/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F21%2F37%2Fwelcome-to-sports-mole-transparent-click-area.png "Welcome to Sports Mole")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F20%2F31%2Fsports-mole-favicon-32x32.png "Sports Mole FAVICON"){kind=small}
Spanish giants join Dortmund in race for Arsenal's Zinchenko?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Foleksandr-zinchenko.jpg "Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko on on January 22, 2025")
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Ukraine international appears to be heading towards the exit door after struggling to gain regular game time this season.
Zinchenko has been restricted to just four starts in 13 competitive appearances due to a combination of selection decisions and injury issues.
The 28-year-old appears to have fallen behind Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the battle for Arsenal's left-back spot.
Arsenal 'advancing' pursuit to sign next Odegaard
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F40%2Fsverre-nypan.jpg "Sverre Nypan in action for Norway Under-21s on September 10, 2024")
Arsenal have reportedly advanced in talks over a deal to sign Rosenborg youngster Sverre Nypan.
Last month, it was reported that Manchester United were close to striking a deal to sign the highly-rated teenager.
However, it has since emerged that the Red Devils have dropped out of the race to secure Nypan's signature, amid rival interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.
It now appears that Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign a midfielder who has been compared to their captain Martin Odegaard.
Potential Garnacho replacement? Man United 'earmark' Chelsea star as transfer target
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fchristopher-nkunku.jpg "Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku celebrates after scoring on January 11, 2025")
Manchester United have reportedly identified Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku as a potential transfer target amid uncertainty over Alejandro Garnacho's future at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have already turned down a £40m move from Napoli for Garnacho, who is under contract until the summer of 2028.
While Napoli are set to turn their attention elsewhere, Garnacho is now being heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
A recent report claimed that Chelsea are ready to make an approach to sign the Argentina international, with Man United open to significant offers due to their concerns over the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
"Where do I start?" - Walker issues statement after swapping Man City for Milan
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fkyle-walker.jpg "Kyle Walker on January 23, 2025")
AC Milan have announced the signing of defender Kyle Walker on loan from Manchester City.
The 34-year-old asked to leave the Citizens earlier this month, with manager Pep Guardiola revealing that he was keen to 'explore options abroad'.
A possible switch to the Saudi Pro League was initially mooted, but it became clear that Walker was looking to continue his career in Europe and Milan quickly emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
Walker, whose last appearance for Man City came in the 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United on January 4, travelled to Italy on Tuesday for talks with Milan, before the Citizens accepted the Rossoneri's formal loan bid on Thursday.
West Ham hold fresh Silva talks? Transfer news and rumours today
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fandre-silva.jpg "RB Leipzig's Andre Silva on January 2, 2025")
West Ham United have reportedly held fresh talks over a potential deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Andre Silva.
The Hammers are in desperate need of a new forward, having seen their current options hit by injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen.
Michail Antonio is also unavailable for selection, with the striker set to miss the remainder of the season after he suffered a leg fracture in a road traffic accident in December.
A recent report claimed that West Ham had made initial enquiries over a move for Silva after they identified the Leipzig man as a possible target.
Sterling sacrificed? Arteta reveals stance on possible Arsenal loan axings
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Fraheem-sterling.jpg "Arsenal's Raheem Sterling pictured on September 15, 2024")
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed whether the Gunners could terminate Raheem Sterling or Neto's loan deals this month.
Chelsea-owned Sterling made his first Champions League start of the season in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, but he was ineffective once again and came off before the hour mark.
Sterling has only managed to contribute one goal and two assists from 15 matches since his last-minute move to the Emirates on deadline day, playing a mere 215 minutes in the Premier League.
However, that is still 215 more minutes than Bournemouth loanee Neto has managed, as the 35-year-old is yet to make his Gunners debut since joining as Aaron Ramsdale's temporary replacement.
Rashford has 'one option' for Man United loan exit, and Arsenal could benefit
/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")
Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford has reportedly opened the door to joining Juventus if his dream transfer to Barcelona falls through.
Over a month on from his bombshell admission that he was ready to explore a new challenge away from Old Trafford, Rashford is yet to secure his desired move to a different club.
The England international remains in Ruben Amorim's bad books for the time being, having not earned any minutes in any competition since Man United's 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
Rashford was again left out of the squad for Thursday's triumph over Rangers, and Amorim was once again coy on the attacker's immediate future when inevitably questioned in his press conference.
Veiga alternative? Chelsea defender 'offered escape route' by Bundesliga giants
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F02%2Frenato-veiga.jpg "Chelsea's Renato Veiga pictured on November 28, 2024")
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell this month.
The former England international is attracting interest from plenty of suitors around Europe according to reports, with Juventus said to be keen on the player.
Chilwell has been frozen out of the first-team fold at Stamford Bridge by Enzo Maresca, who told the defender that he was surplus to requirements at the beginning of the term.
He was placed in Chelsea's 'bomb squad' at the start of the season, training away from his senior teammates who would go out and fight for the Blues in the Premier League.
Ancelotti's answer? Real Madrid 'in contact' with Bundesliga star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F42%2Fcarlo-ancelotti.jpg "Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti on October 5, 2024")
Real Madrid have reportedly entered talks with Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich over a potential transfer.
The 29-year-old is said to be attracting interest from many of Europe's top club sides, including Premier League champions Manchester City and Barcelona.
Kimmich has been a key figure for the Bavarians in the Bundesliga so far this term under Vincent Kompany, scoring one goal and providing five assists across 18 top-flight contests.
The midfielder is also a major part of his international team, representing Germany on 97 occasions since his senior debut at the start of 2016.
'Exit agreed' as Man United attacker 'prepares to leave Old Trafford'
/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")
Manchester United forward Antony will reportedly travel to Spain on Friday evening in order to sign a contract with Real Betis which will see him represent the La Liga outfit on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Brazilian in recent weeks, with Man United allegedly deciding at the start of the January window that he would be allowed to leave on loan this month.
Real Betis have recently emerged as the favourites, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Antony will travel to Seville on Friday night in order to sign a loan deal with the Spanish club.
Romano claims that Antony will spend the second half of the season on loan with Manuel Pellegrini's side, but there will be no buy option included, while his salary will be shared.
"I have to make some choices" - Amorim drops major hint over Man United star's future
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F01%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on January 5, 2025")
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has suggested that Casemiro is not in his future plans at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian has been an unused substitute in 10 of Man United's last 13 matches in all competitions, and he has not featured in the Premier League since the end of December.
Casemiro also failed to make it off the bench against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Toby Collyer and Christian Eriksen starting midfield, while Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo were introduced off the bench.
The 32-year-old still has 18 months left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, but Amorim has hinted that the former Real Madrid midfielder does not feature in his plans moving forward.
Options are fast drying up: Will Rashford stay at Man United?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fmarcus-rashford_1.jpg "Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during his side's Premier League match against Everton at Old Trafford, December 1, 2024")
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that he 'does not know' whether Marcus Rashford will be leaving the club in the latter stages of the January transfer window.
The Englishman has not played for the Red Devils since early December, but he has continued to train with the first team and was in the stands for Thursday's Europa League clash with Rangers.
Rashford is out of favour under Amorim due to alleged poor performances in training, while the forward's general demeanour around the club has led to him being overlooked over the last six weeks.
At one stage, it appeared almost certain that the 27-year-old would be leaving Man United this month, but it is now viewed as possible that he will remain beyond the end of the winter transfer window.
"I had a conversation with him": Pereira reveals Cunha stance amid transfer talk
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F01%2Fmatheus-cunha.jpg "Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha in December 2024.")
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vitor Pereira has stressed that Matheus Cunha remains committed to the Premier League club.
Cunha has enjoyed a strong campaign with the West Midlands outfit, contributing 10 goals and four assists from his 21 appearances in the top flight.
However, there was criticism for his 'body language' during the 3-1 defeat at Chelsea on Monday night at a time when speculation persists regarding his future.
The likes of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have each been heavily linked with an approach for the Brazil international before the end of the January transfer window.
Jorginho breaks silence on Arsenal future amid Brazil links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F47%2Fjorginho.jpg "Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in September 2024.")
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has admitted that the 'door is open' to a future transfer to a Brazilian club.
Since leaving Chelsea for the Emirates Stadium in January 2023, Jorginho has proven to be a valuable member of Mikel Arteta's squad.
A total of 41 starts and 30 substitute appearances have been made in all competitions, the £12m transfer fee that the Gunners shelled out being justified.
Nevertheless, with less than six months currently remaining on his contract, the 33-year-old is able to entertain offers from elsewhere.
PSG 'all in' on trying to sign key Liverpool defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F48%2Ftreibo.jpg "Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate warm up on November 5, 2023")
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified a Liverpool defender as a priority signing.
The French giants are currently well on their way to winning another Ligue 1 title, holding a nine-point lead at the top of the standings.
However, at a time when Luis Enrique's side still have work to do to qualify for the last 24 of the Champions League, defender Milan Skriniar has left for Fenerbahce.
Although the Slovakia international was not viewed as a key man, it has essentially freed up space in the squad for a new centre-back.
Transfer news and rumours: Willian back to Premier League, Cundle to Millwall
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Fwillian.jpg "Willian in action for Olympiacos on October 24, 2024")
Willian is reportedly preparing for a move back to the Premier League during the winter transfer window.
The 36-year-old was most recently in England's top flight at Fulham, where he helped Marco Silva's men establish themselves as part of the furniture in the division.
Willian was offered a new deal at Craven Cottage at the conclusion of last term, but instead opted to join Olympiacos on a deal for the 2024-25 campaign.
The Brazilian struggled to settle properly in Athens and has since terminated his contract with the Greek giants, meaning that he is on the market once again.
Wolves ready to edge out Spurs for American midfielder?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F36%2Fjohnny-cardoso.jpg "Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso on August 29, 2024")
Wolverhampton Wanderers have allegedly identified Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso as a January transfer target.
The West Midlands outfit are eager to add a new central midfielder to their ranks before the February 3 deadline, Manu Silva having previously been in line to move to Molineux.
However, the Vitoria de Guimaraes player instead decided to sign for Benfica, leaving Wolves to re-enter the market for a fresh face for the engine room.
With Mario Lemina pushing for a transfer elsewhere, it feels imperative that Wolves make a statement addition in that area as they bid to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.
"We pay attention": Maresca hints Chelsea assessing January transfer possibilities
/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 head coach Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that the Blues are 'paying attention' to any opportunities that may materialise during the January transfer market.
Despite widespread speculation regarding potential signings, Chelsea's solitary piece of business since the turn of the year is recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan stint at Crystal Palace.
The likes of Renato Veiga and Cesare Casadei are expected to depart in due course, both players eager to secure regular football after playing backup roles since the middle of August.
Although Chelsea have been linked with a potential replacement for the latter, Maresca has suggested that acquiring a new midfielder is not on his radar.
Maresca delivers Chelsea injury update, reveals January midfielder plans
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F46%2Fromeo-lavia.jpg "Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia in August 2024.")
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has delivered a mixed injury update ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture at Manchester City.
Earlier this week, the Blues recorded a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers without the likes of Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez at their disposal.
Although it was revealed by Maresca that Lavia faced time on the sidelines, it was unclear at the time whether Colwill and Fernandez would come back into contention for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday morning, Maresca has suggested that he expects to have the pair in his squad for the showdown with Pep Guardiola's side.
Back in the pack? Arsenal could receive double boost for Wolves clash
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Fmyles-lewis-skelly.jpg "Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly pictured on September 19, 2024")
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to rule either William Saliba or Myles Lewis-Skelly out of contention for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The pair were both absent from Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League success over Dinamo Zagreb, while Saliba was also unavailable for the 2-2 top-flight draw with Aston Villa last weekend.
The Frenchman was revealed to have been suffering from hamstring tightness after the North London derby, and it was initially reported that he could spend up to two weeks on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly missed the recent European battle after jarring his knee in the meeting with Villa, and the teenage defender was sent for scans earlier this week to determine the severity of his concern.
Following in Obi Martin's footsteps? Man United 'lead Barcelona in race' for Arsenal wonderkid
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fayden-heaven.jpg "Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven on November 1, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly been in touch with Arsenal to register their interest in Ayden Heaven.
The London-born defender started his youth career with West Ham United at the age of eight, before making the move to Arsenal, and he signed scholarship terms with the Gunners in the summer of 2023.
Heaven is highly-rated at the Emirates Stadium, with the teenager training with the first-team squad during the 2023-24 campaign and again last summer, before making his first-team debut against Preston North End in the EFL Cup last October.
The defender has also been on the Arsenal bench on three occasions in the Premier League this season, including against Man United last month, but there is currently uncertainty when it comes to his future.
Deco's influence: Barcelona announce new contract for vital player
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F42%2Fdeco.jpg "Barcelona sporting director Deco on May 19, 2024")
Barcelona have announced that Ronald Araujo has signed a new contract until June 2031, officially ending the speculation surrounding the central defender's future.
The Uruguay international's previous deal with the Catalan giants had been due to expire in June 2026, and Juventus are believed to have made at least one offer for him during the January transfer window.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also said to be long-term admirers of the South American, with all three said to have been keeping a close eye on his situation at Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona's director of sport Deco is believed to have played a major role in convincing Araujo to sign a new deal, and the defender is now contracted to the La Liga team until the end of the 2030-31 campaign.
Garnacho and PSR: Will Man United star make shock switch to Chelsea?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Falejandro-garnacho.jpg "Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on January 22, 2025")
Manchester United have admitted that they are at risk of breaching spending rules in a letter to fan groups, which could lead to a further increase in ticket prices and the departure of academy products.
The Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules allow clubs to make losses up to £105m over three years.
Man United faced huge criticism when they recently decided to increase ticket prices to £66 per match, including for children, while there have been various cuts in the workforce since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder.
The 20-time English champions have admitted that "difficult choices" have to be made due to the fact that the club are at risk of breaching PSR rules.
'On the chopping block': Why Nunez faces Reds exit despite Brentford heroics
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fdarwin-nunez-and-david-lynch_1.png "Darwin Nunez of Liverpool during his side's game against Brentford, on January 18, 2025")
Darwin Nunez's exit from Liverpool looks sealed despite his heroics against Brentford last Saturday because he has too many flaws in his game, Reds expert David Lynch has argued.
The Premier League leaders seemed as if they would drop points when they played Brentford, but two goals from Nunez in second-half stoppage time secured Arne Slot a 2-0 victory, seeing his side extend their advantage over second-placed Arsenal to six points by the end of the weekend.
Nunez arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2022 from Benfica for a club-record fee of £85m, but despite showing promise in some areas, the Uruguayan has often been frustrating in front of goal.
When asked if Nunez's goals could see him given one last chance to salvage his Liverpool career, Lynch struggled to picture him staying at the club beyond this season when he told Sports Mole: "I can't see it. He hasn't dragged me back in just yet.
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