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Arsenal
I’m told that nothing will be decided now for Declan Rice, also because the player is not leaving in January as things stand. But for sure Arsenal have an interest, as has been reported, and they discussed Declan internally. He’s appreciated by many clubs including Chelsea. But again, it will take time to see where Declan will go; no discussions have taken place on the player’s side yet.
Ben Jacobs recently stated in his column here that Rice’s transfer valuation may have fallen to around the £70-75million mark.
Facundo Torres reveals: “Orlando confirmed to me that there was contact with Arsenal, but then I left for the World Cup… we will see now how it goes. I would love to play in Europe. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid.”
William Saliba: “I am so happy here at Arsenal. The club is speaking with my agent and me on new contract. The only thing I can do is focus on my football, but I am really so happy here.”
Talks are ongoing with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. All discussions are very positive but it will be time to get deals signed this year. Timing is up to club and player, could be any moment or months.
Aston Villa
Official, completed. Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Chicago Fire for the permanent transfer of the Colombian striker Jhon Duran. The talented 19-year-old has signed a long term contract as the deal is confirmed. Villa will pay $18m guaranteed fee plus $4m potential add-ons.
Atalanta
Many important clubs are monitoring Merih Demiral as Turkish centre back has always attracted interest in the last few years after his performances with Atalanta. He’s one to watch this year as clubs are informed on the conditions of a potential transfer.
Barcelona
Memphis Depay’s lawyer Sebastien Ledure: “There are no negotiations ongoing for Memphis to join Inter. I can deny all these links — it’s not a possibility we are discussing.”
My understanding is that Depay will leave Barca in January, as Atletico Madrid remain interested.
Franck Kessie’s future depends now on Barcelona. Discussions took place with intermediaries on a possible swap deal with Marcelo Brozovic over last days, but it’s up to Barca and Xavi.
Bayern Munich
Bayern and Borussia Monchengladbach are holding talks again over Yann Sommer. Bayern want to push for the deal this week – Julian Nagelsmann has asked for the signing of a new goalkeeper as soon as possible. Personal terms are not expected be an issue, it’s about the clubs.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl: “We have made an important proposal to Youssoufa Moukoko — it’s up to him now. We really hope he accepts our bid, he has really great potential — otherwise it means that we will part ways.”
The new proposal to Moukoko is very good and I still think Borussia Dortmund have good chances to extend his contract. BVB are optimistic, Moukoko will decide soon. He’s an exciting talent, so of course many European clubs have been following the situation, including Barcelona and Newcastle, but Borussia have made their bid, so let’s see.
Sebastian Kehl on Jude Bellingham: “There are no offers at all for Jude Bellingham as of now, nothing is decided. We will speak to Jude and his family, no pressure — there are absolutely no proposals.”
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are set to sign Lorient winger Dango Ouattara, with an agreement in place for a fee close to £20m. Ouattara will travel to England today in order to complete the move.
Celtic
Urawa Red Diamonds have reached an agreement with Celtic for transfer of Giorgos Giakoumakis. Understand it’s €4m package. MLS side Atlanta still trying to sign the player — while personal terms are still under discussion with Urawa.
Chelsea
Shakhtar president Akhmetov: “We’re proud of Mudryk – we will play a friendly against Chelsea at Donbass Arena in a Ukrainian Donetsk. I am allocating $25 million today to help our soldiers, defenders, and their families.”
RB Leipzig director Max Eberl on Christopher Nkunku’s future: “The signs are very, very clear that he’s moving to Chelsea.”
I can again confirm again that the Nkunku deal is 100% signed. He’s a Chelsea player as revealed in December, no doubts. He will move to Stamford Bridge in July.
There’s fresh speculation about Conor Gallagher at the moment. My understanding is that the interest is genuine and strong by both Newcastle and Crystal Palace since July, but it’s up to Chelsea. They will make a decision on many players in the next days, including Gallagher. Potter remains big fan of his potential but it has to be club decision together with the coach.
Everton
Everton are among the clubs exploring a deal for Kamaldeen Sulemana, who is open to leaving Rennes in January. Everton could take him on an initial loan with a buy option, while Bournemouth and Augsburg have also asked about Sulemana, who could leave due to a lack of playing time.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp on signings: “We look outside — it’s not that we think we will just be with these boys until 2050. It’s always about what we can do. If solutions for us were outside and doable… of course we would bring in players to help — but we have an existing squad as well.”
Jurgen Klopp confirms he has no plans to leave Liverpool: “If nobody tells me to go, I will not leave — so that means maybe there is a point where we have to change other stuff.”
Manchester United
New long-term contract talks with Marcus Rashford have been already ongoing for weeks. Erik ten Hag is still pushing hard for him to stay at Manchester United, he’s a big part of his plans.
Borussia Dortmund have explored the conditions of loan deal to sign Anthony Elanga from Manchester United, their interest is concrete. Understand the player would be open to moving to the Bundesliga, while Everton are also interested. The decision will be with Man United.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have a number of midfielders on their list, but nothing advanced at the moment, they will decide in the next days. For sure, James Maddison remains very high on the list but not an easy target for January, could be more realistic as a summer deal. There is also concrete interest in Conor Gallagher, but the decision will be made by Chelsea soon as Graham Potter likes the player.
Newcastle are also one of the clubs interested in Youssoufa Moukoko, along with Barcelona. He’s been offered a new contract by Borussia Dortmund on very good terms, so let’s see what happens.
Away from transfers, Newcastle are happy with Bruno Guimaraes injury news, it’s not too serious; it will take some weeks to be back, not months.
Nottingham Forest
Official, confirmed. Nottingham Forest have signed Danilo on permanent deal from Palmeiras, contract until 2029
Danilo: “It was a dream for me, I spoke to Gustavo Scarpa and he told me that Nottingham is a great city and Forest have a quality squad with good staff.”
Tottenham
Tottenham will insist again for Pedro Porro deal this week as contacts are still ongoing with intermediaries. The Spanish right-back is keen on the move but Sporting insist on €45m release clause. A new round of talks is set to take place soon.
Spurs are also considering a new goalkeeper. There are three or four names on the list at Tottenham. But they’re focused on January window, it’s too early to say who’s going be the new goalkeeper. Full focus is on January.
Valencia
Valencia will announce new deal for Mouctar Diakhaby, contract agreed until June 2027. Gennaro Gattuso wanted Diakhaby to stay as priority after Jose Gaya new deal signed months ago.
Wolves
Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui on Pablo Sarabia deal: “No comment — but can confirm we’ve an interest in signing new players.”
Pablo Sarabia’s deal will be completed this week for €5m plus add-ons. He will sign the contract as Wolves player on Tuesday — medical tests have been booked. Here we go confirmed.
Both Sarabia and Joao Gomes will be unveiled as Wolverhampton player this week, confirmed.