since his arrival at Old Trafford and is in the firing line as one of the squad players underforming.
The Dutchman signed for £36.5m in the summer but could make an early exit if a swap deal for Vlahovic can be arranged. Vlahovic has just 18 months left on his Juve contract in Turin and the Italian giants hope to benefit from his exit.
The Serbia international is the club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions and has the ability to lead the line for United.
Why Liverpool’s squad worries go well beyond Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold
Some of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s more traumatic outings in a Liverpool shirt have tended to involve Real Madrid. Normally, however, it entailed trial by Vinicius Junior, a test many a right-back has failed over the years. If there are plenty of reasons to join Real, one is that he would only have to face the Brazilian in training.
In the week Real attempted to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, his worst performance of the season felt ill-timed. Perhaps only the right-back and those closest to him know for sure if the distraction caused by Real contributed to his substandard display against Manchester United.
Arne Slot, often a voice of reason, pointed out it is not the only difficult day even a player of Alexander-Arnold’s standard has experienced over the years. He afforded credit to the United double act of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, citing their status as Portugal internationals, even if the inconvenient truth is that neither remotely resembles a left winger.
Why Liverpool’s squad worries go well beyond Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold
The league leaders are heading towards a 20th league title under new manager Arne Slot, and yet a squad rebuild looms on the horizon
Nunez up for sale?
Football Insider are saying that Liverpool are willing to sell Darwin Nunez if their valuation for the Uruguayan is met.
The club apparantly want between £50m-£60m for the striker in order to green light any potential move.
Nunez has been linked with a switch to Newcastle in recent weeks but that figure would seemingly be a high one for the Magpies who are wary of breaching PSR.
Olympiacos’ interested in Antony
Olympiacos are monitoring the situation for Manchester United’s Antony.
The Sun suggest the Europa Conference League holders have tabled a €2m (£1.7m) loan fee for a six-month deal. That deal includes an €18m (£15m) option to buy.
The winger joined Man Utd two years ago following an £86m deal with Ajax.
New transfer interest emerges for Marcus Rashford as Italian club want loan deal
AC Milan are interested in taking Marcus Rashford on loan as they look to offer him a route out of Manchester United.
The Serie A club’s interest is not advanced at this stage but United are aware that Rashford is wanted at San Siro.
The 27-year-old said last month he was “ready for a new challenge” after spending his entire career at Old Trafford and falling out of favour under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Latest from Richard Jolly:
New transfer interest emerges for Marcus Rashford as Italian club want loan deal
Rashford is ‘ready for a new challenge’ away from Old Trafford with AC Milan interested in signing him
United have sights on Mendes
Manchester United are keeping tabs on PSG’s Nuno Mendes ahead of a potential summer move. Mendes has entered the final 18 months of his contract and talks over a new contract with the French side have stalled0
United are looking to bolster their left-back options and Mendes could fit the bill. The club recently agreed a deal for Paraguayan defender Diego Leon who turns 18 in April.
It is thought the player will arrive in Manchester soon for a medical.
Bayern Munich interested in Gyokeres
Bayern Munich want to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres according to The Star. The Swedish striker is one of is in high demand with Man Utd boss, Ruben Amorim, tipped to make a move for his former frontman this summer.
Bayern want to ensure they are also in the race to sign Gyokeres and may have a better chance of securing their man with United close to the threshold of PSR.
Arsenal recall Sagoe Jr
Arsenal have recalled Charles Sagoe Jr from his loan spell at Shrewsbury Town. The 20-year-old winger had joined on a season-long deal but returns to the Emirates after making 13 appearances in League One.
Palace target Esse
The Eagles are looking at a move for Millwall winger Romain Esse, who is performing well in the Championship this season.
19-year-old Esse has scored four times and assisted once in 24 starts, and Palace are now willing to take a risk on him says the South London Press.
Sporting director Dougie Freedman is believed to be an admirer of the youngster and wants to make him a top priority in Janaury.
West Ham approach two other candidates as Graham Potter deal hinges on key factor
West Ham remain in advanced talks with Graham Potter to become their new manager, despite Julen Lopetegui taking training as normal on Tuesday morning.
Lopetegui’s position at West Ham is seen as untenable, although much still hinges on whether Potter will decide to take the job at the London Stadium.
West Ham are keen to make the 53-year-old their next manager, having also approached two other candidates.
West Ham approach two other candidates as Graham Potter deal hinges on key factor
With Julen Lopetegui in limbo, Potter has held talks with West Ham but it is understood he may be tempted by a possible opening at Everton
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