Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal want Arthur, Conte makes Tottenham demand, Salah, Ronaldo, Chelsea updates

Transfer news - LIVE!

As January approaches the halfway point, the rumours are starting to hot up.

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Juventus midfielder Arthur in an effort to bolster their options under Mikel Arteta, while Antonio Conte has called on Tottenham to FINALLY sign an alternative to Harry Kane.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain who, in turn, have seen manager Mauricio Pochettino once again touted as a potential option for the Old Trafford club. Still, Kylian Mbappe could now STAY at the club rather than move to Real Madrid.

Thomas Tuchel has hinted Chelsea could indeed look to sign a new defender too after watching a number of his first-team stars suffer injuries of late.

Man United are rumoured to be eyeing a new right-back this month, with Tariq Lamptey top of Ralf Rangnick’s list.

Aston Villa could also follow up the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho by adding Everton’s Lucas Digne to the ranks.

Follow the latest January transfer updates with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!

Latest news and rumours

• Arsenal offered Arthur loan

• Cristiano Ronaldo linked with PSG

• Antonio Conte makes Tottenham transfer demand

• Kylian Mbappe could stay at PSG

• Pochettino in secret Manchester United talks

• Klopp confident on new Liverpool contract for Mo Salah

• Newcastle make Carlos bid

Rangnick keen on Lamptey

22:15 , Matt Verri

He’s used Diogo Dalot instead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka since arriving at Man United, but it looks like Ralf Rangnick is not massively keen on either right-back.

Tariq Lamptey is his full-back of choice, according to the Daily Mail, and he is keen for the club to make a move for the Brighton player this month.

It’s rumoured United would be willing to pay up to £30m for Lamptey, but that would still be some way short of Brighton’s valuation, making a deal unlikely at this stage.

Newcastle stepping up Ekitike chase

21:15 , Malik Ouzia

Newcastle appear to be ramping up their transfer activity.

With Kieran Trippier signed, Chris Wood on the brink and a bid in for Diego Carlos, Sky Sports say they are also in talks with French side Reims over a £25m deal to sign striker Hugo Ekitike.

The report claims the forward, who has eight goals in 18 league games this season, is keen on a move to St. James’ Park.

Barbosa ready to ask for Flamengo exit

20:59 , Malik Ouzia

Sky Sports say that Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa is ready to push through a move to England, amid speculation linking him with West Ham.

David Moyes is once again looking to bring in a striker this month to ease his side’s reliance on Michail Antonio.

The report claims the Hammers made an offer earlier this month to take the forward on loan for 18 months, with only an option-to-buy, rather than obligation included.

Done deal!

20:37 , Malik Ouzia

Former Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has joined Brazilian champions Atletico Mineiro.

The centre-back has signed a one-year deal after having his contract terminated at Italian side Cagliari.

Newcastle make new Carlos bid

20:22 , Malik Ouzia

The Telegraph say that Newcastle have made an improved bid for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

Reports claimed the Toon had had an initial £25m offer rejected by the Spanish club, but it appears they have returned with a second bid.

Newcastle have turned their attentions to the Brazilian after negotiations over Lille’s Sven Botman broke down as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his leaky defence.

Umtiti still wants loan exit

19:56 , Malik Ouzia

French outlet RMC say Samuel Umtiti is still hoping to leave Barcelona on loan this month, despite signing a new contract at the club.

The centre-back penned a new deal that runs until 2026 this week under a new wage structure which allowed the Catalan club to register new signing Ferran Torres following his arrival from Manchester City.

However, he remains down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and could leave in search of playing time.

Ndombele left out of Spurs squad

19:25 , Malik Ouzia

Plenty of speculation around over the future of Tanguy Ndombele at the moment, after the Frenchman was booed off in Tottenham’s FA Cup win over Morecambe at the weekend.

Antonio Conte has reacted to that by leaving the midfielder out of his squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.

A signal that his days in north London are numbered?

Arsenal offered Juventus star Arthur on loan

19:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

Juventus star Arthur has been offered on loan to Arsenal as they assess their January transfer options.

You can read Simon Collings’ full report here.

Liverpool not interested in Youri Tielemans

18:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

Despite reports to the contrary, Ben Jacobs has claimed that Liverpool aren’t interested in signing Youri Tielemans.

The Leicester City midfielder, one of the most highly rated talents in Europe at one point, had been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool although it seems as if the Merseyside giants are looking elsewhere.

Jurgen Klopp positive on Mo Salah contract talks

17:43 , Jonathan Gorrie

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed he is hopeful Mo Salah will sign a new deal at Anfield.

The forward appeared to suggest the ball was in the club’s court during a recent magazine interview but Klopp spoke positively about the situation.

“I’m very positive about it but I don’t think it makes sense that you speak on behalf of the fans because I’m pretty sure the fans are not as nervous as you are,” Klopp said.

“They know the club pretty long and know the people dealing here with the different things pretty long, so I think there are enough reasons for being positive. But as long as it is not done we cannot say anything about it.

“But, good conversations -- that’s what I can say.”

Mauricio Pochettino in secret Man United taks

17:38 , Jonathan Gorrie

According to Le Parisien, Pochettino has held secret talks with members of Manchester United’s top brass.

Strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford for years now, life in the French capital has been a struggle for the former Tottenham boss and perhaps we could see him return to England.

Thomas Tuchel talks up Chelsea business

17:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel did admit he was happy with his options at Chelsea, his comments did appear to suggest there could be some additions amid links with a move for the likes of Renato Sanches, Adama Traore and Willy Boly.

Indeed, the German did not rule out anything during what is left of the window.

“We, in general, are very happy.”

Kylian Mbappe could STAY at PSG

17:26 , Jonathan Gorrie

Despite his move to Real Madrid often seeming like a forgone conclusion, fresh reports from France suggest Kylian Mbappe could actually STAY at PSG.

Indeed, Les Parisien claims the prospect of a new deal is still on the table in the French capital.

Antonio Conte makes Tottenham demand

17:22 , Jonathan Gorrie

Antonio Conte has urged Tottenham to sign a new striker in an effort to FINALLY answer their Harry Kane problem.

After seeing his team struggle without the England captain, Conte is eager to see more cover and competition brought in ASAP.

Read Dan Kilpatrick’s full report here.

Arsenal consider Arthur move

17:19 , Jonathan Gorrie

Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that Arsenal could make a move for Juventus midfielder, Arthur.

The Brazilian is thought to be on the club’s radar as Mikel Arteta attempts to bring in more options.

AC Milan want to sign Eric Bailly

15:22 , Jonathan Gorrie

Given Eric Bailly’s lack of minutes at Manchester United, AC Milan are believed to be keen to try and take advantage.

Talks are thought to have been opened (per Fabrizio Romano) though no decision has yet been made.

Jermain Defoe close to leaving Rangers

13:25 , Jonathan Gorrie

According to The Athletic, veteran striker Jermain Defoe is close to leaving Scottish champions, Rangers.

The 39-year-old has rarely been involved this season and, though he does form part of the coaching staff at Ibrox, could leave now Steven Gerrard has been replaced.

Antonio Conte’s bold transfer message

12:06 , Jonathan Gorrie

Antonio Conte has urged Tottenham to finally answer their long-running issue in landing a back-up for Harry Kane.

You can read Dan Kilpatrick’s full report here.

Aston Villa continue to splash the cash

12:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

Following the signing of Philippe Coutinho, Aston Villa have now agreed a £25m deal with Everton for the transfer of Lucas Digne.

A very ambitious January window.

Done deal!

11:07 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal have confirmed Folarin Balogun’s loan switch to Middlesbrough until the end of the season.

Berbatov warns United over fringe players

11:01 , Marc Mayo

Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester United will have to contend with multiple stars asking for transfer exits this month.

The former striker told Betfair: “I'm not surprised to see that Dean Henderson has handed in a transfer request, I was expecting it. Same for Donny Van de Beek and Anthony Martial.

“These players aren't playing and it's clear they aren't happy and as long as they love what they do, playing football, they should move.”

Read the full story here.

Bailly wanted by Milan

10:53 , Marc Mayo

Italian outlet Tuttosport name two Premier League targets for AC Milan in their central defender hunt.

Nathan Ake of Manchester City and Manchester United’s Eric Bailly are both said to be of interest for the San Siro side.

Lille defender Sven Botman has been ruled out as a target, for now, due to the French club’s price tag.

Toffees look to El Ghazi

10:45 , Marc Mayo

Everton are set to sign Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi, according to talkSPORT.

Philippe Coutinho’s arrival at Villa Park has made the Dutchman surplus to requirements.

A fee of £15million will be enough to seal his services, with 18 months left on El Ghazi’s contract.

Rashford set to United renewal

10:38 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United are in talks to extend Marcus Rashford’s contract.

The 24-year-old is tied to Old Trafford until the 2024 campaign and has suffered a dip in form of late.

But ESPN report on the club being keen to sign him up having watched Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba wind their contracts down, with Rashford happy to stay.

West Ham latest

10:30 , Marc Mayo

David Moyes has reiterated West Ham’s plans to sign a centre-back this month.

The Hammers bos stated: “We could probably do with some more cover after Angelo Ogbonna's season-long injury.

“If I can get Kurt [Zouma] back quickly that eases the pressure in central defensive area.

“But we are always looking to strengthen here, we are always looking to find players who can help us or improve us but Kurt coming back is good so the sooner we get him back the better.”

United in Zakaria talks

10:24 , Marc Mayo

Sky Sports in Germany claim Manchester United are in talks to sign Denis Zakaria.

The Swiss midfielder is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this year, with his contract up in June.

A relatively small transfer fee could seal his services this month, it has been reported.

Tottenham quartet up for moves

10:09 , Marc Mayo

Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli, Joe Rodon and Matt Doherty are all available for moves away from Tottenham, according to Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick.

Asked for details of Monday’s crunch transfer meeting with the club, Antonio Conte insisted he had not tried to be "too soft" or "polite" with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici, but says he was satisfied with the outcome.

"It was a good meeting," Conte said ahead of Wednesday’s second leg against his former club.

Read the full story here.

Bees midfielder heads to Denmark

09:52 , Marc Mayo

Czech Republic Under-21 midfielder Jan Zamburek has left Brentford to join Danish club Viborg for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old spent over three-and-a-half years in west London and made 29 first-team appearances for the Bees.

Zamburek played nine times last season as Brentford won promotion to the Premier League and also spent three months on loan at Shrewsbury in Sky Bet League One.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles told the club website: "Jan is moving to a good club and we know their head coach, Lars Friis, very well from his time with us. Jan is a B team product who made a good contribution to the first team in recent seasons, but who now needs to kick on playing regular games."

Spurs happy to bide Lingard time

09:42 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham are prepared to wait until the summer to act on their long-term transfer interest in Manchester United's Jesse Lingard, write Standard Sport’s Jack Rosser and Dan Kilpatrick.

Spurs have considered Lingard a target since Jose Mourinho's time in North London and are now in the race to land the England international when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

It is thought there will be a number of suitors come the end of the season, with Newcastle United having already been linked this month but Spurs' interest can be tracked back to over a year.

Read the full story here.

Mari off to Italy

09:29 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is set for a stint in Serie A.

Udinese are nearing a deal to sign the defender on loan for the rest of the season, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

Mari, along with Calum Chambers, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta.

Arteta on transfers

09:16 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta has refused to talk about the Dusan Vlahovic speculation circling around Arsenal this morning.

The Gunners boss told reporters: “I am not going to be discussing any transfer rumours. I have never done it and obviously we cannot do it.”

He added: “What I want this month is that we have as many players as possible fit and healthy, and we do the maximum with those players.

“We have a strategy of how we want to evolve and improve the team, and whenever that is possible we are going to try to do it. But we all know that this market is extremely difficult.”

Toon near Wood announcement

09:02 , Marc Mayo

Today should see Chris Wood confirmed as Eddie Howe’s second signing at Newcastle.

The Toon are seeking attacking reinforcements following Callum Wilson’s injury and have reportedly met the £20million release clause in Wood’s Burnley contract.

Young Frenchman Benoit Badiashile, a Monaco centre-back, and striker Hugo Ekitike of Reims are also on their radar according to The Guardian.

Roma back in for Xhaka

08:50 , Marc Mayo

Jose Mourinho has not given up on his hopes of signing Granit Xhaka.

La Gazzetta dello Sport detail the Roma boss’ determination to bring the midfielder to the Stadio Olimpico, having just landed Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Xhaka has been a regular under Mikel Arteta in recent months having signed a new deal to ward off Roma’s interest in the summer.

And the Gunners remain short on central midfield options with just two fit for tomorrow’s game at Liverpool.

Juve turn off Aubameyang

08:38 , Marc Mayo

Juventus are pulling back in their bid to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Federico Chiesa’s injury has pushed the Bianconeri towards a move for Zenit Saint Petersburg winger Sardar Azmoun, according to Tuttosport.

And with Aubameyang not available immediately due to his AFCON commitments, Juve are turning their attention on players who can make a quick impact.

PSG join Ronaldo hunt

08:29 , Marc Mayo

Paris Saint-Germain could swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer if Kylian Mbappe leaves for Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski are the French club’s preferred signings if the Frenchman leaves, according to Le10Sport, but Ronaldo is also on their radar.

It is noted that, should the Portuguese veteran leave Manchester United, an MLS move would also be a possibility.

Mikel Arteta to provide update

08:20 , Marc Mayo

At 9am today, Mikel Arteta will face the media ahead of Arsenal’s game against Liverpool.

Expect plenty of updates on the Gunners’ transfer activity - with Standard Sport the place to be to keep across all the developments.

Arsenal’s Vlahovic alternative

08:09 , Marc Mayo

The Mail name Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Arsenal’s first-choice in the event that Dusan Vlahovic does not arrive at the Emirates.

The Serb would require £300,000-a-week in wages to leave Fiorentina amid interest from Tottenham, Real Madrid and Juventus.

However, Everton will not let Calvert-Lewin leave this month.

Tottenham ready to gazump Gunners

08:02 , Marc Mayo

Dusan Vlahovic is a key target for Arsenal AND Tottenham, according to reports.

The Fiorentina striker has been tipped for a move away from Tuscany either this month or in the summer, at a price of £58million.

While the Gunners are intent on signing Vlahovic, Football.London report on Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici holding a close relationship with his representatives - with a summer switch a genuine possibility.

It is also noted that the player would prefer to stay in Italy, with Juventus and Inter Milan his preferences.

Good morning!

07:59 , Marc Mayo

Welcome along for this Wednesday of January transfer activity. Strap in and away we go!