Transfer news live: Arsenal plot Alvarez bid, surprise Palmer to Man Utd links, Spurs plot move for Liverpool star

Football
24 Jan 2026 • 12:10 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Clubs across Europe are entering the final 10 days of the January transfer window as they look to make final additions before the business end of the season.

Tottenham have produced perhaps the shock of the window so far after it emerged that they were plotting a move for Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson, whose contract is up at the end of the season. The Scotland captain has been at Anfield since 2017 and has won everything there is to win, but has lost his starting spot this term following the arrival of Milos Kerkez.

Across London, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the final days of the window, with the Blues reportedly targeting a loan move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Douglas Luiz alongside trying to seal a deal for promising French defender Jeremy Jacquet.

However, Liverpool may also have entered the race for Jacquet, with the Reds tracking several centre-back targets, including Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven as well as Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.

And while Manchester City appear to have completed their January business after the arrivals of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, their city neighbours are said to be tracking several midfield targets, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek among those linked after the news that Casemiro will be leaving at the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Arsenal seem to be happy with their business this month, with Mikel Arteta’s side not expected to make any additions after Ethan Nwaneri completed his loan move to Marseille.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below

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Transfer news live

  • Chelsea targeting Douglas Luiz on loan
  • Liverpool eyeing move for Chelsea target Jacquet
  • Man Utd targeting midfielders as Casemiro announces exit
  • Spurs working on move to sign Andy Robertson
  • Arsenal considering summer move for Julian Alvarez

Tottenham make shock approach to sign Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson

19:00 , Chris Wilson

Tottenham have made an approach to Liverpool for left-back Andy Robertson and are in preliminary talks about a deal.

Liverpool are considering the offer for their vice-captain, who is out of contract in the summer, and are yet to decide whether to let the 31-year-old leave.

Robertson revealed last week that he has had talks with Liverpool about a new deal but also wants to play more first-team football after losing his place to summer signing Milos Kerkez this season.

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Tottenham make shock approach to sign Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson

Donnarumma would move back to Italy, says agent

18:46 , Chris Wilson

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent Enzo Raiola has sensationally suggested that the Manchester City goalkeeper would accept a return to Italy, should it be offered.

Donnarumma has not played in Italy since leaving AC Milan in 2021.“Today at Manchester City he is finding serenity with the team and the environment, and he likes the project very much,” Raiola told Rai.

“He is also starting to understand the English championship. The other day he told me jokingly that playing five or six years there is an adventure, but it was a joke.”

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Manchester United facing further financial challenges after Deloitte Money League fall

18:35 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United are braced for the possibility they could slip still further in the Deloitte Money League after getting their lowest ever place in the annual study of football clubs’ income.

United slid four places to eighth for the 2024-25 season, when they only ranked fourth for revenue among English clubs, after Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, United are set for a sizeable dip in their matchday and broadcast income for the current financial year as they pay the price for their failings on the pitch last season and in domestic cups this year.

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Man United facing further financial challenges after Deloitte Money League fall

Chelsea far from agreeing deal for Jacquet

18:25 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea appear far apart with Rennes in their valuation of defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the French side holding out on a fee in the region of £55m, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are known to be looking for defensive reinforcements but there is no guarantee tbey will make a signing this month.

Liverpool are among the other clubs interested in Jacquet, with the youngster widely regarded as one of France’s best emerging talents.

Pep Guardiola confirms Marc Guehi debut as he offers Man City injury update

18:17 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that new signing Marc Guehi will make his debut for the club this weekend against Wolves, as the Cityzens look to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.

Guehi joined City earlier this week in a £20m move from Crystal Palace, and while he was unable to play in the Champions League in midweek due to Uefa regulations, he could find himself called upon immediately in the league with the club in the midst of defensive injury crisis.

City are currently without Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones in defence, with the former having fractured his tibia. Dias is likely out until mid-Febraury with a thigh issue, while Stones continues to struggle with his own ongoing thigh issue.

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Pep Guardiola confirms Marc Guehi debut as he offers Man City injury update

Forest want Lucca for Brentford trip

18:02 , Will Castle

Nottingham Forest hope to sign Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese in time for Sunday's trip to Brentford.

"I'm hopeful. I think it's quite apparent, I've spoken openly and the club know it," Dyche added.

"The club has a trading way, we let one out and we need to get one in. There's work in progress, I'm hopeful there will be someone in."

Michael Carrick outlines stance over Man United decisions after Casemiro exit confirmed

17:48 , Chris Wilson

Michael Carrick has vowed to put Manchester United’s long-term interests first – even as he only has a short-term contract to the end of the season.

Carrick has the task of trying to take United into the Champions League while they search for their next head coach.

And, after confirming Casemiro will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, the club face another decision with Harry Maguire, whose deal is up in the summer.

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Carrick outlines stance over Man United decisions after Casemiro exit confirmed

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior addresses Cole Palmer homesick rumours

17:35 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has firmly stated that Cole Palmer is "very happy" at the club, directly addressing recent reports suggesting the England international was homesick.

Palmer, who joined Stamford Bridge in 2023 from Manchester City after struggling for minutes under Pep Guardiola, has endured a challenging period marked by injury and a dip in form.

The 23-year-old has found the net only four times in the Premier League this season and displayed visible frustration during the latter stages of last Saturday’s 2-0 home victory against Brentford.

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Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior addresses Cole Palmer homesick rumours

Man Utd add Nmecha to midfield targets?

17:23 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United are tracking Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha as they consider a number of midfield targets, reports German outlet Bild.

The reports claims that Dortmund would ask for €60 million in order to sign the 25-year-old, though it is unlikely a deal will be done this month.

Palace targeting Acheampong

17:11 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong is a target for Crystal Palace this month, reports Sky.

The Eagles are looking to fill the void left by former captain Marc Guehi, and Chelsea’s versatile 19-year-old defender is one of the names being discussed.

However, no formal conversations are understood to have taken place yet.

Rosenior: 'Palmer happy at Chelsea'

16:56 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has responded to rumours that star player Cole Palmer is homesick in London.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a return to Manchester after a season affected by injuries and the sacking of Enzo Maresca, though Rosenior said Palmer “seems very, very happy to be here”.

“He's a huge part of our plans in the long-term. He's an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult times in his career because of injury. I don't think it's any reflection on his quality,” said the new Chelsea boss.

"My job and the club's job is to get him in a place where he can consistently perform at the level he wants to.

"There was frustration in the Brentford game, not because he isn't happy here, just because he was in pain and he couldn't perform to the level he wanted to for the club.

"He's a great kid and an outstanding player but we have to make sure we look after him in the right way. That's why I didn't involve him in the last game,” he added.

The Arsenal and Liverpool game plans behind this Premier League season’s dullest feature

16:46 , Chris Wilson

Over the last few days, Michael Carrick and his assistant, Steve Holland, have been trying to formulate a tactical plan for Arsenal on Sunday that is necessarily less adventurous than in their first match together at Old Trafford.

That uproarious 2–0 win over Manchester City did not just stand out in Manchester United’s drab recent form, after all. It also stood out in a drab Premier League weekend that provoked a lot of discussion about the quality of football in the competition right now.

A further two goalless draws brought the total for this season to 18, which is up on the last two campaigns at the same stage. The current goals-per-game figure is also down at a mere 2.73 – the lowest since the Covid-affected 2020–21 season.

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The Arsenal and Liverpool strategies behind a season that is boring fans to death

Roma give green light to Tsimikas return

16:36 , Chris Wilson

AS Roma have already given the green light to Kostas Tsimikas’ potential return to Liverpool, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool will be ready to recall the Greek defender if they can reach a deal with Tottenham for the sale of Andy Robertson this month.

Garnacho to return to old club?

16:26 , Chris Wilson

Reports in Spain are linking Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho with a return to an old club!

Fichajes claims that Atletico Madrid are exploring a loan deal for the Argentine, who left the Spanish capital for Manchester for £420,000 in 2020.

The report does add that Garnacho will look to stay at Stamford Bridge in order to earn a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad.

Nwaneri completes Marseille deal

16:11 , Chris Wilson

Ethan Nwaneri has completed his loan move to Marseille, joining the French club until the end of the season.

Nwaneri has played just 12 times for Arsenal this season, and Mikel Arteta and the club hierarchy thought a move to Marseille would serve his development well.

Man Utd considering Oyarzabal?

15:57 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United recently sent scouts to watch Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal, reports the Guardian.

It is not believed that the club have made any contact with either the Spaniard or the club.

Scouts were also sent to discuss the future of on-loan forward Marcus Rashford, who is currently playing at Barcelona.

Arne Slot provides update on Ibrahima Konate and Federico Chiesa absences ahead of Bournemouth match

15:50 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that he could be without five members of his first-team squad for the match against Bournemouth, with both Federico Chiesa and Ibrahima Konate likely to be absent.

The Reds come into the weekend off the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League in midweek, with Joe Gomez deputising for Konate, who was absent due to a family bereavement.

“I've spoken to him a few times and these are private matters and they should stay that way,” said Slot on the Frenchman.

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Slot provides update on Konate and Chiesa absences ahead of Bournemouth match

Arsenal exploring summer move for Alvarez

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal are exploring a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, according to ESPN.

Alvarez, who moved to Madrid from Manchester City for £82m in 2024, has scored 45 goals in 80 games for Atleti.

The Spanish club would reportedly demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player.

Alongside Arsenal. both Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be tracking the Argentina international.

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Juventus in talks for En-Nesyri

15:27 , Chris Wilson

Could this affect the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Juventus are in advanced negotiations with Fenerbahce for striker Youssef En Nesyri, according to Sky.

The two clubs have sorted the basis of an agreement over an initial loan with an option to buy, with ‘growing confidence’ of a full agreement being made.

While Juventus are one of the main clubs interested in Mateta, Aston Villa could now be free to make a move if budget and PSR constraints allow.

Bournemouth holding off Senesi interest

15:12 , Chris Wilson

Bournemouth are planning on resisting any bids for Marcos Senesi during this month’s window, according to talkSPORT.

The Argentine has turned down multiple offers to extend his contract – which expires in the summer – and Juventus and Barcelona have shown interest in the defender.

While both clubs know get ahead of rivals by trying to sign Senesi in January, the Cherries will do everything they can to keep their key defender this month.

DONE DEAL! Nwaneri joins Marseille on loan

15:08 , Will Castle

Ethan Nwaneri has completed his loan move to Marseille and will play for the Ligue 1 club for the remainder of the season.

How Trump’s Greenland obsession could spark a World Cup boycott

14:57 , Chris Wilson

Senior officials at the top of Fifa and Uefa are “very concerned” about the potential impact of interest by the United States in Greenland on the World Cup and wider game, sources say, as football federations try to navigate a diplomatic crisis.

There have been no official meetings, and no public statements. Everyone is instead looking to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and wondering exactly what he is thinking. It is a consequence of the federation being geared around one central figure; in a way that means it may not have the governance suitable to deal with Trump’s upheaval. If it seems absurd that all of this is the responsibility of one man, that’s just the way the system has been designed. Fifa is not the forum for constructive debate.

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How Trump’s Greenland obsession could spark a World Cup boycott

Vinicius Jr squashes Real Madrid exit rumours

14:42 , Chris Wilson

“I want to stay here for a long time,” Vinicius Jr said amid talk of his contract talks stalling.

“There’s a lot of talk about renewal, yes, but I have another year left. We’re very calm. I trust the president and he trusts me.

“We have a very good relationship and, when the time comes, we’ll sort things out. We’re in no rush.”

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Vini Jr & Salah on list of Saudi targets

14:28 , Chris Wilson

Mo Salah and Vinícius Júnior are among the Saudi Pro League’s primary transfer objectives this summer, reports the Telegraph.

The league has previously sounded out a move for Salah, though there has been little movement regarding Vini Jr.

Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes is among other big names known to be targets for the Saudi league, with the league targeting some of Europe’s biggest names in a bid to elevate its global profile.

Man Utd ready to open Mainoo contract talks

14:14 , Chris Wilson

Manchester United are ready to open talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new contract, reports Sky Sports.

The club want to tie down the 20-year-old and they have made initial contact with Mainoo’s representatives, with the current plan to sit down and discuss the details of a new and improved contract.

Any new deal would see the midfielder’s wages brought more in-line with his teammates to reflect his standing at the club.

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Glasner: Mateta hasn't handed in a transfer request

14:06 , Will Castle

"He didn’t hand a transfer request and we have received no bid right now," Oliver Glasner said, responding to speculation that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has formally asked to leave Crystal Palace.

"I speak with many players about different topics but they deserve that I don’t tell it publicly.

"Every player there is a price where a club says, okay, evaluating the whole situation – age, contract duration – and a price where the club agrees to a deal. But again there’s no bid come in and he didn't hand in a transfer request, so he will play on Sunday."

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How Newcastle show the challenges and charms of the new Champions League format

13:59 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle United were a great advertisement for the old Champions League format. They were also the victims of it. They look to be beneficiaries of the new system even if, once again, a trip to Paris might come at a cost to them.

Seventh with a game to go now, they are set for another tense final day of the first stage. Two years ago, and within the space of half an hour, they went from a position of Champions League qualification to seeming set for a place in the Europa League, to out of Europe altogether. That was second, third and fourth in Group F: there was a simplicity to a system of four teams in a pool. There was a viciousness, too: as Newcastle went from leading AC Milan to losing to them, there was no safety net.

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How Newcastle show the challenges and charms of the new Champions League format

Tottenham make shock approach to sign Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson

13:44 , Chris Wilson

Tottenham have made an approach to Liverpool for left-back Andy Robertson and are in preliminary talks about a deal.

Liverpool are considering the offer for their vice-captain, who is out of contract in the summer, and are yet to decide whether to let the 31-year-old leave.

Robertson revealed last week that he has had talks with Liverpool about a new deal but also wants to play more first-team football after losing his place to summer signing Milos Kerkez this season.

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Tottenham make shock approach to sign Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson

Man United fan group to stage ‘biggest ever protest’ against the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe

13:31 , Chris Wilson

Thousands of Manchester United supporters are preparing to stage a significant protest against the club’s ownership ahead of their upcoming home fixture, targeting both the Glazer family and new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The 1958, a prominent fan group, anticipates more than 6,000 fans will march to Old Trafford before United’s Premier League clash with Fulham on 1 February.

The American Glazer family has faced persistent fan fury since controversially acquiring a controlling stake in the club in 2005, with their tenure marked by continuous demonstrations and widespread anger.

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Man United fan group to stage ‘biggest ever protest’ against owners

Casemiro targeted by MLS, Saudi clubs

13:17 , Chris Wilson

LA Galaxy are among the clubs interested in making a move to sign Man Utd midfielder Casemiro when he leaves Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Other MLS clubs and some from the Saudi Pro League are also interested, as well as clubs in the Brazilian’s homeland.

Wolves reject bid for Strand Larsen

13:02 , Chris Wilson

Wolves have rejected a first bid from Leeds for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, according to Sky Sports.

It is not known how much the initial bid was, though Wolves are believed to value the Norwegian at around £40m.

12:47 , Chris Wilson

Tammy Abraham is on the verge of completing a move to Aston Villa, with the club having sorted a verbal agreement in principle with Besiktas.

Personal terms are already agreed in a deal that should be worth €21m plus add-ons (with centre-back Yasin Özcan also included on the Villa side).

Tottenham complete signing of highly-rated left-back Souza: ‘It’s a childhood dream’

12:33 , Chris Wilson

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of highly-rated left-back Souza in a deal valued at €15 million (£13m).

The 19-year-old, who joined the north London side on a long-term contract, said he had realised a childhood dream by making the move.

Souza told the club’s website: “It’s an incredible feeling to join a really big club in Spurs.

“I grew up watching the Premier League so this is a childhood dream for me and I can’t wait to get going.

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Tottenham complete signing of highly-rated left-back Souza: ‘It’s a childhood dream’

Slot appears to rule out transfers

12:18 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot spoke in his pre-match conference today ahead of the match against Bournemouth, and here’s what he had to say about the club making any potential signings:

“I expect there to be no movement. But if there's an opportunity in the market and we think we can strengthen the squad this club will always try to do so. But at this moment in time, no.”

Cole Palmer wants return to Manchester?

12:08 , Chris Wilson

Cole Palmer is rumoured to want to return to Manchester but not in a move back to Man City.

The Express report that the Chelsea playmaker is willing to move to Manchester United in the hopes of returning to his home city.

Palmer moved from City to Chelsea in 2023 for £42.5m but has had his season curtailed by injuries this year.

His contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2033 so there is no reason for Chelsea to sell him unless a big offer is made.

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Ruben Neves pursuit hots up

11:54 , Chris Wilson

Ruben Neves appears a target for just about every club in Europe with the former Wolves midfielder looking for a move away from Al Hilal. Manchester United have been most strongly mentioned of late, but Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Real Madrid are considering an offer, too.

Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and why big-money strikers are struggling

11:40 , Chris Wilson

Earlier in 2025, Manchester United were stunned when they were told a deal for Benjamin Sesko might be on. That was because they were one of many clubs that fully expected the Slovenian to go to Arsenal. That had been the word for over a year.

It is instead Viktor Gyokeres who occupies the Arsenal striker position. Or, at least, he has occupied it. Gyokeres’ superb goal against Inter Milan couldn’t have been more timely, since Gabriel Jesus scored twice to bolster the debate that the Brazilian should be Mikel Arteta’s starting No 9.

The fact that Sesko had been the alternative, however, is no longer part of that debate. The younger forward has endured similar struggles.

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Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and why big-money strikers are struggling

Spurs working on move to sign Andy Robertson

11:29 , Chris Wilson

Tottenham are working on a surprise move to sign Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, reports David Ornstein.

Spurs were reportedly hoping to contend for the 31-year-old’s signature this summer – when his contract at Anfield runs out – but have brought those plans forward.

The deal is not done but Ornstein reports that “talks between all parties [are] advancing in bid to reach agreement”.

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Sean Dyche: Nottingham Forest ‘working’ on signing a new striker

11:19 , Chris Wilson

Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche says the club are “working” on bringing a new striker in.

Forest were without a recognised frontman as they slumped to a damaging 1-0 defeat in the Europa League at Portuguese club Braga, which all-but condemns them to the play-off round next month.

They are trying to bring in Italy forward Lorenzo Lucca, who has been on loan at Napoli from Udinese.

Dyche told TNT Sports: “We’re certainly working on it. The club know, they’re aware. They can see the situation. So yeah, we’re certainly working on it. We’ll see.”

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Sean Dyche: Nottingham Forest ‘working’ on signing a new striker

Fulham want Bobb

11:08 , Chris Wilson

Fulham remain in talks over the signing of Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb, according to Sky.

The club have not made a formal bid but negotiations are believed to be progressing, with Bobb also a target for other clubs across Europe.

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Howe admits Newcastle limited on signings

10:58 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted that the Mgpies are limited with what they can do in this transfer window.

The club have not added to their squad this month despite their injury problems, though they are competing on three fronts with the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

However, Howe said the he is “not panicking”, adding: “The worst thing you can do in the transfer market is panic. We have our strategy.

"PSR is controlling what we're able to do. That gives us limited room to manoeuvre to try and bring a player in that can elevate the squad and have a long-term future at the football club with the finances we have available.

"Let's see what happens in the last few days. But anything that can happen. Certainly, we will try not to panic,” he added.

Jones to Spurs in sensational swap?

10:51 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been attracting interest from Tottenham, according to The Times.

The Englishman has become an increasingly important cog to Arne Slot’s side this season but Spurs are said to be keen on luring him away, having already signed Conor Gallagher to reinforce options in the centre of the park this month.

It comes amid reported interest from Liverpool in Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven. Could a sensational swap deal be on the cards with the Liverpool midfielder moving one way and the Tottenham defender the other?

It is unlikely but crazier things have happened in the January transfer window.

Arsenal looked at Alvarez signing

10:44 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal considered making a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez last summer, reports David Ornstein.

While the Gunners ended up signing Viktor Gyokeres in that position in a deal worth £55m, the club did consider the former City man as they were conducting their search for a new number nine.

“Arsenal were considering Julian Alvarez this summer. His name came up. You could see that sort of player coming into Arsenal.

“If there’s going to be outward manoeuvring, then there is definitely scope for an arrival [in attacking positions],” added Ornstein on the Sky Sports Transfer Show.

The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City

10:37 , Chris Wilson

Nothing, it seemed, became Marc Guehi quite like his leaving. On the last day of August, he scored a stunning goal against Aston Villa. This, it seemed, was his parting gift to Crystal Palace. He was off to Liverpool.

Except he wasn’t. Four and a half months on, some 27 appearances later, with a different destination and a fee that is £15m less, his departure has caused ructions at Palace and may bring regret at Liverpool. Oliver Glasner’s evident unhappiness at the loss of his captain threatens to bring his reign to a premature end.

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The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City

Ethan Nwaneri set for Marseille move

10:30 , Chris Wilson

Confirmation should come today of Ethan Nwaneri’s loan move to Marseille. Arsenal have been prepared to part with the teenager, who has been short of playing time in a competitive fight for places in Mikel Arteta’s forward line.

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Casemiro reveals why he is leaving Man United

10:23 , Chris Wilson

Casemiro has announced he will leave Manchester United in the summer after the club decided not to renew his contract.

United will lose the £63m signing on a free transfer but believe the money saved from paying his sizeable wages can be reinvested into the squad.

The Brazil captain decided to reveal the news now to help him prepare for next season and to prevent speculation he would get a new deal at Old Trafford.

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Casemiro reveals why he is leaving Man United

Liverpool set sights on Guehi alternative

10:16 , Chris Wilson

After missing out on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, Liverpool have switched their focus to other centre-back targets.

The most recent rumour links them to well-known Chelsea target Jeremy Jacquet, who plays for Rennes. The French club reportedly want around £60m for the youngster, and Chelsea have already entered talks over a move.

Elsewhere, Teamtalk are reporting that Arne Slot now wants Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni as an alternative at centre-back and the Italian international would be open to leaving the San Siro. Liverpool were reportedly plotting an £87m move towards the back end of the year.

There are also reports that Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is being considered, while in a more audacious move, the Reds are said to hold a legitimate interest in Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven, with Real Madrid also thought to be keen.

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The true value of Marc Guehi and why Man City acted now

10:08 , Chris Wilson

When Manchester City finally moved for Marc Guehi, Pep Guardiola’s staff put together a data-led pitch showing exactly how the 25-year-old would fit into the team and even move in certain areas. It had to be good to beat Bayern Munich’s highly persuasive pitch, spearheaded by a great former City centre-half Vincent Kompany.

City made clear that Guehi was being signed to “win now”. Guardiola wanted a prime defender to take his team up a level, and “make sure” they give themselves the best chance of properly challenging this season. Injury to Josko Gvardiol sharpened the plans.

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The true value of Marc Guehi and why Man City acted now

Chelsea want Douglas Luiz on loan

09:59 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea are considering hijacking Nottingham Forest’s loan move for Douglas Luiz, with the Blues hoping to take the Brazilian on loan themselves until the end of the season.

Luiz has played just 13 times for Forest since joining last summer, but Chelsea could decide to add the 27-year-old to their squad due to the frequent absences of Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and even Cole Palmer.

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Loftus-Cheek linked with Premier League return

09:52 , Chris Wilson

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a target for Aston Villa this month, according to The Telegraph.

Their interest in the midfielder comes amid an expectation that Boubacar Kamara will be out for the season.

However, they may face competition from Manchester United for the AC Milan man, with talkSPORT reporting that the Red Devils have been offered the chance to sign him on loan.

Mateta joins Abraham on Villa watchlist

09:45 , Chris Wilson

Aston Villa have expressed an interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic.

In return, Palace are reportedly weighing up a move for Villa forward Evann Guessand, who joined the Villans last summer in a £28m move.

Sky Sports have also reported Villa are stepping up their interest in signing Tammy Abraham, who is on loan at Besiktas from Roma.

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Good morning

09:37 , Chris Wilson

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s transfer news blog, bringing you all the latest transfer rumours and news from the January window.