Transfer news: Arsenal close on PSG's Layvin Kurzawa, Liverpool considering Kai Havertz bid and Man United finalising Bruno Fernandes deal
With just over two weeks remaining in the window, clubs will be frantically attempting to push through deals to secure a boost for the remainder of the season
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The January transfer window is at the half-way stage with Manchester United pushing to strengthen with potential moves for £60m for Sporting's Bruno Fernandes and Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente. Arsenal, too, promise to be involved in the closing few weeks with Mikel Arteta stamping his authority on his new club, though he has ruled out a move for Manchester City’s John Stones. Liverpool got their business done quickly, even if most would assume they did not need to strengthen, with Takumi Minamino arriving from RB Salzburg.
United appear intent on moves to strengthen on the pitch, seemingly passing on their biggest opportunity yet to land a world class manager in the shape of Mauricio Pochettino. While, Chelsea, fresh from their transfer ban being lifted, have signed youngster Bryan Fiabema, but Frank Lampard will want more to build on their promising start to the season. Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani, who will be available for free this summer, but Atletico Madrid could move first for the Uruguayan, with Diego Simeone eager to add him this month to boost their Champions League campaign given their limited options up top right now. Chelsea have highlighted their defence as an area to upgrade, leading to rumours of moves for Issa Diop of West Ham and their former centre-back Nathan Ake at Bournemouth, with £40m the likely fee for both players.
Tottenham Hotspur could be ambitious with Jose Mourinho eager to overhaul his squad and now desperate to strengthen in the market due to Harry Kane’s long-term injury. Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti could be targeted, but with Ernesto Valverde’s departure and the arrival of Quique Setien, Spurs may have to look elsewhere, while one of the stars of last season Matthijs de Ligt has failed to settle at Juventus and has been linked with a loan move back to Ajax, but the season-ending injury to Merih Demiral should end any possibility of that for now.
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United and Chelsea have both been linked with Dinamo and Spain star Dani Olmo. There could also be some big moves across Europe. Real Madrid have been linked with a £68m move for Timo Werner, as well as Flamengo wonder kid Reinier, while Arsenal have turned their eyes to RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano as a long-term target.
Hello, Thomas Lemar. And welcome back to the familiar setting of being a transfer target for Premier League clubs.
Chelsea and Tottenham both enquired this month about the possibility of an initial loan deal for the 24-year-old, who Diego Simeone admitted “hasn’t been able to live up to expectations” at Atletico Madrid, following his £52.7 million switch from Monaco in July 2018. Wolves are also in the mix for the World Cup winner as they seek another dimension to their attacking play, with Nuno Espirito Santo conceding the club have to reinforce their squad in the world.
Lemar has been here before, the subject of interest from England’s top-flight, although the circumstances are markedly different.
Jose Mourinho has told Christian Eriksen to leave Tottenham with his head held high amid reports of an imminent exit to Inter Milan.
The Denmark international’s Spurs career is definitely coming to an end, it is just a case of whether it will be this month or in the summer.
Reports in Italy suggest Eriksen has agreed a deal with the Serie A side, which could mean his outing in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough could be his farewell appearance.
Ross Barkley could be reunited with David Moyes, who is keen to bring the Chelsea midfielder to West Ham.
The Mirror report the Hammers will make an ambitious loan move for the former Everton star.
The Blues maintain that Barkley is not available for a loan as he is part of their first-team plans.
The Hammers could therefore turn to Franck Kessie of AC Milan, who has also been linked to Inter Milan.
PSG are demanding €30m for Edinson Cavani after Atletico Madrid offered just €10m for the Uruguayan.
Cavani is out of contract this summer and available to move with Mauro Icardi already displacing him as Thomas Tuchel's first choice.
But Marca claim the French club will demand a steep price for the 32-year-old, which could scupper a mid-season move.
Liverpool are set to make a move for Arsenal doctor Gary O'Driscoll.
The Gunners are already advertising for his replacement, report the Mail.
Andrew Massey, Liverpool's current of head of medical services, is leaving to take up a similar role with Fifa.
Meaning Arsenal's O'Driscoll has emerged as a prime target.
Liverpool are in for Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.
Mundo Deportivo cite reports in Germany, who claim the Reds will offer €125m (£107m) for the German midfielder.
Havertz has been linked previously with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester United.
Tottenham want to sign Krzysztof Piatek from AC Milan to provide cover for the injured Harry Kane.
But Sport Mediaset report that Sevilla will rival them for the Polish striker's signature.
Spurs want to loan the 25-year-old, while Milan will demand £30m.
Barcelona want Jun Nishikawa from Cerezo Osaka.
Japanese winger Hiroki Abe, who plays for Barcelona B, could make the difference for the Catalan club.
The 17-year-old is not permitted to leave his club for Barcelona until he is 18 though, which would be next month and outside the transfer window.
But Mundo Deportivo are confident Barcelona can acquire one of the best young players in Asia.
Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Bruno Fernandes, report the Telegraph.
The Portuguese's move to Old Trafford is now down to the clubs agreeing a fee.
While United hoped to conclude a deal for £50m, Sporting want close to £68m, which could prove a stumbling block.
Roma and Milan could agree a swap deal involving Cengiz Under and Suso.
Sky Sport Italia are claiming the pair could move in opposite directions on loan.
Both clubs would have options to buy.
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