The January transfer window nears the deadline and Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United are more Premier League clubs are left to consider audacious late moves to alter the trajectory of their seasons.
The Gunners are rumoured to be targeting a new striker, but a priority for the summer could be a new midfielder, with Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi appearing to be set on the Emirates over Anfield or with Man City at the Etihad.
Arne Slot’s Reds continue to negotiate with soon-to-be out-of-contract trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, with the right-back linked with a possible free transfer to Real Madrid.
While Manchester United are looking to sell Marcus Rashford. Kyle Walker could be on his way out of Man City, though, after informing Pep Guardiola of a desire to explore options away from the club and Milan and Inter are battling for the right back.
Elsewhere, Chelsea, currently in a rotten spell of form under Enzo Maresca, could negotiate a swap deal with Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel, inserting out-of-favour striker Christopher Nkunku into a deal.
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:
West Ham latest
With news of the injury to Niclas Fullkrug, it is thought that West Ham want to dip into the market to sign a striker.
Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest is a name that has been linked to the Hammers, though his club are reluctant to let him leave without a replacement. Another target is Leipzig’s Andre Silva, while Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been linked with a loan deal.
In addition, The Times reports that the club want to sell striker Luis Guilherme, who signed in the summer for £25m.
Newcastle to avoid buying this month?
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has reported that “it’s still not the plan to buy this month” for Newcastle even if Miguel Almiron does leave.
Hope adds that the Magpies “want to be in strong position come summer” in terms of their ability to make signings.
It is not yet clear what the club’s position is if a good offer comes in for Lloyd Kelly.
Salah to Saudi gains pace
More reports emerging on Salah’s potential move to Saudi Arabia, with French outlet L’Equipe suggesting that Al Hilal have made contact with the Egyptian and his entourage.
The Saudi side reportedly want the Liverpool winger to replace Neymar, who has barely played since joining in 2023.
Ruben Amorim confident that Alejandro Garnacho can have bright Man Utd future
While Garnacho is said to be Napoli’s top target in their hunt for a new winger, Ruben Amorim has said it is “clear” Alejandro Garnacho can have a bright future at Manchester United.
Sunday’s FA Cup match at Arsenal, which United went on to win in a penalty shoot-out, was the first time Garnacho had made Amorim’s starting XI since the 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 7.
During that time the 20-year-old, who has eight goals in 30 appearances this term, had been left out of the squad entirely for the Manchester derby, while speculation has increased that United could be open to selling the academy product to help ease concerns around profit and sustainability rules.
Napoli searching for Kvaratskhelia replacement
Napoli’s interest in Alejandro Garnacho has been well-publicised by now, but the Italian club are said to be monitoring a number of potential wingers to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Patrick Berger of Sky Germany has reported that the club have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, while Edon Zhegrova of Lille is also a candidate.
Rashford latest
There’s plenty of speculation still surrounding the future of Marcus Rashford, who looks set to leave Manchester United this month.
Reports from Spain and Italy continue to link him with Barcelona and AC Milan, as well as with Napoli – who have been strongly linked with United teammate Alejandro Garnacho.
Links with Barcelona continue despite the Catalan club’s struggle with signing and registering players, and the rumour is that Barca is Rashford’s preferred destination.
The strongest reports out of Italy say that Rashford could join AC Milan, but they may have to make a decision on whether they want Rashford or City’s Kyle Walker.
Melissa Reddy of Sky Sports reports that “all options regarding Rashford are still on the table”, including the possibility of staying at Old Trafford.
More on Mbeumo
Some additional information on Bryan Mbeumo, who has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Spurs and even Manchester United, with reports suggesting that his fee would be around £50m.
However, when Thomas Frank spoke to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Dane made it clear that Mbeumo would not be leaving the Gtech this month.
“No. So, very easy to answer that question!” replied Frank when asked if Mbeumo could leave.
Arsenal latest
The rumour mill is in overdrive this month when it comes to Arsenal, so here’s a rundown of the main links:
Martin Zubimendi continues to be the main link to the Emirates, though a deal wouldn’t happen until the summer and it is thought that Liverpool and Bayern are still interested in the midfielder.
The Gunners are looking for strikers after the injury to Gabriel Jesus, with Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic all being linked. It is not thought that the club have put in any concrete offers yet.
Arsenal are also thought to be looking at general forward options, with Bryan Mbeumo continuously linked to the Emirates despite Brentford manager Thomas Frank insisting that the Cameroon international won’t leave this month.
In terms of outgoings, Kieran Tierney is nearing an agreement with former club Celtic, while Jorginho is the subject of interest from Brazilian clubs including Flamengo.
City still working on Marmoush
Sky Sports reports that Manchester City are continuing to advance in their deal for Omar Marmoush, though Eintracht Frankfurt have not moved from their asking price of €80m/£67m.
City are understood to be “realistic about the difficulties of doing business” this month, and Fabrizio Romano has reported that the deal is definitely still on, with City confident off getting it done.
Madrid to land defensive duo?
Spanish outlet Marca is reporting that Real Madrid have agreed deals (with the players themselves) for both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
Alexander-Arnold would likely move for free in the summer, though there is still a possibility that he agrees a new deal at Anfield.
Davies is also reportedly set to be offered a new deal by Bayern, who hope that wages of around €25m per year may be enough to tempt him to stay.
Source: independent.co.uk
