Arsenal are preparing a spectacular second bid for striker Ollie Watkins while Aston Villa decide whether to sell the England international or Jhon Duran in the final days of the January transfer window.
The Gunners saw an opening bid rejected just hours before Villa’s Champions League match against Celtic, where Watkins scored and then missed a bizarre penalty, with Arsenal desperate to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline. Duran is set to undergo a medical with Saudi club Al-Nassr ahead of a £64m move, which may end Arsenal’s hopes.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel wants to leave Bayern Munich and is now on Arsenal’s radar having interested Chelsea. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is seen as an alternative should they not manage to secure either Watkins or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, while Arsenal lead the race for Norwegian starlet Sverre Nypan.
Manchester United are closing in on a deal with Lecce for defender Patrick Dorgu but the club need to sell to buy, with Alejandro Garnacho possibly on the way out Marcus Rashford is also searching for a move away from Old Trafford, but only one club looks like a possible option this January.
Elsewhere, England international Chloe Kelly has published a statement asking to leave Manchester City before tonight’s Women’s Super League deadline, while leaders Chelsea try to pull off a late move for Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below
January transfer window - live updates
- Aston Villa reject Arsenal bid for striker Ollie Watkins
- Gunners expected to return with second offer before deadline
- Aston Villa's Jhon Duran set for Al-Nassr medical ahead of £64m move
- Chelsea target Mathys Tel prefers Arsenal as Man Utd and Spurs monitor
- Man Utd close in on £30m Patrick Dorgu signing from Lecce
- Al-Hilal eye Mohamed Salah with Liverpool future still uncertain
- Chelsea to try and sign Barcelona's Keira Walsh before tonight's deadline
- Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic ends Red Bull Salzburg loan and joins Las Palmas
Unai Emery reacts to Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran transfer speculation
13:28
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Jamie Braidwood
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is determined to keep Ollie Watkins at the club this month amid offers from Arsenal but admits Jhon Duran’s potential exit is a good deal, reports Jonathan Veal.
Both of Villa’s strikers are subject to interest in the January transfer window, with their Premier League rivals having a reported £60m bid for Watkins rejected while Duran is set to join Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.
Duran was an unused substitute, ahead of a reported 77million euros (£64.6million) move to Al Nassr, and was seen saying goodbye to fans at the end of the match.
Rashford latest as star upset by Amorim comments
13:16
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Miguel Delaney
The Independent understands that Marcus Rashford has been surprised by the strength of Ruben Amorim's comments about him, especially given his willingness to stay at Manchester United and prove himself.
Last week, Amorim revealed that the reason for Rashford’s continued absence from the matchday squad is the lack of effort he is seeing in training and said he will put 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench before the England international.
While there has been much criticism of Amorim's remarks due to the potential for further lowering Rashford's value, and weakening United's hand, the reality is that everyone in the market already knew Rashford’s situation.
Christopher Nkunku future hinges on Tel move
12:59
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Jamie Braidwood
Bayern want to sign Christopher Nkunku but the France forward’s return to the Bundesliga depends on other factors.
Nkunku has struggled for minutes at Chelsea and the Blues would be open to letting him leave this month if they can sign either Mathys Tel or Alejandro Garnacho.
Jhon Duran 'completes Al-Nassr' medical
12:45
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Jamie Braidwood
Jhon Duran is set to fly to Saudi Arabia and join Al-Nassr after completing a medical with the club.
According to Sky Sports, Al-Nassr will pay £64m for the 21-year-old striker, plus bonuses.
The decision to sell Duran will have an impact on Arsenal’s pursuit of Ollie Watkins, with Villa unlikely to sell both players this month.
Tottenham keep track of Tyler Dibling
12:39
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Jamie Braidwood
Spurs are among the clubs interested in Bayern’s Mathys Tel, as Southampton look to keep hold of winger Tyler Dibling.
Tottenham have been tracking the 18-year-old attacker but the Saints are holding out for £55m and a move this month could be unlikely.
Tottenham have joined Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in pursuing Tel and the 19-year-old is said to prefer a move to the Gunners.
Garnacho latest as Chelsea consider next move
12:17
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Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea have not given up on signing Alejandro Garnacho, according to L’Equipe, and are expected to make another move for the Manchester United winger this month.
Mathys Tel tells Bayern Munich he would like to leave
11:52
Bayern Munich have confirmed that Mathys Tel wants to leave before the deadline.
Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that the 19-year-old has asked for a move, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all interested.
"He has said he would like to leave," Eberl said. "Now we have to think about whether we will do it and what we will do."
Stefan Bajcetic ends Red Bull Salzburg loan
11:37
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Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has ended his loan at Red Bull Salzburg and has joined Las Palmas for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old, who made just eight starts at the Austrian club, was keen to move on after Salzburg sacked Pep Lijnders last month.
Federico Chiesa offers update on Liverpool future
11:31
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Jamie Braidwood
Federico Chiesa says he wants to stay at Liverpool and fight for trophies after the Italian completed his first 90 minutes for the club on Wednesday night.
Chiesa was Arne Slot’s first signing but it has take the former Juventus winger time to settle in at Anfield. He was even rumoured to be considering an early move away, but is now determined to contribute to Liverpool’s season.
“Since I joined Liverpool I’ve wanted to prove myself,” he told LFCTV.
“There’s room for improvement, there’s room to get better and better, and being at the best of my game.
“We have a great team and it’s hard to play, but that’s normal, because I want to be here, I want to play for Liverpool, I want to challenge myself. I will be ready for my next opportunity.”
Roy Keane says Marcus Rashford should be ‘ashamed’ of his Manchester United exile
11:07
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Jamie Braidwood
Marcus Rashford should be “ashamed” of his Manchester United exile, according to club legend Roy Keane.
The 27-year-old has been frozen out by Ruben Amorim, having last played for the Red Devils in the 2-1 Europa League victory at Viktoria Plzen on 12 December, with his future at the club in serious doubt.
Rashford has been urged “to change” in order to secure a future at Old Trafford, with speculation surrounding a move during the January transfer window.
The England forward has once again been omitted from the squad for Thursday night’s trip to FCSB, although he has now trained with the group after a period of individual training away from the first team.
Keira Walsh heading for a medical at Chelsea
10:51
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Jamie Braidwood
Keira Walsh is heading to London for a medical after Chelsea agreed to sign the Barcelona midfielder.
According to the Guardian, the Blues have reached agreement on a £460,000 deal for the 27-year-old, who had six months remaining on her contract.
Walsh, who moved to Barcelona from Manchester City for a world-record fee in 2022, was previously linked to Arsenal and the Gunners had another world-record bid for her turned down last year.
At Stamford Bridge, Walsh will once again join forces with England team-mate Lucy Bronze, who she won the Champions League alongside in 2023 and 2024.
Why do Aston Villa want to sign Ollie Watkins?
10:32
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Jamie Braidwood
Watkins scored 19 goals and made 13 assists for Aston Villa in the Premier League last season, to earn a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
His versatile attacking game, where Watkins can create as well as lead the line as a traditional No 9, is why Arsenal are interested in the 29-year-old.
Watkins has also said he is an Arsenal fan, while he has scored goals against the Gunners on his last two trips to the Emirates.
RB Leipzig strike £41.8m deal with PSG for Xavi Simons
10:15
,
Jack Rathborn
RB Leipzig have struck a €50m (£41.8m) deal to sign PSG starlet Xavi Simons, reports Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The Dutch winger has shone for the Bundesliga side over the last two seasons since joining on loan, scoring 15 goals in 59 games, and he is now set to confirm his long-term future.
The deal could eventually reach as much as €80m (£66.9m) should bonus payments be made.
Manchester United close in on Arsenal youngster
10:01
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Jamie Braidwood
Ayden Heaven looks set to switch London for Old Trafford, with widespread reports indicating that the 18-year-old defender is bound for Manchester United with his route into the Arsenal first-team picture blocked. A signing for the future? Or can Heaven provide Ruben Amorim with a more immediate option with a couple of key defensive injuries in his squad?
Mathys Tel sparks race between four Premier League clubs
09:43
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Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel.
As reported by The Independent, Tel’s desire to leave Bayern before the deadline has alerted a number of Premier League clubs.
The Telegraph reports that Tottenham have joined the race, with Ange Postecoglou desperate for new recruits before the deadline.
Chelsea to try and sign Keira Walsh before the deadline
09:31
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Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea are to make a late offer for England and Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh, according to the BBC.
The Women’s Super League deadline is tonight at 11pm and Walsh has six months left on her contract.
Barcelona have previously turned down a bid of £400,000 for the England international, from Arsenal two years ago.
Manchester United close in on £30m Patrick Dorgu signing from Lecce
09:01
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Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.
Ruben Amorim’s progress since taking over as head coach in November has been hindered somewhat by the squad’s composition, with a lack of options at left wing-back a key issue.
United have targeted Dorgu, 20, to help bolster that area and the talented Denmark international is edging closer to becoming the Portuguese’s first signing.
Aston Villa 'angered' by Arsenal's Jhon Duran bid
08:46
Aston Villa were left “angered” by the timing of Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins, according to the Guardian.
News of Arsenal’s offer broke just hours before Aston Villa’s home game against Celtic in the Champions League.
It was the second time in as many matchdays that Villa’s preparation had been distracted by transfer rumours, after West Ham saw a bid for Jhon Duran turned down ahead of the game against Monaco.
Villa went on to beat Celtic 3-2, but Arsenal are expected to come in again for the England striker.
Al-Hilal eye Mohamed Salah as Neymar replacement
08:31
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Jamie Braidwood
With Neymar no longer at the club, Al-Hilal are chasing a possible replacement as a marquee forward with Mohamed Salah again a target. Regularly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League over the last few years, the Liverpool forward’s future is far from clear with discussions over a new contract ongoing - and The Telegraph suggest Al-Hilal could pounce.
Arsenal battling Man Utd for Mathys Tel but face one stumbling block for Bayern star
08:16
,
Miguel Delaney
Arsenal and Manchester United are investigating a move for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, with his desire to leave the Bundesliga side causing a flurry of activity that has also seen Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur declare their interest.
A significant issue that the Gunners must overcome is whether a loan with an option to buy is possible. Fewer clubs would be interested if it is just a loan without an option to buy.
Meanwhile, United would need to spin plates financially in order to make the move happen but they are one of Tel’s preferred options. He is understood to only want to go to a club where he will be guaranteed a certain number of minutes and who can offer him the most football may well decide his ultimate destination.
Marcus Rashford left with just one transfer option to end Manchester United stalemate
08:01
,
Miguel Delaney
Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are facing up to a period where one of their best-paid stars is in the cold for months, as a suitable move has yet to present itself and only Juventus looks like a possible option this January.
The club have fielded a number of informal enquiries for the forward since he announced he was open to leaving in December, but Rashford wants to ensure any move is one that fits his preferences.
That involves the chance to compete for trophies this season, while also at a level high enough to persuade England manager Thomas Tuchel that he should be brought back into the international fold.
Chloe Kelly demands Man City exit due to 'negative behaviour towards her’
07:44
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Jamie Braidwood
England star Chloe Kelly has demanded to leave Manchester City before tonight’s transfer deadline as says she is no longer "prepared to tolerate negative behaviour towards her".
In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday night, Kelly said she wanted to “be happy again” and took aim at City for dictating “who I can and can’t join” with only four months left on her contract.
Kelly, 27, has started just one game for City in the Women’s Super League this season and wants to leave in order to get regular game time before this summer’s European Championships.
What has Unai Emery said about Jhon Duran?
07:31
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Jamie Braidwood
Unai Emery said he wanted Jhon Duran to stay but suggested it would be good business for Aston Villa to sell.
"Our players are interesting other clubs and as well [they are] paying good money for us," Emery said.
"But of course our objective here is to keep our structure intelligently because we want to be on the sports side on the level we are and to keep it for a long time is the most difficult challenge we have.
"Of course sometimes we have to do it, maybe sell some players and as well change and try to continue improving always.
"I don't know exactly until everything is done if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is leaving it is good news for us because it means they are paying good money.
"Because we have developed one young player in two years to get this offer. It is not only for the club, it is the club, the players and team, those circumstances can be positive. Club, the player and the team."
Jhon Duran subject to £64m Al Nassr bid
07:17
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Jamie Braidwood
Jhon Duran was an unused substitute and was seen waving goodbye to fans at the end of Aston Villa’s win over Celtic, as the 21-year-old nears a £64m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Sky Sports report that Duran could undergo a medical in London on Thursday. Villa turned down a £57m bid from West Ham earlier this month.
“With Jhon Duran, you know more or less everything we are speaking here,” Unai Emery said. “He is a fantastic young player, fantastic potential. I was so close with him, trying to work with him in his development.
"But the player has the objective, sometimes they are impassioned. If they are leaving it is because they are doing another way in their career."
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins stance revealed
07:11
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Jamie Braidwood
Aston Villa maintain that Ollie Watkins is not for sale.
The England international signed a new five-year contract in 2023 so Villa re under no pressure to sell him.
Unai Emery said Villa want to keep Watkins, who pointed to the badge when scoring against Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Arsenal 'expected' to make improve Watkins bid
07:09
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Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal are expected to make an improved offer for Ollie Watkins after an opening bid was rejected by Aston Villa, according to Sky Sports.
Arsenal are aware that Villa have two star No 9s in Watkins and Jhon Duran, who don’t play together.
“I cannot talk about any of that, my confidence is that we have an amazing club and people working always to try to improve and let’s see what happens,” Arteta said on Wednesday night when asked about a bid for Watkins.
Unai Emery on Arsenal's bid for Ollie Watkins
07:05
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Jamie Braidwood
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is determined to keep Ollie Watkins at the club this month amid offers from Arsenal
Just hours after news of the Gunners' bid for Watkins broke, he scored for Villa in their 4-2 Champions League win over Celtic which booked a last-16 spot.
Emery was defiant in his stance on Watkins' future, insisting he was "our striker" and that they would be "very demanding" with a price tag if they were to sell him.
Asked if he could say for certain Watkins would not be sold, the Spaniard said: "I don't want (him to leave).”
Good morning
06:59
,
Jamie Braidwood
Hello and welcome to today’s transfer live. After a stunning move from Ollie Watkins, Arsenal are weighing up for another move for the England striker, while Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran is subject to late interest too.
We’ll bring you all the latest.
