Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United are among those to watch in the finals days of the January transfer window as clubs in the Premier League and across the world look to wrap up deals before the deadline.
The Gunners are desperate to sign a striker but face competition from United over Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres, while a move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko looks unlikely this month despite being aware of a clause that allows the forward to leave the German club in 2025.
Elsewhere, Manchester City announced the signing of defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Chelsea could enter talks with Juventus for striker Dusan Vlahovic, with out-of-favour striker Christopher Nkunku set to leave this month.
Manchester United have been linked with Wolves pair Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the cub also opening talks with Lecce for defender Patrick Dorgu as Ruben Amorim prioritises signing a left back. But the club need to sell to buy, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all set to leave.
Arne Slot’s Reds continue to negotiate with soon-to-be out-of-contract trio Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the right-back linked with a possible free transfer to Real Madrid.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below, plus analysis on the done deals and where new signings will fit into the starting line-ups:
Rashford wanted by Marseille
Marseille are interested in signing Marcus Rashford, according to L’Equipe, but the Manchester United forward’s prefence is thought to be Barcelona.
Grealish set for shock move?
According to The Sun, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is being tracked by both Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
The reports says that Grealish’s future at City is “uncertain”, with Manchester United, Spurs and Newcastle also tracking the England international.
Manchester United eye Patrick Dorgu as first recruit of troubled Ruben Amorim era
Manchester United are interested in signing Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, as they look to make a wing back the first recruit of the Ruben Amorim era.
The 20-year-old Denmark international, who has won four caps, is on United’s radar as they search for signings who suit Amorim’s style of play.
Dorgu, an international teammate of Rasmus Hojlund, broke into Lecce’s team last season, and could address United’s lack of left-footed options on that flank.
Chelsea want at least £70m for Christopher Nkunku if he is to leave Stamford Bridge for Bayern Munich.
Nkunku wants more playing time and is having to settle for cameos at the end of games as Nicolas Jackson starts up front.
Amorim steps up search for left wing-back
Manchester United are looking at Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri and Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell as they aim to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad this January.
Chelsea pushing for United winger Garnacho
Chelsea are holding talks with Manchester United over the possibility of signing Alejandro Garnacho.
That’s according to the Daily Telegraph, which says that the Blues are also considering Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel.
Chelsea and Napoli – who are also interested in Garnacho – are also taking time to investigate the winger’s character, after he was dropped by Ruben Amorim who criticised his attitude.
Arsenal and Forest want Cunha… now
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are both pushing to sign Matheus Cunha in the January transfer window, despite Wolves’ preference to keep the Brazilian until the end of the season.
Forest are desperate to capitalise on their extraordinary season by qualifying for the Champions League and see Cunha as the player to keep up their momentum, according to the Mail.
However, Spanish outlet Fichajes says Arsenal have now registered a serious interest in buying Cunha from Wolves over the next 10 days in an effort to solve their attacking issues.
This one is going to run and run this week…
German-born US midfielder Lennard Maloney has joined Mainz from Bundesliga rivals Heidenheim, where he was dropped last month after expressing his wish to leave.
The 25-year-old Maloney, who had informed Heidenheim he was going to join Mainz when his contract expired at the end of the season, got his wish on Tuesday when the clubs agreed on a deal.
“Maloney has been able to prove himself in the Bundesliga over the last year and a half,” said Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert said. “His preferred position is as a number six and as a player, he’s the perfect fit for Mainz 05. He brings a strong mentality, as well as a willingness to run hard, and is also strong at winning challenges and aerial duels. Lennard will find it easy to fit into our squad with his warm, open personality.”
Maloney signed a contract to 2028.
After 18 rounds of the league, Heidenheim are in the relegation playoff spot while sixth-place Mainz is on course for European qualification.
Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt said in December he wasn’t picking the defensive midfielder because he lacked commitment amid a series of disappointing performances.
“I can only count on players in this phase who are 100% focused on the interests of Heidenheim,” Schmidt said. “From a coaching perspective I simply want another focus and another level of performance from my vice-captain.”
The Berlin-born Maloney has made two appearances for the United States — both in 2023.
William Saliba injury update given by Mikel Arteta with possible return date set
Reports in France suggested he would be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks but in Tuesday’s press conference, Arteta gave fans a glimmer of hope.
When is the Champions League draw? Date, start time and how to watch on TV as knockout stages set
Ahead of another day of Champions League football…
The top eight teams in the final Champions League league-phase table will automatically go through to the last-16. They will be joined by the winners from the play-offs; a set of eight two-legged ties between those clubs who finished between ninth and 24th in the league standings.
Here is all you need to know about the Champions League draw for the play-offs and beyond.
Source: independent.co.uk
