Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal and Man Utd in Olmo loan boost; Liverpool to reject second Alexander-Arnold bid
The winter window begins with sides at both ends of the Premier League table looking to strengthen as they battle for survival, European football and even the title
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The winter transfer window begins on 1 January, with clubs across the continent eyeing deals as they look to strengthen in the hunt for titles, European football and survival.
As always, there’ll be plenty of eyes on the Premier League as the country’s top sides try and find value in an often difficult market, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all tipped to make signings.
There could be high-profile departures too, with Marcus Rashford reportedly looking for a way out of Manchester United while Trent Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate with other clubs with just six months remaining on his current Liverpool deal.
And across the rest of the league, teams will juggle PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to help their bids for a successful end to the 2024/25 season.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:
Liverpool linked with ‘offer’ for Marc Guehi
A £65m bid from Liverpool for Marc Guehi might be in the offing, but so far no major outlet has suggested that’s the case despite some Spanish sites saying it is on the cards.
Fichajes and one or two other places have stated Arne Slot wants a new centre-back, with Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez both injured, but the league leaders moving for Crystal Palace’s defensive star in the middle of the campaign still feels somewhat improbable.
A higher fee than the £65m is still wanted by Palace, with the London club rejecting similar from Newcastle over summer, reports say - while the Mirror claim Liverpool is Guehi’s preferred destination.
Everton’s £16m defender could be heading out on loan
Jake O’Brien only joined Everton in the summer but already he’s tipped with a move away from Goodison Park.
The Telegraph report that several clubs overseas are looking at him for a possible January loan switch, after he impressed in Ligue 1 with Lyon last term.
A £16.4m addition, Sean Dyche has only started him in the Carabao Cup so far, with a couple of sub appearances in the league to his name. Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga sides have registered early interest.
‘No market’ for Rashford transfer despite Man United willing to sell
Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy has been speaking about Marcus Rashford’s situation at Old Trafford and suggests Man United will struggle to offload him:
“Selling Marcus Rashford would help Man Utd financially as it would be banked in the books as pure profit as he’s an academy graduate. He says he wants a fresh challenge and the club are open to letting him leave.
“But there is no market for Rashford because of his salary, valuation, form and all the off the field problems that have been reported.
“In the current landscape where domestic clubs are trying to meet their PSR aims and clubs in Europe can’t match the fees of the Premier League, you can’t see where Rashford would begin this new adventure and where Man Utd get the money they need for him. Some clubs like PSG who have had an interest in Rashford have made it clear there is no active interest in him at the moment.”
Ansu Fati linked with loan but agent says Barcelona ‘will need him’
Jorge Mendes has asked whether Ansu Fati would be leaving Barcelona on loan again but it seems the agent’s priority is for him to stay at the club right now.
“[That’s a] question for Barca but he has the level to play for them. He needs is confidence and to resolve his physical issues. Once he’s at 100%, Barca will need him. He’s a unique player,” he said, per Goal.com.
In Spanish media there have been varying suggestions he may leave, without any firm destinations named.
United could lose out on £900m deal
Man Utd could be hit hard this season if the worst happens and they are relegated from the Premier League with Adidas ready to axe their £900m kit deal with the club.
Ruben Amorim has confessed that dropping down into the second tier is a “possibility” amid their horrendous form, albeit it is unlikely given the form of the teams currently below them.
The Red Devils are seven points above the bottom three and nine away from the top six.
Merson wants Arsenal to spend big on Isak
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to go all out and buy Alexander Isak from Newcastle in January as the Gunners hope to challenge for the title this year.
He told Sky Sports: “If I was Arsenal and had the money, I’d go out and buy [Alexander] Isak. I’d break the bank for him. He’s the best of the best and takes Arsenal to another level.
“What I like about Jesus is he’s got back into the team and said ‘this time round, I’m going to get in the box and score goals. If I’m going to stay in this team, I need to score goals’ and that’s what he’s done.
“The goal against Brentford was a proper poachers goal and it’s rare we see him in the six yard box, heading them in.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti tight-lipped on Trent Alexander-Arnold move
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to be drawn on the club’s pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial enquiry about the England right-back’s availability a few days ago.
Liverpool are determined to hang on to the 26-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, and a reported potential second approach from the Spanish club, this time backed by a firm cash offer in the region of £20million, is unlikely to sway their resolve.
Real Madrid boss responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer speculation
The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial enquiry about the England right-back’s availability a few days ago
United to make Gyokeres approach?
The Star reports that Ruben Amorim has told Manchester United bosses that they need to sign Viktor Gyokeres in January rather than wait until the summer if they hope to halt their current woes.
The Sporting Lisbon striker, 26, was always likely to attract interest from his former boss but it was thought United would prefer to move for him after the end of the season.
United are said to have a tight budget for this window so any incomings, with Gyokeres said to be close to £60m, would only happen if other players can be sold.
‘Players will play through anything'
Mikel Arteta says his players will ‘play through anything’ after Arsenal overcame Brentford despite a sickness bug afflicting the squad.
Take a look at his post match comments below:
Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal squad after being hit by sickness bug
Mikel Arteta was a happy man following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day and even more so because his squad overcome a sickness bug to put in a superb performance away from home.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli ensured the Gunners moved back up to second in the Premier League table and continued to put pressure on league leaders Liverpool who are now just six points ahead of Arteta’s side.
Kai Havertz was surprisingly left out of the Arsenal squad for the match against Brentford but it was reported that the German forward had caught a sickness bug that struck other players in the squad as well.
Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal squad after being hit by sickness bug
The Gunners defeated Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday evening but their squad were not able to perform at their best due to illness
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments