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.

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 La Liga 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:

January transfer window - live updates

• The winter transfer window begins on 1 January and finishes at the end of the month

• Manchester United make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update

• Marcus Rashford and Victor Osimhen could swap clubs in sensational move

• Rashford rejects three offers from Saudi Arabia

• Real Madrid step up interest for Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold

• Arsenal told huge Muani fee as striker search continues

• Chelsea recall Argentine defender from Boca Juniors

• Man Utd ‘ready medical’ for Paraguayan wonderkid

Arsenal and Villa interested in Retegui

16:55 , Mike Jones

Arsenal and Aston Villa are interested in bringing Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui to the Premier League.

That’s according to a report from La Repubblica which says the forward is gaining interest from the English top-flight over a possible January move.

Arsenal are in such of a striker and the Argentine-born forward is the most prolific Italian striker in 2024 with 16 goals in 35 league games.

Glasner expects Guehi to stay

16:40 , Mike Jones

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner expects defender Marc Guehi to stay at the club. Guehi was the subject of interest from Newcastle in the summer and is being linked with an exit once again with his current contract set to expire in 2026.

“I think so. No player from the squad has come to me and said they want to leave,” Glasner said when asked about Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park.

“No-one who plays all the minutes like Marc or the ones who don’t play. I am not concerned that Marc will leave but 31st January is a long time.”

Ispwich interested in Godfrey

16:25 , Mike Jones

Ben Godfrey could make his return to the Premier League as interest in the former Everton defender continues to grow. Fabrizio Romano says that Ipswich are in talks with Atalanta to sign him on loan.

Negotiations are reportedly under way. Godfrey moved to Serie A from Everton in the summer for around £10m but is yet to start a league game for his new club.

Amorim on turning around United’s form

16:10 , Mike Jones

“We need time to work on the basic things, this is the only way,” Ruben Amorim said. “When the window is open we can try to do something and we will try to do something.

“In the next weeks, we are going to have more time to train and you have to improve, that’s the only way. We’ve had a lot of games without training, now we’ll have more space to grow.

“The context is worse at the moment because we’ve had a lot of losses. The only situation is to work hard.”

Amorim on Maguire extension

15:55 , Mike Jones

The Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim, spoke about extending Harry Maguire’s contract for another year.

He said: “Harry Maguire, we are going to trigger our option. I spoke with him this morning and I told him he has to improve his game on the pitch.

“We need him a lot, and he also needs to improve as a leader. We all know the situation he had here, but we need him a lot in this moment, so we are going to trigger happily the option.”

Guardiola on De Bruyne’s future

15:39 , Mike Jones

Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract at the end of the season and Pep Guardiola has had his say on the midfielder’s future at Manchester City.

He said: “Not my business. He had problems in the last year but of course when he is consistent and fit, I have said many times, he is a really important player for us.

“For the club, how he performs and the age he has, the club has to think about it.”

Norwich sign Dobbin from Villa on loan

15:24 , Mike Jones

Aston Villa have confirmed that Lewis Dobbin has been recalled from his loan spell at West Brom and will instead join Norwich until the end of the season.

The striker signed for Villa from Everton in the summer but struggled for game time with the Baggies. He made 18 appearances, with just one league start and did not score.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti tight-lipped on Trent Alexander-Arnold move

15:10 , Mike Jones

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.

Ancelotti, asked about January signings, told a press conference: “It is difficult for me to talk about that in this context. But we are going to have to wait and see.

“We are focused on all these games in January and the game tomorrow (against Valencia) and I’ve got nothing more to say. It’s not sensible for me to speak about the market right now.”

Southampton sign Brazilian defender

15:03 , Mike Jones

Southampton have confirmed the signing of a 23-year-old Brazilian left-back. The club released the following statement:

“Southampton Football Club is pleased to formally complete the signing of Brazilian defender Welington, who had previously signed a pre-contract agreement with the club.

“The 23-year-old left-back agreed personal terms with Saints in the summer, staying with São Paulo until the expiry of his contract at the end of the Brazilian season.

“Welington made 48 appearances in all competitions during the campaign, as São Paulo finished sixth, taking his career total to 164 games for the club.

“A Brazil Under-23 international, he won the Copa do Brasil in 2023 and the Supercopa do Brasil in 2024 during his time with São Paulo, where he made his debut aged 19.

“Welington will now join up with the Saints first-team squad and wear the number 34 shirt at St Mary’s.”

Marcus Rashford responds to ‘ridiculous’ speculation over Manchester United future

14:55 , Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford has described the latest speculation concerning his future at Manchester United as “ridiculous”.

A report claimed the United striker had met with a leading sports agency to try to hasten a move away from Old Trafford.

But Rashford, who is currently represented by his brother Dwaine Maynard, wrote on Instagram: “Been a lot of false stories written over the past few weeks, but guys this is getting ridiculous – never met with any agency and don’t have any plans to…”

Premier League chief warns new Club World Cup will cause ‘great difficulty’ for Manchester City and Chelsea

14:42 , Mike Jones

The Club World Cup this summer could create “great difficulty” for Manchester City and Chelsea’s preparations for the next Premier League season, the league‘s chief executive Richard Masters has warned.

The two clubs will be England’s representatives in Fifa’s new 32-team competition in the United States, which has sparked legal challenges from player unions and domestic leagues.

Player welfare has been one of the key drivers behind those challenges, and Masters fears there will be precious little respite for the players of either club should they go deep into the competition.

Premier League chief explains major worry over new Club World Cup

Forest owner says club will do “whatever is needed” in pursuit of top four finish

14:28 , Mike Jones

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was speaking at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards and underlined what the Premier League club will do - and don’t want to do - in January as they look to build on a great first half of the season.

Forest are second in the table, behind only Liverpool, after losing just four times this term so far.

“We will do whatever is needed to be stronger and of course our coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) will decide what he really needs,” said Marinakis. “We must keep the same spirit and same environment in the dressing room and all our players this year have the right spirit. This is a very good climate we should try our very best not to interrupt it.

“It is an important achievement because in all positions we have players who perform or even over-perform. For us this is our first priority – keep the momentum, keep winning and continue to enjoy the journey.”

Manchester United make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update

14:22 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have triggered their option to extend Harry Maguire’s contract to keep their former captain at Old Trafford until 2026.

Head coach Ruben Amorim, who said Amad Diallo is also close to agreeing an extended deal, said he was happy to tie Maguire down for another year but called on the centre back to be more of a leader.

Maguire joined United for £80m in 2019, a world-record fee for a defender, but was stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag in 2023. But he worked his way back into the team last season, and with Amorim preferring to play a back three, he has started each of their last three games.

Man Utd make Harry Maguire contract decision and issue Amad Diallo update

Bayindir wants to stay at Man Utd

14:13 , Mike Jones

Sefa Seyrek, the agent of Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, says his client wants to remain at Old Trafford, according to Turkish outlet Sports Digitale.

Bayindir has made just four appearances since joining United on deadline day of the 2023 summer window.

“There were offers from many European clubs and the Premier League for Altay at the beginning of the season,” Seyrek said.

“There are currently clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play for Manchester United. The club definitely does not want to let Altay go.”

Carragher reveals ‘big worry’ for Man Utd fans over Ruben Amorim

13:57 , Mike Jones

Jamie Carragher has admitted it is a “big worry” that Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has failed to “echo Jurgen Klopp’s at Liverpool”.

Amorim joined the Old Trafford club in November, replacing Erik ten Hag, but the Portuguese coach has failed to improve United’s fortunes. Of Amorim’s 11 games in charge across all competitions, his side have lost six, won four and drawn one.

“A big worry as United head to Anfield is that Amorim’s arrival was supposed to echo Jurgen Klopp’s at Liverpool, both in terms of the point of the season at which he took over, and the galvanising impact on players and supporters,” Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column.

“Currently, Amorim’s reign has more in common with Graham Potter’s brief spell at Chelsea, where a deteriorating situation was made worse.

“Five defeats for United in the past six league games is horrendous. Even the last win, against Manchester City, was due to a freakish finale rather than an excellent 90-minute performance.”

New signings ‘not enough’ to win Premier League says Arteta

13:44 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta has claimed signing a new striker this month will not be enough to win the Premier League title. The Gunners boss is happy with his current squad and would only go in for an ‘extraordinary’ player within the team’s budget.

“Signing somebody is not enough, that is for sure,” he said. “That signing has to score then how many goals? A lot of things have to happen. Sign, and then score 20 goals from here until the end (of the season). And then you have a better chance? Maybe, yes, I don’t know.

“But I am very happy with the players we have and when you look at the amount of goals that we have scored, too, it is more than enough to win the Premier League.

“But the reality is somebody [Liverpool] is doing more. And that is life, so we have to do better. If something extraordinary is on the market that we can afford, and we think they will have a real impact on the team, we have to be open for that possibility always. But at the moment, the focus is on what we have.”

Arne Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Manchester United

13:30 , Mike Jones

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed centre-back Joe Gomez is set to miss “a few weeks” after suffering an injury last time out - but also highlighted good news for the Premier League leaders on the fitness front with two other defenders set to return to full training.

The Reds sit top of the table and host out-of-form Manchester United on Sunday, with Slot facing something of a defensive problem with only five senior players available in the back line, two of which are left-backs.

Slot reveals double fitness boost for Liverpool ahead of hosting Man United

Man City add centre-back to list

13:10 , Mike Jones

Manchester City are interested in RC Lens centre-back Abdokodir Khusanov according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Romano says that there are several clubs interested in the 20-year-old and City are well informed that they are in a race to secure his services.

Arne Slot admits he has no control over expiring stars’ futures

12:56 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot said he “cannot control” the private lives of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold after the trio played their final Liverpool match before they become free to negotiate with other clubs.

All three players are free to enter talks with foreign clubs as of January 1 as their contracts move into their final six months, with no sign of renewed deals imminent.

Salah told Sky Sports “we are far away” when asked if there was any good news imminent on his contract talks.

“I think I have a lot of control over what they do if they’re on the training pitch, if there in a meeting with me,” said Slot. “But talking about their private lives, I don’t have control.

“That’s been the situation as a long as I’ve been a manager but I have control to an extent (in terms of) what I expect from them on the pitch. It’s really pleasing to see what Virgil brings, what Trent brings and what Mo brings.”

Santiago Gimenez still linked with Arsenal

12:42 , Jack Rathborn

Arsenal are rumoured to still be in the market for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.

The 23-year-old was of interest to a number of European clubs last summer but decided to stay put and his performances this season, six goals and an assist in nine games, makes him a target once again.

The latest rumour is that Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the Mexican but Arsenal face competition for his services from AC Milan.

City must go big or go home in January - Carragher

12:27 , Mike Jones

Jamie Carragher says Man City will either go big or not bother in January, despite their terrible drop-off in results this season.

“Man City will try and get the real deal [in January], of course they will, but what you don’t want to do is to end up sort of buying someone for £30m-£40m and in six months he’s not going to play and he’s going to be sitting there on big wages,” he said on Sky Sports.

“If they feel they need to do that to help them get over the line to make the Champions League then they have to do it - but if it’s someone who they don’t really think will move the dial in the next six months or in the future then it’s probably best to leave it.”

City are sixth in the table at the halfway point after beating Leicester to end their winless run, but sit 14 points off leaders Liverpool who also have a game in hand.

Liverpool’s vision revealed by Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim’s key difference

12:12 , Mike Jones

Jurgen Klopp dropped his bombshell, he later revealed, in November 2023. In January 2024, he went public. Liverpool’s search for a manager could begin; not publicly, given their preference for doing their business as quietly as possible, but at least with one layer of secrecy removed.

They were soon informed that Xabi Alonso was minded to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another year. To many in the wider world, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim assumed a status as the frontrunner after that. Not so, Liverpool would say; he was merely one of several they looked into.

There was no preferred choice, they insist, until they alighted on Feyenoord’s Arne Slot. But he seemed to emerge from the shadows. The high-profile nature of the Portuguese’s candidacy contrasted with the low-key approach adopted by Slot. He got the job by stealth, almost without warning.

Liverpool’s vision revealed by Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim’s key difference

Liverpool linked with ‘offer’ for Marc Guehi

11:57 , Mike Jones

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.

‘Even the players’ know Man City need new signings, admits Guardiola

11:42 , Mike Jones

All has not been well at Man City over winter and Pep Guardiola has acknowledged they must do some business if they can, saying even the current squad accept that new faces are one possible route to returning to winning ways.

“The transfer window in the winter is not easy but even the players know that we have to add some new players,” Guardiola said.

“After, when these players come and play in their positions, they are unhappy but we have a lot (of injuries) and this is a problem. But it’s about bringing a player for the next four or five years and we’ll have to see. Sometimes it is not easy but we have to try because this is sustained for a long time.”

Olmo not thinking about other clubs

11:30 , Mike Jones

Amid his terrible situation with Barcelona not being able to register him, Dani Olmo’s agent Andy Bara insists the player is not negotiating with any other club.

“It’s a stressful situation for Dani as it would be for any other player,” Bara said, “But he’s a great player and a great person, he tries to stay calm. Of course, Dani is a winner and he likes to play the games, not watch them.

“We are not negotiating with any club. Dani is a Barcelona player and he wants to be a Barcelona player. He has made great efforts in his life to be at Barcelona. It has been his desire for a long time. Barcelona is the first and last option.

“Dani, his father, his family, me, we are not thinking about other options.”

Godfrey’s Italian nightmare could come to a close

11:16 , Mike Jones

Another one involving Italian teams: Football writer Rudy Galetti claims on X that Ben Godfrey is being considered by several Premier League clubs.

The former Everton defender joined Atalanta in summer but has only played once for them in Serie A this season, 22 minutes as a substitute.

Wolves have asked for “updated information” and Tottenham are also showing “most interest” with both hoping to sign a centre-back this window.

Chilwell to United?

11:00 , Mike Jones

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell could move to Manchester United in the January transfer window, according to recent reports.

The England international has been told he does not have a place in the Chelsea team by manager Enzo Maresca and will need to find a new club.

He is expected to leave this month and The Sun have claimed that the Blues are open to paying him a severance package up to £10m unless they can find a buyer.

Chilwell would suit United’s 3-4-3 system but his injury issues could be an issue in a position where Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have already spent plenty of time on the sidelines.

Neville on Casemiro and Eriksen partnership

10:44 , Mike Jones

Gary Neville was blatant in his criticism of Man Utd duo Christian Eriksen and Casemiro and claimed that the two midfielders shouldn’t be playing at the same time.

The former United captin said: “No, no. They may have to if there’s lots of injuries. We’ve all been there as football where you get into your 30s and the last thing you want next to you is another playing alongside you in your 30s.

“The last thing that Eriksen sees alongside him is someone who’s got a lack of energy. He wants to see someone who can compensate for the things he doesn’t have and vice-versa with Casemiro.

“There are players at other clubs at the very top who haven’t got legs but they’ve got people around them who can cover for the fact they haven’t got legs. They can’t play them as a two in midfield with those massive gaps that exist.”

Saudi interest in Casemiro

10:29 , Mike Jones

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is attracting increased interest from Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah.

The only niggle in a potential sale, which United would be willing to do, is that most Saudi clubs have their full quota of foreign players and need to sell this month before they can bring in new recruits.

Casemiro is one of the club’s highest earners having joined from Real Madrid in 2022 for £60m and earns £350,000 per week.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold concerns amid Real Madrid transfer interest

10:19 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot acknowled he has had conversations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool right-back the subject of an initial enquiry from Real Madrid heading into the new year.

With the vice-captain out of contract in summer he’s now allowed to discuss terms with overseas clubs for a potential free transfer at the end of the season, though reports suggest the Spanish club could return with an offer to take him to Madrid this month.

That’s despite the Reds rejecting their initial conversations over a deal, amid an intention to continue negotiating over an extension for the England international.

Liverpool boss Slot responds to Alexander-Arnold concerns amid transfer interest

Osimhen-Rashford swap deal?

10:00 , Mike Jones

This is a rumour that kind of makes sense.

Manchester United are open to selling Marcus Rashford this month and would need the income from his sale to fund any incomings. Talk this next bit with a grain of salt but The Sun say that a swap deal could be in the offing with Napoli that sends Rashford to Serie A in return for striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen is currently exiled from the Italian side having refused a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer which would have brought in a lot of money.

The striker is currently on loan at Galatasaray but could secure a permanent move this month if he heads to a competitive club and league.

This deal is unlikely but not out of the realms of possibility given the two club’s financial situations.

Arsenal told huge Muani fee

09:40 , Karl Matchett

Arsenal have been chasing a new striker according to many reports over the past few weeks and Randal Kolo Muani seems to be one they are considering.

News out of Italy doesn’t give them enormous optimism though that it’ll be an easy deal to do this month, as Tuttosport say Serie A clubs have been priced out by PSG’s demands.

They have little interest in a loan deal and instead want upwards of €60m for the French striker, leaving Juventus and AC Milan sidelined. Arsenal and Galatasaray are still looking at the options.

Anselmino returns from loan

09:30 , Mike Jones

Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino has returned from his loan with Boca Juniors and will be available to Enzo Maresca for the back half of the season.

The club released a statement which reads: “Aaron Anselmino has been recalled from his loan spell at Boca Juniors.

“The Argentine defender joined the Blues from Boca in August, penning a long-term deal, before heading back to La Bombonera on loan to continue his development.

“Aaron made 18 appearances for Boca across all competitions during his loan spell and became a regular in the backline.

“Welcome back to Chelsea, Aaron!”

No Nunez talks for Liverpool and Milan

09:20 , Karl Matchett

Reports from Italy over the midweek period suggested AC Milan were keen on Darwin Nunez and were preparing a loan-to-buy deal, starting from €5m and with an eventual price of around €45m (£37.5m).

However, Mail Online say that’s a premature speculation, with Milan yet to get in touch with the Reds over any possible bid.

Milan have a new boss in Sergio Conceicao after sacking Paulo Fonseca.

Villa still in talks with BVB over Malen

09:00 , Karl Matchett

Donyell Malen could become the next Dutchman in the Premier League, with the versatile attacker a target for Aston Villa.

The Mail Online report discussions have been ongoing between the Midlands side and Borussia Dortmund, with a view to a permanent deal being struck.

Villa offered £15m plus add-ons, Dortmund want £25m or so. Talks continue, they say.

Man United’s plan to ease PSR concerns

08:45 , Karl Matchett

Sticking with the i paper and returning to Old Trafford, a detailed piece offers insight to Ruben Amorim’s reported plans for the month.

A wing-back and a striker are top of his wishlist, with Nuno Mendes the chief target for the left flank. Geovany Quenda is another option but Sporting won’t sell midseason.

In attack, the names are Randal Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen and of course Viktor Gyokeres. He’ll be £60m...but in summer, not now.

There are a list of players United would consider offloading, on loan or otherwise, but the top three are Rashford, Antony and Casemiro. Offloading them would give room to move in PSR terms and allow United to strike fast if a chance came up this month to buy.

European clubs linked with Rashford bids

08:15 , Karl Matchett

Marcus Rashford...what’s next for him? Well, Liverpool are next, on Sunday, but given he was an unused sub against Newcastle and not in the squad before that, he may not feature again at Anfield.

Meanwhile, TalkSport are claiming that the Manchester United forward’s preference is a move to Spain and therefore Barcelona, but they also say he has lined up different agencies to discuss moves, which Rashford himself says isn’t the case. A less-concrete claim from one of the websites of yesteryear (TeamTalk, if anyone remembers the Teletext days when they’d be regulars with transfer gossip...) suggests PSG and Borussia Dortmund are showing “renewed interest” in him and that United want £50-60m as a fee.

And you can read all about him turning down potential moves to Saudi Arabia, his reasons and the massive money with it right here.

Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Man Utd exit

Biggest transfer rumours on Friday

08:00 , Karl Matchett

Right then, let’s have a quick catchup of what has been going on in rumour-land and then we’ll delve into things individually...

• Marcus Rashford has rejected the chance to move to Saudi Arabia, turning down three clubs - full details here

• But European teams have now reportedly made their interest known in the Man United forward

• Aston Villa are in talks over a deal for Donyell Malen

• Reports in Italy about an AC Milan move for Darwin Nunez are seemingly wide of the mark

• Arsenal have joined the line of clubs keen on Evan Ferguson

• Ben Godfrey could have a quick return to the Premier League

• And two top-flight clubs want Villa’s Jaden Philogene on loan

Plenty more besides this lot too...let’s get started.

Marcus Rashford, Martin Zubimendi and six more players who could be on the move this January

Thursday 2 January 2025 18:20 , Chris Wilson

The winter transfer window is open, with clubs across Europe looking for value in a difficult market this month.

Injury crises, title challenges and relegation battles will force plenty of clubs into the market in early 2025, with plenty of eyes on the Premier League as clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City look primed to make signings.

Some high-profile players could be leaving England too this winter, with Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold being tipped to negotiate moves away from their clubs.

Rashford, Zubimendi and six other players who could be on the move this January

Forest owner says club will do “whatever is needed” in pursuit of top four finish

Thursday 2 January 2025 17:50 , Marc Mayo

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was speaking at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards and underlined what the Premier League club will do - and don’t want to do - in January as they look to build on a great first half of the season.

Forest are second in the table, behind only Liverpool, after losing just four times this term so far.

“We will do whatever is needed to be stronger and of course our coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) will decide what he really needs,” said Marinakis. “We must keep the same spirit and same environment in the dressing room and all our players this year have the right spirit. This is a very good climate we should try our very best not to interrupt it.

“It is an important achievement because in all positions we have players who perform or even over-perform. For us this is our first priority – keep the momentum, keep winning and continue to enjoy the journey.”

Alexander Isak alternative identified by Arsenal

Thursday 2 January 2025 16:25 , Mike Jones

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is the new man on Arsenal’s radar, according to reports.

Alexander Isak has long been touted as the Gunners’ top target to add to their frontline but Newcastle are said to be adamant that the Swede won’t leave.

TalkSPORT claim that Brighton are mulling over what to do with Ferguson, who is yet to make his mark on their attack this season.

Fulham and West Ham are also claimed to be keen with a loan deal not ruled out.

Arsenal and Man Utd wait on Dani Olmo saga

Thursday 2 January 2025 16:13 , Mike Jones

Patience is a virtue in the race to sign Dani Olmo, should he become available.

Marca report on the Barcelona midfielder needing LaLiga approval to appear in any of the Spanish giants’ competitions in the second half of the season, having been deregistered due to financial restrictions.

Manchester United and Man City are named in this latest report and Arsenal have recently been linked, and now a loan move is being talked about as potentially on the cards.

But first Olmo and Barcelona are said to be intent on exhausting all available options to keep him at the Camp Nou.

Antony could be another Old Trafford departure

Thursday 2 January 2025 15:58 , Mike Jones

News from Spain and Real Betis are linked with swooping in for a January loan deal at Manchester United as well.

Mundo Deportivo report that if Assane Diao leaves the club, then Antony is on their list of potential replacements, though his salary is an obvious issue and there’s no guarantee yet that Amorim wants to lose him, despite not making him a starter.

Antony’s agent is quoted as saying if United believe him getting minutes is the best route, a loan deal will be explored.

Man United could let Zirkzee leave on loan

Thursday 2 January 2025 15:38 , Mike Jones

Joshua Zirkzee suffered the embarrassment of being subbed off barely half an hour into Man United’s dreadful 2-0 defeat against Newcastle last night and Italian reports say he’ll be offered a chance to depart Old Trafford on a more notable basis in January.

Juventus want to add to their attack and a loan deal for the Dutch attacker is their preferred route, say Tuttosport, with a deal including a buy option contingent on qualification for the Champions League and other factors.

The dealbreaker here they say is that Amorim wants Viktor Gyokeres in - but he’s immensely difficult to land in midseason given his huge release clause and United’s financial constraints.

Liverpool linked with ‘offer’ for Marc Guehi

Thursday 2 January 2025 15:23 , Mike Jones

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

Thursday 2 January 2025 15:08 , Mike Jones

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

Thursday 2 January 2025 14:53 , Mike Jones

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’

Thursday 2 January 2025 14:38 , Mike Jones

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.

Merson wants Arsenal to spend big on Isak

Thursday 2 January 2025 14:09 , Mike Jones

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.”

Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal squad after being hit by sickness bug

Thursday 2 January 2025 13:05 , Mike Jones

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

Casemiro another Man United face linked with Saudi move

Thursday 2 January 2025 12:50 , Mike Jones

A report out of Brazil says Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United and head to Saudi Arabia, with the Saudi fund which controls several clubs still to decide which team to send him to.

UOL say the midfielder “sees with good eyes” a move to the Pro League, given he’s out of favour under Amorim for the most part.

As noted earlier, any side wanting to land a new overseas player must sell or deregister one first in the SPL.

Boca president on Anselmino at Chelsea

Thursday 2 January 2025 12:35 , Mike Jones

Boca president Juan Roman Riquelme has spoken out on Aaron Anselmino joining up with Chelsea once his loan deal has concluded. Riquelme told ESPN:

“He has developed a lot. He is on his way to being a great footballer. He is going to be a player for the national team. He is going to compete with the centre-backs.”

‘Even the players’ know Man City need new signings, admits Guardiola

Thursday 2 January 2025 12:20 , Mike Jones

All has not been well at Man City over winter and Pep Guardiola has acknowledged they must do some business if they can, saying even the current squad accept that new faces are one possible route to returning to winning ways.

“The transfer window in the winter is not easy but even the players know that we have to add some new players,” Guardiola said.

“After, when these players come and play in their positions, they are unhappy but we have a lot (of injuries) and this is a problem. But it’s about bringing a player for the next four or five years and we’ll have to see. Sometimes it is not easy but we have to try because this is sustained for a long time.”