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Arteta's plans to be ruined by Barca? Gunners face battle for European striker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F02%2Fmikel-arteta.jpg "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on January 4, 2025")
Arsenal are reported to be in a transfer battle with Barcelona for the signature of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
The Gunners drew 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday evening and lost ground in the Premier League title race, with league leaders Liverpool six points ahead despite having played a game less.
Though Mikel Arteta's side took a two-goal lead against Villa, fans have become concerned about the team's ability to finish chances, and these concerns have been amplified in light of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus's respective injuries.
Arteta may have to wait until the summer for attacking reinforcements as January is a notoriously difficult time to do business in given clubs are often reluctant to lose key assets in the middle of a season.
'Who knows what will happen': Reds attacker speaks out on future under Slot
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F52%2Farne-slot_1.jpg "Liverpool head coach Arne Slot before his side's Premier League match against Fulham, on December 14, 2024")
Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott has admitted that he is frustrated at his lack of playing time under Arne Slot but has insisted that he has no plans to leave anytime soon.
The Reds beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League thanks to two goals from Darwin Nunez in second-half stoppage time, maintaining their advantage at the top of the division.
Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa later on Saturday means the Merseysiders are six points ahead of the Gunners despite having played a game fewer, and it is difficult to see anyone stopping the league leaders.
Elliott came on from the substitutes bench and played important roles in both of Nunez's goals, and though he has not featured much for Slot this season, he told the Liverpool Echo that he will fight for his place, saying: "Absolutely [I want to stay]. Liverpool is my club, Liverpool is my team. I want to fight for my place, fight for my position in the team.
Are European giants still in for Rashford? Why a transfer must materialise
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F50%2Fmarcus-rashford_1.jpg "Manchester United's Marcus Rashford on December 7, 2024")
AC Milan are reported to have severe doubts about signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford in January due to his wages and are now interested in Chelsea attacker Joao Felix.
The United forward had been subject to interest from several European clubs, with Borussia Dortmund and Milan seemingly emerging as frontrunners for his signature.
A permanent deal was always unlikely to materialise given he is reportedly on a wage in excess of £300k per week, a salary that only the wealthiest clubs could possibly afford.
Florian Plettenberg now reports that there is no sign of an imminent transfer for Rashford to Milan, with negotiations said to be complicated due to the huge financial sums involved.
Roerslev replacement? Brentford 'in talks' to sign Serie A defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fmichael-kayode.jpg "Fiorentina's Michael Kayode in action on December 23, 2024")
Brentford have reportedly held talks over a potential move to sign Fiorentina defender Joshua Kayode amid reports that the Bees have received a proposal for Mads Roerslev.
The Brentford full-back has not always been the first-choice option this season, but he has been given a run of games in recent weeks, having started each of Brentford's last five Premier League matches, including Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
While he may be enjoying regular playing time, Roerslev could depart the Gtech Community Stadium before the transfer window shuts next month.
A recent report claimed that German side Wolfsburg had opened talks over a potential move to sign the Denmark international.
Transfer news and rumours: Villa to lose player and Wolves to strengthen?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Funai-emery_1.jpg "Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery in September 2024.")
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reported to be in talks to sign Portuguese midfielder Manu Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes this month for a fee of just over £10m.
Wolves are set to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday in the Premier League, with the club looking to move three points clear of the relegation zone.
The visitors are currently in 17th place with 16 points and are level on points with Ipswich Town, but Fabrizio Romano reports that boss Vitor Pereira could soon receive reinforcements in their bid to stay in the top flight, with the club in talks to sign midfielder Silva.
Silva has only started seven times in the Primeira Liga for Vitoria de Guimaraes, but the 23-year-old has shown a willingness to get on the ball and play progressively from deeper areas.
Chelsea 'ask for information' on former Arsenal man during Casadei talks
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F41%2Fnuno-tavares.jpg "Lazio's Nuno Tavares pictured on October 2, 2024")
Chelsea have allegedly expressed an interest in signing a former Arsenal defender as they bid to finalise the sale of Cesare Casadei.
Throughout the January transfer window, club officials have been bidding to attract suitable proposals for the Italy Under-21 international.
As it stands, though, several Serie A clubs have tried and failed to complete a deal for the 21-year-old, who has not featured for Chelsea since December 19.
The Premier League giants are allegedly looking for a fee between £15m and £20m for the prospect, who is yet to play a single minute of senior football in his homeland during his career.
Real Madrid 'facing major competition' for in-demand centre-back
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fcristhian-mosquera.jpg "Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera on January 11, 2025")
Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, with the Bundesliga giants potentially battling Real Madrid for his signature during this summer's transfer window.
Mosquera, 20, is thought to be one of the centre-backs on Real Madrid's radar, as Los Blancos prepare to sign a player in that area of the field at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Spain Under-21 international has made 22 appearances for a struggling Valencia outfit this term, but he has entered the final 18 months of his contract, and Los Che are believed to be struggling to sign him to an extension.
Real Madrid are believed to have had scouts watching Mosquera throughout the campaign, with the capital giants desperate to add a young defender to their squad at the end of the season.
January exit? La Liga interest in Barcelona defender confirmed
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Ferigar.jpg "Barcelona's Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen pictured on August 7, 2022")
Girona sporting director Quique Carcel has revealed that his club are keen to sign Eric Garcia from Barcelona before the end of the January transfer window.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Spaniard's future during the winter market, with Girona, at one point, believed to be closing in on a permanent deal for the centre-back.
Garcia spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Girona, making 33 appearances in all competitions, playing a vital role in the team securing a historic third-placed finish in Spain's top flight.
The 24-year-old returned to his parent club over the summer, and he has featured on 16 occasions for Hansi Flick's side this term.
Oh no! Major blow for Barca confirmed as forward suffers injury against Getafe
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fhansi-flick_1.jpeg "Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick on January 18, 2025")
Barcelona have revealed that Spanish attacker Dani Olmo is facing a period on the sidelines with the "right soleus strain" that he suffered during Saturday night's La Liga contest with Getafe.
The 26-year-old, who was recently temporarily registered by Barcelona, was a second-half substitute against Getafe, featuring for the final 30 minutes of what proved to be a 1-1 draw in Madrid.
Olmo completed the match, but an injury for last summer's arrival has now been confirmed, and he will definitely be absent for Barcelona's Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday night.
The forward's availability past that point is unclear at this stage, with Barcelona revealing that "his return will be determined by his recovery".
Man United could help Chelsea sign 'top attacking target' in January
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F42%2Fenzo-maresca.jpg "Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca on October 20 2024")
Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Karim Adeyemi.
The 22-year-old has scored five goals and registered five assists in 12 appearances for Dortmund during the 2024-25 campaign, including two goals and three assists in nine Bundesliga outings.
Adeyemi missed a host of football in the first half of the season due to a muscular problem, but he has been back in the fold in recent weeks, last taking to the field as a substitute against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Friday.
Liverpool are also believed to be keen on the attacker, with a move to the Premier League thought to be on his radar.
Following Sancho's lead? BVB 'continue to hold talks' over Rashford deal
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F43%2Fmarcus-rashford.jpg "Manchester United's Marcus Rashford on October 27, 2024")
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly continuing to hold talks with Manchester United over a deal for Marcus Rashford which would see the attacker spend the second half of the campaign on loan at the club.
AC Milan's attention is currently in Manchester City's Kyle Walker, and the Italian outfit cannot sign both English players this month due to the post-Brexit rules in Serie A, which has seemingly seen them drop out of the race.
Dortmund's main competition appears to be coming from Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit thought to be Rashford's number one choice.
However, a switch to the La Liga giants is far from straightforward due to the club's financial issues, with room needing to be made in the budget, and as of yet, there is not thought to be an offer on the table.
Exit imminent: Man United attacker 'closing in' on Old Trafford departure
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F38%2Fantgar.jpg "Manchester United's Antony celebrates scoring their second goal on September 17, 2024")
Real Betis are reportedly nearing an agreement with Manchester United over a loan deal for Antony.
The 24-year-old has only managed one goal in 13 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign, while he has just 12 goals and five assists in 95 outings in all competitions since his arrival from Ajax.
Antony was a half-time substitute against Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday night, and his attitude and application has impressed Ruben Amorim since his arrival as head coach.
However, there has been a host of talk surrounding an exit for the Brazil international this month, and according to the Daily Mail, Real Betis are now close to signing Antony on loan for the second half of the campaign.
Latest January transfer news and rumours including Dele to Como
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fdele-alli.jpg "Dele Alli in action for Everton on December 2, 2022")
Como have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Dele Alli, with the playmaker preparing to pen a contract with the Italian outfit until June 2026, with the option of a further season.
The former England international has been without a club since leaving Everton last summer, but he has been training with Como of late.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Dele is now preparing to pen a contract with the Italian team until June 2026, but there will be the option for a further campaign, based on appearances and availability.
The 28-year-old started his professional career with MK Dons before making the move to Tottenham Hotspur, and he was once regarded as one of the best attacking talents in world football.
Wolves closing in on signing Portuguese midfielder?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fmanu-silva.jpg "Vitoria de Guimaraes midfielder Manu Silva in April 2024.")
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly closing in on the signing of Vitoria de Guimaraes midfielder Manu Silva.
The West Midlands outfit have made a relatively encouraging start to life under Vitor Pereira, recording three wins and one draw from their six matches in all competitions.
However, back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United in the Premier League have left Wolves on the brink of dropping back into the relegation zone.
Even with Mario Lemina having been reintegrated back into contention after apologising to Pereira for his recent conduct, Wolves are known to be in the market for a second centre-back despite having already acquired the services of Emmanuel Agbadou.
AC Milan press ahead with move for Chelsea attacker amid Rashford talk?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F45%2Fjoao-felix_2.jpg "Joao Felix for Chelsea on November 7, 2024")
Chelsea have reportedly received a proposal from AC Milan for Joao Felix.
The Portugal international only returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer, completing a £46.3m transfer from Atletico Madrid.
At the time, Felix was in favour of a return to life in London having previously spent a loan stint with the Blues, but he is yet to claim a regular place in Enzo Maresca's starting lineup.
Seven goals have been scored in his nine starts and 10 substitute outings in all competitions, with the majority of his minutes being accumulated in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Conference League.
Tchouameni replacement? Real Madrid 'considering move' for La Liga midfielder
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fmikel-jauregizar.jpg "Athletic Bilbao midfielder Mikel Jauregizar on August 28, 2024")
Real Madrid are reportedly huge admirers of Athletic Bilbao's Mikel Jauregizar, with Los Blancos giving serious consideration to making a move for the midfielder during this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old came through the youth system at Athletic, with his breakthrough season at first-team level coming last term, when he made 10 appearances in all competitions, including seven outings in Spain's top flight.
Jauregizar has been an important player for his Basque side this term, meanwhile, making 22 appearances, scoring once and providing one assist in the process, and he is believed to be on the radar of a number of major clubs.
According to Fichajes, his form 'has not gone unnoticed by Real Madrid', with the Spanish giants said to have 'closely followed his progression for some time'.
Arsenal 'edge closer' to £51m signing after Arteta's "very short" transfer claim
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fmikel-arteta_1.jpg "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on December 21, 2024")
Martin Zubimendi reportedly has a '100% agreement' with Arsenal over personal terms, with the Real Sociedad midfielder set to make the move to the Emirates Stadium during this summer's transfer window.
The Spain international turned down the chance to make the move to Liverpool last year after the Reds had activated the €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract.
Zubimendi has again been a vital player for Imanol Alguacil's side this season, making 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and registering two assists in the process, and he has a contract with his Basque side until June 2027.
However, this campaign is set to be his last with La Real, with the La Liga team said to be planning for his departure.
Rashford or Walker? Will Milan make a move for wantaway Manchester stars?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F50%2Fkyle-walker.jpg "Manchester City's Kyle Walker on November 5, 2024")
AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has argued that signing Manchester City defender Kyle Walker would not go against the club's vision despite his age.
Walker had been previously linked with moves to teams such as Bayern Munich in 2023, but it appears that the Englishman's time at the club will be coming to an end after Pep Guardiola announced the defender had asked to leave earlier in January.
AC Milan have been credited with an interest in the 34-year-old, but reports suggested that the Italian outfit also held an interest in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Speaking to DAZN, Ibrahimovic talked about the possibility of signing Walker, saying: "Everyone knows that Walker is a great player, he has done great things at City. When there is someone like him on the market there is a lot of interest. He doesn't go against our vision, because he's strong, he's a leader, he has dominance in the locker room. Now we are checking if it is possible."
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