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.
Boubakary Soumare is to decide whether to join Man United or Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.
Arsenal, Real Madrid and Valencia are no longer in the running for the Lille midfielder.
The 20-year-old has shone for Lille this term, but the box-to-box midfielder will not be leaving until after the PSG game on 26 January.
Man City are tracking Villarreal youngster Ivan Morante, according to the Telegraph.
Barcelona also want the 19-year-old, with his contract at El Madrigal running out at the end of the season.
Any potential buyer would face paying around £6m this month though.
Harry Kane likely to miss England’s Euro 2020 campaign, according to leading surgeon
England captain Harry Kane is unlikely to be fit for Euro 2020, a leading orthopaedic surgeon has said.
Kane went under the knife on Saturday to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring and the club have said they expect him to resume training in April.
However, his participation at this summer’s tournament was plunged into doubt earlier this week when Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho raised the possibility of Kane not being fit until next season.
Sevilla have struck a deal to sign Youssef En-Nesyri from Leganes.
The Moroccan will cost in the region of £17m and has penned a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The 22-year-old has four goals and two assists in 18 La Liga appearances this term.
AC Milan could make a surprise move for Wigan's USA international Antonee Robinson.
The 22-year-old is being considered with Hearts youngster Aaron Hickey to replace the outgoing Ricardo Rodriguez, according to Sky Sport Italia.
The former Everton youngster only joined the Latics last summer and has a contract until 2022.
Millwall are to hold talks with Ryan Woods with a view to taking the Stoke midfielder on loan.
The Telegraph's John Percy claims Woods will discuss a move with the Lions later today.
After just eight appearances in the league this season, Woods is eager to secure a move and gain more playing time.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted Southampton's fine form has forced him into rethinking his January transfer plans, writes PA's Nick Purewal.
Saints have conjured five wins and a draw from their last six matches in all competitions, to pull away from the Premier League relegation zone and reach the FA Cup fourth round.
Austrian boss Hasenhuttl had previously admitted being in the market for experienced full-backs, but now insists he is loath to upset a new-found balance in his squad.
"The way the team has played in the last few weeks, I wouldn't say that it's changed my mind completely, but we now have to be very careful what we do," said Hasenhuttl.
"And if we do something, how we do it, because I think the team deserves credit now.
"Because they have done a very good job, the players that have played have done very well.
"And also the young guys, we gave a few guys a chance in the FA Cup and their development has gone quicker than we thought."
A host of Premier League players are set to miss part of next season after Fifa confirmed the Africa Cup of Nations will return to its January timeslot.
The Cameroon Football Federation confirmed yesterday the tournament will be played between 9 January and 6 February next year due to “meteorological reasons”.
It means several established players in the league are set to spend time away from their clubs, with Liverpool one of the worst affected as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Joel Matip and Naby Keita are all likely to feature.
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Layvin Kurzawa.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports the PSG full-back could join now on loan and move permanently in the summer once his contract expires.
The Gunners are trying to bring in 3-4 short-term deals or free transfers to boost Mikel Arteta's options.
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