Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd eye ambitious Rashford-Kvaratskhelia swap, Arsenal update, Man City deal
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 and Arsenal 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 open to negotiate a possible free transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester United looking to sell Marcus Rashford - with a new ambitious swap for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reportedly on their radar.
Rashford has been linked with a series of clubs on the continent, with his agent flying to Italy to hold talks with AC Milan. The latest development comes as the Serie A giants have been joined in the race by minnows Como, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas, as well as rumours of a possible swap deal with Napoli involving winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Arsenal have been linked with in-form Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo but Manchester City may be the busiest club in the window, with Pep Guardiola’s set side to begin their rebuild in January. The Premier League champions are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and 17-year-old Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis this month.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:
Arsenal target Brentford star to upgrade wing position
Arsenal have turned attention to Bryan Mbeumo over a potential summer signing.
Mikel Arteta’s side are in the hunt for January recruits, too, but the Brentford forward is also on their radar for later this year, reports Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
The Gunners are especially keen to upgrade in the wing position, with Mbeumo under contract until 2026, an affordable deal could be struck.
Mbeumo has scored 13 goals and made three assists this season.
Ipswich beat Everton in hunt for Villa star
Ipswich Town look to bolster their survival hopes with the signing of Jaden Philogene.
Everton were also keen, but Town have struck a deal with Aston Villa for £21m plus add-ons, reports Fabrizio Romano.
A medical is scheduled for Thursday morning, with Kieran McKenna thought to have played a key role.
AC Milan willing to make Marcus Rashford loan move on one condition
Marcus Rashford will have the opportunity to join AC Milan on loan this month, with Ruben Amorim not a fan of the Manchester United forward.
But a stumbling block appears to be Rashford’s wages, which are worth a reported £325,000 per week.
The Times reports the Rossoneri are keen to do a deal but will only match £150,000 per week in line with their top earners, with Alvaro Morata leading the squad.
Elon Musk would be open to buying Liverpool, claims father
The Reds, currently competing for a quadruple under the guidance of Arne Slot, are currently owned by Fenway Sports Group, following a deal in 2010, with the sports holding conglomerate announcing investment in 2023 through a minority investor.
A full sale has never been an option though, but Errol Musk maintains his son, owner of Tesla and social media platform X, would be open to acquiring the Anfield-based team.
Elon Musk would be open to buying Liverpool, claims father
Fenway Sports Group has previously looked for external investment since acquiring the Reds in 2010
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
Son Heung Min to stay at Tottenham as club confirm contract extension
Son Heung Min is set to stay at Tottenham beyond this season after the club triggered an extension option in his contract.
The South Korean’s deal was due to expire at the end of this campaign after a decade at the north London club.
But Spurs have activated an extension to their captain’s deal, keeping him under contract until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season and ensuring that he can not depart on a free transfer this summer.
Son Heung Min to stay at Tottenham as club confirm contract extension
The South Korean forward has been at the club for nearly a decade and is set to stay
Paul Scholes tears into Ineos over Man Utd impact: ‘Everything is still negative’
Paul Scholes says Sir Jim Ratcliffe has done “nothing positive” during his first year at Manchester United.
Despite suffering one of the worst seasons in their recent history, United made the mid-season decision to raise matchday ticket prices to £66 per game in the Premier League, with no concessions for children or pensioners, a move which enraged some fans.
The club insist the hike would only affect a small number of fans as 97 per cent of tickets have already been sold but the remainder and resold tickets will be subject to the increase.
Paul Scholes tears into Ineos impact at Man Utd: ‘Everything is still negative’
Ticket price hikes and cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford have been unpopular with fans
A look at Newcastle’s near-misses in 70-year wait for domestic silverware
Newcastle boosted their hopes of ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy when they took a firm grip on their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
The Magpies emerged from their first-leg trip to the Emirates Stadium – where they had won only once in 19 previous visits – with a precious 2-0 lead to take into next month’s return at St James’ Park and their dream of ending a drought, which stretches back to the 1955 FA Cup final, very much alive.
A look at Newcastle’s near-misses in 70-year wait for domestic silverware
The Magpies have not won a domestic trophy since 1955.
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