Transfer news LIVE: Ronaldo ‘has options’, Man Utd could lose Mainoo and Arsenal want Williams
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 they also like PSG left-back Nuno Mendes but may shockingly lose Kobbie Mainoo as Chelsea circle.
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:
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.
Bryan Mbeumo a target for Arsenal
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is on Arsenal’s summer shortlist, according to Sky in Germany, with the Gunners looking to strengthen out wide.
Mbeumo has notched 13 Premier League goals this season and while his contract expires in the summer of 2026, the Bees have the option to extend that for an extra year.
Napoli to make Casadei bid
Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei could be set for the exit door with Napoli set to make a bid.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Serie A side want to sign the Italian on a permanent transfer but the Blues are requesting a sell-on clause to be included in any deal.
Casadei has made six appearances for Chelsea this season, none of which have come in the Premier League.
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.
Marcus Rashford’s representatives in Italy to discuss AC Milan move
The latest in the Marcus Rashford saga – the forward’s brother and agent are in Italy today talking to AC Milan about a potential loan move. The Italian club are keen to understand the conditions for a deal that could be loan with an option to buy and they’ve made the England international their top target for this window.
Manchester United are aware that Rashford’s representatives are in Italy and are expecting a number of clubs to formally approach them about a deal.
Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are among the other interested clubs, with Rashford’s representatives expected to talk to them in the coming days. There are still no guarantees he’ll leave Old Trafford despite publicly saying he is “ready for a new challenge”.
Julen Lopetegui sacked by West Ham with Graham Potter lined up as replacement
West Ham have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after the heavy defeat to Manchester City left the club fearing a relegation battle.
The 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium followed a dreadful performance against Liverpool at the London Stadium, prompting a hostile atmosphere with loud boos heard at half and full time.
A club statement read: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”
Julen Lopetegui sacked by West Ham with Graham Potter lined up as replacement
The Hammers are fearing a potential relegation battle after damaging defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City
Jhon Duran attracting interest from PSG and Barcelona
It appears Aston Villa may have a fight on their hands to keep hold of in-form striker Jhon Duran. The Colombian has been a revelation for Villa this season, scoring 11 goals including the winner against Bayern Munich.
But Talksport are reporting that PSG have expressed an interest in signing the forward, with £60m said to be the price that would tempt Villa to sell.
Meanwhile, Spanish outlet Sport are reporting that Barcelona sporting director Deco has already met with Duran’s representatives for informal talks to let him know he is on the Barca radar.
Chelsea learn Marc Guehi asking price
Marc Guehi is one of the more sought-after names this transfer window and the defender has now had his asking price set by Crystal Palace.
Guehi’s former club Chelsea are leading the charge to re-sign him amid a defensive injury crisis and have been told they will have to stump up £70m to make it happen.
Newcastle wanted the centre-back last summer and Palace turned down multiple bids, up to £60m, for him. They are set to stand firm on £70m, which Chelsea are currently unwilling to pay.
Arsenal in race for Nico Williams and Lee Kang In
A couple of Arsenal nuggets from David Ornstein of The Athletic. Firstly, the Gunners are looking at highly-rated Athletic Bilbao and Spain forward Nico Williams.
Mikel Arteta would love to sign Williams during this window but finances make it unlikely and the player himself is not agitating to leave Bilbao. His release clause €60m (although it fluctuates with inflation) and would need to be paid in full, meaning a summer move is more likely.
Arsenal face competition to sign the 22-year-old, as Chelsea are high on his list of suitors, while Liverpool looked into the viability of a deal last summer.
The Gunners may also be interested in PSG’s South Korean forward Lee Kang In. The 23-year-old is open to a new challenge and Barcelona’s interest may force Arsenal to come forward, having previously expressed interest although the price (at least double the €22m PSG paid to sign him from Mallorca in 2023) is considered off-putting.
Man City and Liverpool fight for £50m attacking star
Manchester City need to freshen up their attacking talent as they try to salvage their season and Pep Guardiola’s men are targeting a £50m raid for Eintracht Frankfurt No 10 Omar Marmoush, according to Sam Wallace at The Telegraph.
The Egyptian international has been dubbed, perhaps inevitably ‘the next Mo Salah’ by some and has a versatility that could be invaluable to City – with the 25-year-old comfortable in a variety of attacking positions.
Marmoush joined Frankfurt on a free transfer from Wolfsburg at the start of last season and has shone, banging in 13 goals and contributing seven assists already this term.
He still has two and a half years left on his contract and although the original intention was a summer sale, City’s desperation could seal a move this month.
However, they apparently face competition from Liverpool, who are also after Marmoush. Who better to replace Mo Salah than ‘the next Mo Salah’...
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