We have entered the final week of the January transfer window as things finally show signs of heating up after a rather quiet month so far. Arsenal are still on the hunt for key new additions and Mikel Arteta is said to have held talks with Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad as the Gunners are also linked with the likes of Pedro Neto and Xavi Simons before the February 1 deadline.
Manchester United are believed to have entered the race for Ivan Toney as well as receiving a boost in their ambitious pursuit of Vinicius Jr, though Man Utd are now rumoured to have rejected the chance to sign Karim Benzema on loan. Chelsea may now have a clear path to Benzema, with the Blues also receiving a new update on Victor Osimhen and eyeing Callum Wilson in their push for a striker.
Tottenham are edging closer to a deal for Antonio Nusa, while West Ham are set to announce the arrival of Kalvin Phillips as Liverpool target the likes of Marc Guehi and Joshua Kimmich. Follow all the latest news, rumours and gossip live with Standard Sport’s transfer centre below!
Chelsea handed boost in Karim Benzema battle
Is the path now clear for Chelsea to try and sign Karim Benzema?
A rumoured loan move to the Premier League remains the hot topic of conversation around the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who is rumoured to have asked to be allowed to leave Al-Ittihad temporarily after only six months in Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea are among the clubs to be mostly heavily linked with Benzema, along with top-flight rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, the Daily Mail report that Man Utd and the Gunners have both now snubbed the chance to sign the Real Madrid legend, potentially leaving the door wide open for Chelsea to swoop unopposed.
Man Utd enter race to sign Ivan Toney
Manchester United look to have entered the race for Ivan Toney.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been most strongly linked with the prolific England striker, who last weekend made a goalscoring return for Brentford following his eight-month betting ban.
The Athletic claim that Man Utd are closely monitoring Toney’s situation, possibly with a view to launching a huge move in the summer transfer window.
Mauricio Pochettino speaks out on Chelsea striker rumours
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has urged Armando Broja to shut out the noise over his future as he looks to find form.
He said: “It is part of the business, part of football. If you want to be at Chelsea… When you perform well and score goals, you are there; if you’re not scoring, you are there. If you play, you are there. But if you’re not playing, you’re there.
“In the end, you can’t escape. If we want all the benefits of being in this football club, Chelsea, we need to accept that it is a massive responsibility, and this can happen. You are always going to be judged. It is normal. It is our job.”
Race for Bryan Gil hots up
Brighton want to sign Bryan Gil from Tottenham, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reports this on the basis that Lazio are also in the race for the Spaniard, along with another unnamed Premier League team.
With Manor Solomon and James Maddison back from injury, Gil could be available for a fresh loan move away from Spurs this month.
Saudi league can be the best, says Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku has claimed that Saudi Arabia could become the home to the world’s best league.
Despite rejecting a move to the Middle East last summer, the Roma forward reckons it could only take two years before their heavy investment pays off in a big way.
“In the next two years I see the Saudi Pro League becoming one of the best leagues in the world, if not the best,” he told Riyadiya TV.
“The clubs make a lot of effort to bring the great players there. They are improving a lot and it could become the best.”
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Emerson Royal going nowhere
Ange Postecoglou has dismissed any talk of Emerson Royal leaving the club.
Al-Ittihad reportedly saw a £20m bid for the defender rejected earlier this month and the Spurs boss wants to keep him around.
“No one has asked me about Emerson, but he’s been hugely important to us,” he stated this afternoon.
“Without Emerson and Ben [Davies] during this period, we would have really, really struggled. Not just playing at centre-back, but also filling in at right-back at times, left-back at times.
“He is a great guy to have in the group, he trains hard every day and is a quality player. He is in the Brazil national team so Emerson is an important part of what we’re doing.”
Man Utd eye new Argentina defender
Manchester United are pushing ahead with a deal for a player dubbed the next Lisandro Martinez.
Aaron Anselmino of Boca Juniors has started to make a name for himself of late and, at the age of 18, is also wanted by Benfica and AC Milan.
Argentine journalist Jonathan Riniti has reported on Boca expecting a bid from United for the defender.
Likewise, they await Liverpool’s first offer for midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez – who has also been linked to Arsenal.
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2024-01-26 07:16:21
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