Transfer latest: Julian Alvarez, Bruno Fernandes and Jean-Philippe Mateta
The January transfer window has entered its final stretch, leaving the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool with a race against the clock to get deals done before Deadline Day. The Gunners performed a U-turn over Ethan Nwaneri last week and are said to have held talks over a potential £80million move for Julian Alvarez as well as keeping tabs on Real Madrid wonderkid Victor Valdepenas.
Chelsea, yesterday, confirmed the signing of Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday, while Aaron Anselmino bid a teary farewell to Borussia Dortmund after his loan spell was cut short. The Blues remain active in the market as they explore a loan deal for Douglas Luiz, though face competition from Manchester United for Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite.
Liverpool's second signing of the January window has been confirmed amid reports the club have made contact with Xabi Alonso's representatives over replacing Arne Slot as head coach. Andy Robertson, however, looks set to stay at Anfield despite links to Tottenham, while Nottingham Forest have launched a bid to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta after he informed Crystal Palace of his desire to leave. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!
Latest transfer news headlines
Fernandes to make Man Utd decision
Bruno Fernandes is set to wait until the end of the season before deciding his future, according to the Mirror.
The Manchester United captain is out of contract next summer, though the club have the option to extend his deal by a further year.
Fernandes has previously flirted with the idea of a clean break in the summer, but is expected to make his final decision before the World Cup.
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Arsenal deal imminent
Ajax manager Fred Grim is hopeful that a deal to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will be completed shortly.
Zinchenko has spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest, but has slipped down the pecking order in recent weeks an is expected to leave the City Ground.
Ajax are reportedly interested in signing Zinchenko permanently, with Grim offering an update on the deal.
He said: "I hope that [Zinchenko's signing] will take shape soon. At Ajax, we're very busy strengthening our squad.
"It will have to be finalised in the coming week. In my opinion, there are still some possibilities then."
ICYMI: Forest launch Mateta bid
Tonight’s top story: Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid worth £35million for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Frenchman wants to leave Selhurst Park, and has interest from Aston Villa and Juventus as well.
Oliver Glasner admitted earlier this month that Mateta could be sold should Palace receive the right price for their star forward.
Juve keen on Kolo Muani return
Juventus want Randal Kolo Muani back, according to Sky Italia.
The Frenchman is on loan at Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain, but has struggled to make himself a first-team regular under Thomas Frank.
Kolo Muani spent the second half of last season on loan at Juve and was expected to stay at the Allianz Stadium permanently, but the Old Lady could not agree a deal with PSG.
Carragher identifies key Arsenal problem
Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal “lack quality” in their frontline.
The Gunners were beaten by Manchester United 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as the north London club saw their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to four points.
Manchester City had already piled the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, beating Wolves 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke in the summer in big-money moves to bolster their attacking trident, with the former in particular brought in as the ‘win-now’ solution.
McGregor rules out Celtic exit
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has said that he will not leave the Scottish Premiership side this season.
He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, where former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is currently managing.
Asked about a potential departure, McGregor replied: "No, no, I’m here.’
"I'm even more determined. Even more. Because of what’s happened.
"We’ve had a difficult spell, we’re used to winning, then things don’t go your way.
"So, now you have to show everyone that you want to be a winner and you want to stay and you want to fight, and you want to make the club successful.
“Yeah, that’s the message."
Liverpool complete second January signing
Liverpool have completed their second signing of the January transfer window.
The Reds have been active in the last few days of the market, and have captured a second signature.
Former Arsenal star hired as head coach
Former Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has been appointed as Basel’s new head coach.
The Swiss, who joined the Gunners from Juventus back in 2018, spent just one season in north London before finishing his career at Augsburg.
Since he hung up his boots in 2020, Lichtsteiner has coached Basel’s under-15 side, before moving to become head coach of Swiss fourth tier side FC Wettswil-Bonstetten.
Leading Leicester candidate revealed
Gary Rowett is the leading candidate to take over as Leicester City’s new manager.
The Foxes sacked Marti Cifuentes earlier this month after a poor run of form that leaves them 14th in the Championship.
Leicester, relegated from the Premier League last term, are now eyeing Rowett as a replacement, according to talkSPORT.
Man City monitoring Alexander-Arnold
Manchester City are monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Real Madrid, according to Teamtalk.
The right-back has struggled for regular starts in his debut season in Spain, with frustration growing over his injury record.
The England international remains determined to fight for his place, however, but City are assessing the situation.