Arsenal target Ollie Watkins is “happy to stay” at Aston Villa after Jhon Duran was sold to Saudi club Al-Nassr in a £64m deal before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners were preparing a spectacular second bid the England international after an an opening offer was rejected, with Arsenal desperate to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline. But Duran’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr may end Arsenal’s hopes as Aston Villa are unlikely to sell both strikers this month.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel has sent Premier League clubs into a frenzy but telling Bayern Munich that he wants to leave. Tottenham have agreed a £50m deal, according to reports, but Manchester United believe they hold an advantage that could prove decisive in the race with Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.
That may depend on selling Alejandro Garnacho, however, with United setting Chelsea a new price for the 20-year-old Argentina winger. Marcus Rashford is also searching for a move away from Old Trafford, but only one club looks like a possible option this January.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below
January transfer window - live updates
- Ollie Watkins 'happy to stay' at Aston Villa amid Arsenal transfer bid
- Emery's stance revealed as Gunners expected to return with second offer
- Aston Villa's Jhon Duran completes Al-Nassr medical ahead of £64m move
- Manchester United want Sporting teenager Geovany Quenda
- Chelsea target Mathys Tel prefers Man Utd as Arsenal and Spurs monitor
- Chelsea join West Ham and Everton in race for Brighton's Evan Ferguson
- Man Utd may need to sell Alejandro Garnacho to buy Tel before deadline
- Kaoru Mitoma to stay at Brighton after huge offer from Al-Nassr
- Chelsea to battle Man Utd in race for Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel
- Chelsea sign Keira Walsh from Barcelona as four-and-a-half-year deal confirmed
Chelsea sign Keira Walsh from Barcelona as four-and-a-half-year deal confirmed
19:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Keira Walsh has signed for Chelsea on a four-and-a-half year deal after the Blues completed a major deadline day move for the England and Barcelona midfielder.
Walsh, 27, had entered the final six months of her contract at Barcelona and had signalled that she would not renew with the Spanish side, but has committed her future to Chelsea and signs a deal until 2029.
“It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started,” Walsh said. “You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me, it is a good fit.”
Wolves determined to keep Matheus Cunha at the club amid transfer interest
19:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
Wolves are not expected to sell star player Matheus Cunha during the January transfer window, despite reported interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
The 25-year-old has been a standout performer for Wolves in a miserable season, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more in 21 Premier League appearances.
That has seen him attract interest from a number of Premier League clubs during the current transfer window, with Nottingham Forest and Arsenal said to be considering bids.
Neymar terminates Al-Hilal contract amid links with return to former club
18:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
Neymar has parted ways with Al-Hilal by mutual consent, the Saudi Pro League champions have confirmed, after a disappointing spell at the club for Brazil's all-time top scorer.
The 32-year-old sustained a knee injury in Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023 and has struggled to get back to his best.
"Al-Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent, the Saudi club posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Aston Villa in for Joao Felix?
17:44
,
Jamie Braidwood
Apparently so, according to Villa’s transfer guru Monchi. He was on Spanish TV station Cope last night and has confirmed there is interest in the Chelsea player, as well as PSG’s Marco Asensio.
“They are similar players, who Unai Emery likes. Asensio was tried by Aston Villa before I arrived. Last summer we were close to Joao. Neither of them are easy because in terms of salary and cost they are not simple.
"If there is a coach in world football who recovers players, it is Unai Emery. He has been able to recover talents. Joao Felix has talent, and it is only a matter of finding the right environment to bring out the best version of himself. And Unai works very, very well on that."
ICYMI: Brighton to keep Kaoru Mitoma after Al-Nassr bid
16:58
,
Jamie Braidwood
Brighton have rejected Al-Nassr’s bid for winger Kaoru Mitoma and have told the Saudi Pro League side that he will not be sold before the deadline.
Al-Nassr only came in for the Japan international yesterday but Brighton have been firm in their response, according to several reports. He will be staying in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola on Man City's transfer plans
16:29
,
Richard Jolly
Pep Guardiola insisted his relationship with Mikel Arteta is “exceptional” as he shrugged off suggestions Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday is a grudge match.
The Catalan also said City may carry on spending, despite paying out £122m in the January transfer window to bring three players to the Etihad Stadium.
“Financially we were stable for the last seasons, still right now even with the investment we have done we have a big net profit for the last five seasons.
“So that is why we have done it and maybe in the future we will continue to do it because the club have moved financially really well over the last five years incredibly well in terms of sales but also players who make an incredible performance for the club and who have helped us to win what we want.”
Enzo Maresca could change Chelsea goalkeeper plans after Robert Sanchez errors
15:58
,
Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said goalkeeper Robert Sanchez cannot “make a mistake every game” and expect to keep his place as he hinted he could turn to understudy Filip Jorgensen for Monday’s game against West Ham.
The former Brighton keeper has made five mistakes leading directly to goals this season, most recently in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend when he was caught badly out of position allowing Erling Haaland to give City the lead.
Chelsea fans also cheered ironically whenever the 27-year-old caught the ball during the second half of their victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge after he had earlier gifted the visitors an equalising goal by dropping the ball at a corner.
Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, although any move is likelier in the summer.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's search for a striker
15:29
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the club’s bid for Ollie Watkins and their aim to bring in a striker before the end of the January transfer window.
"I’m not going to talk about any individuals," Arteta said. "We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.
"I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.
"We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.
We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background. It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time."
Manchester United close in on Arsenal youngster
15:09
,
Jamie Braidwood
Ayden Heaven looks set to switch London for Old Trafford.
Widespread reports indicate 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?
Why Man Utd hold Mathys Tel advantage in transfer race with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
14:49
,
Miguel Delaney
Manchester United are aiming to sell Alejandro Garnacho and bring in Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel on loan in what could end up a frantic final weekend of the transfer window.
While Garnacho's destination is still to be determined, amid interest from Chelsea and Napoli, Tel is understood to favour Old Trafford out of a range of potential options that includes Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The news that the 19-year-old wanted to the German club, which has now been confirmed by Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl, has sparked a frenzy among some of the wealthiest Premier League teams.
UPDATE: Ollie Watkins 'happy to stay' at Aston Villa
14:48
,
Jamie Braidwood
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins is “happy to stay” at the club after Arsenal saw an opening bid rejected this week.
“He is happy to stay,” Emery said. “We asked him how he is feeling every day and year he is being here with Villa and he is happy here.
"The commitment of Ollie Watkins with us is a huge commitment. He appreciates a lot how Villa was always supporting him and helping him, when we joined here two years ago how we were working with him and getting the best of him.
"Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa in the last years. I am speaking with him a lot, he is always adapting with every circumstances we have and of course when some teams calling us being interested in the players it’s very good for us and the players.
"Some players prefer to leave and some accept to stay here and commit with our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins."
Latest on Alejandro Garnacho
14:29
,
Miguel Delaney
Those close to Alejandro Garnacho maintain that the winger is preparing to leave Old Trafford this weekend, but there may yet be a battle for his signing.
Napoli have had interest but would need to significantly raise their valuation of £38m, closer to United's £70m.
Chelsea have long been interested, but sources close to the situation say there is still considerable negotiation.
It is understood that the possibility of one of Chelsea's younger players - such as Joshua Acheampong - going in the other direction has also been raised.
Ange Postecoglou on Mathys Tel 'deal'
14:09
,
Jamie Braidwood
L’Equipe also report that Tottenham have reached a £50m deal to sign France Under-21 star Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.
But Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was tight-lipped after the 3-0 victory over Elfsborg on Thursday.
"I can't tell you anything," he said. "I've been focusing on getting the team prepared tonight.
"Other people are working in the background. As I've said all along, I'm allowing them to get on with it and when, and if, there's any news I'm sure I'll find out."
Watkins open to Arsenal move as Emery reveals stance
13:49
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal are preparing a spectacular second bid for striker Ollie Watkins with Aston Villa set to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr.
The Gunners saw an opening bid for Watkins rejected on Monday, with Arsenal desperate to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline.
Duran has undergone a medical with Saudi club Al-Nassr ahead of a £64m transfer, which may end Arsenal’s hopes,
Watkins is an Arsenal fan and could be open to the move to the Emirates, but he is under contract until 2028.
Speaking after Villa’s Champions League match with Celtic on Wednesday, Unai Emery said: “I don’t want [to sell].
“It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.”
He added: “Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”
Alejandro Garnacho has ‘changed in everything’ as Ruben Amorim praises Manchester United winger
13:48
,
Jamie Braidwood
Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Alejandro Garnacho for the way he has kicked on and “changed in everything” since the disappointment of being left out of the Manchester derby.
It is seven weeks since the Argentina international and fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford were surprisingly omitted from the United squad that went on to to secure a late comeback win at City.
The latter’s continued exile is dominating the headlines, with Amorim saying on the eve of the Europa League match against FCSB that he “has to change” and meet his standards to have a future at Old Trafford.
Speculation rumbles on over Rashford ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, as does talk about Garnacho’s future – although the 20-year-old’s response to the City setback appears starkly different.
Manchester United want Geovany Quenda - reports
13:34
,
Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United are interested in Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic.
Quanda is just 17 but the Portugal youth international is a player Ruben Amorim knows well from his time at Sporting.
The report says that Quenda has been identified as a player who can fit into Amorim’s system - but he may not be available until the summer.
Quenda has received interest from other clubs and is valued at around £35m.
Arsenal's Watkins bid revealed
13:29
,
Jamie Braidwood
The Times have reported new information concerning Arsenal’s bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
The Gunners formally put in a bid worth £40m which was rejected and the north London side were told £60m could be enough to secure the 29-yeard-old forward.
Villa need to sell players to remain within the boundaries of Profit & Sustainability rules which is why Arsenal are suddenly interested in Watkins.
However, the midlands club have agreed a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr to sell them Jhon Duran for £64m.
It seems unlikely that Villa would let both of their key forwards leave in the same mid-season window so Arsenal may be out of luck.
Tottenham 'reach agreement' on Mathys Tel transfer
13:09
,
Jamie Braidwood
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £50m fee with Bayern Munich for forward Mathys Tel, who is wanted by several Premier League clubs.
Tel has told Bayern he wants to leave and, according to Sky Sports, the German giants have accepted a huge offer from Spurs.
It now rests on Tel to decide, with the player said to prefer a move to Manchester United.
Tottenham are keep to add attacking recruits and Ange Postecoglou’s side have yet to add an outfield player this window.
Man City vs Real Madrid 'like a derby'
13:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
Pep Guardiola reacts to facing Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti in the Champions League play-offs.
"It feels like a derby already. Four years in a row facing Real Madrid. But Bayern or Madrid - both was really tough. Hopefully we can arrive in first leg here, and then at Madrid, as best as possible."
Why Arsenal v Man City is the Premier League’s most bitter rivalry
12:41
,
Miguel Delaney
If the Arsenal and Manchester City squads are readying themselves for “war” on Sunday, the mood isn’t that different off the pitch. There are few polite niceties there. This is probably the club relationship with the deepest animosity in the Premier League, and even worse than some notorious rivalries from the past.
September’s 2-2 draw had more fallout than any other match this season so far, and that’s despite this campaign’s many refereeing controversies. One official at a rival club even marvelled at how the fallout had gone into “day six”. That 2-2 had opprobrium about referees and much more, including a farrago over footage of Arsenal executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis leaving his seat without shaking hands with City counterparts. There was some irritation about that in north London, especially since they feel City’s senior figures don’t always welcome them.
Sverre Nypan latest
12:18
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal are still leading the race for Rosenborg's Sverre Nypan, but the 18-year-old will not be on the move this month.
According the Athletic’s David Ornstein, no agreement has been made over a January transfer, despite interest from Arsenal and Girona.
A move looks likely, but not before the deadline. Ornstein says Nypan will remain at Rosenborg and consider his future.
Europa League draw
11:58
,
Jamie Braidwood
The draws continue with the Europa League play-offs, after Manchester United, Tottenham and Rangers reached the last-16 of the competition.
Marcus Rashford left with just one transfer option
11:38
,
Miguel Delaney
As reported earlier this week, 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.
Champions League draw
11:21
,
Jamie Braidwood
It’s a busy morning of football news with the Champions League play-off draw about to kick off at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon.
Manchester City and Celtic are set to face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich for a chance to reach the knockout stage.
Follow all the latest, here:
Manchester United close in on £30m Patrick Dorgu signing from Lecce
11:08
,
Simon Peach
Manchester United are still 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.
Chelsea hoping to complete Keira Walsh signing this morning
10:48
,
Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea are expected to complete the transfer of Keira Walsh from Barcelona. The Women’s Super League transfer deadline was last night, but, according to reports, Chelsea agreed a £460,000 fee to make Walsh their second blockbuster signing this month, following the world-record transfer of Naomi Girma.
Walsh, 27, had entered the final six months of her contract at Barcelona and had signalled that she would not renew with the Spanish side.
The England international, 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.
Chelsea join race for Evan Ferguson
10:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea have joined the race for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian.
The 20-year-old is up for sale this month and a host of clubs are chasing him, including West Ham and Everton.
Chelsea are looking to be opportunistic in the window, as interest ramps up in a player who was valued highly last year.
The Guardian report that Enzo Maresca wants a striker to challenge Nicolas Jackson while Chelsea co-sporting director Paul Winstanley knows Ferguson from his time at Brighton.
Brighton to keep Kaoru Mitoma after Al-Nassr bid
10:40
,
Jamie Braidwood
Brighton have rejected Al-Nassr’s bid for winger Kaoru Mitoma and have told the Saudi Pro League side that he will not be sold before the deadline.
Al-Nassr only came in for the Japan international yesterday but Brighton have been firm in their response, according to several reports. He will be staying in the Premier League.
Jordan Henderson on the move?
10:28
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jordan Henderson is reportedly on the verge of joining Monaco from Ajax.
The former Liverpool captain and England midfielder joined the Dutch club last January but is keen on the move, report De Telegraaf.
Ajax would prefer te 34-year-old to remain at the club. It would be Henderson’s third move since leaving Liverpool, having also joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023.
Arsenal block Tierney's return to Celtic
09:52
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal have blocked Kieran Tierney from returning to Celtic, according to the Telegraph, with the left-back set to complete the season at the Gunners before rejoining his boyhood club.
Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer but there were talks about bringing that forward, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori first choice at left-back.
But the Telegraph report that Mikel Arteta will not allow Tierney to leave his squad without a replacement, given Arsenal’s position in the title race and Champions League.
Aston Villa in for Joao Felix?
09:39
,
Jamie Braidwood
Apparently so, according to Villa’s transfer guru Monchi. He was on Spanish TV station Cope last night and has confirmed there is interest in the Chelsea player, as well as PSG’s Marco Asensio.
“They are similar players, who Unai Emery likes. Asensio was tried by Aston Villa before I arrived. Last summer we were close to Joao. Neither of them are easy because in terms of salary and cost they are not simple.
"If there is a coach in world football who recovers players, it is Unai Emery. He has been able to recover talents. Joao Felix has talent, and it is only a matter of finding the right environment to bring out the best version of himself. And Unai works very, very well on that."
Everton to rival West Ham for Evan Ferguson
09:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
Everton are desperate to sign a striker before the deadline and the club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, want to rival West Ham for the signing of Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
The Seagulls are open to allowing Ferguson to leave, and the i report, that Everton view the 20-year-old as a long-term signing who can help this season.
PSR remains a concern, with West Ham able to more than match Everton if Brighton demand £40m or more.
Aston Villa line up Jhon Duran replacements
09:11
Aston Villa are considering a bid for Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, according the Guardian.
Jhon Duran is set to leave for Al-Nassr after completing a medical ahead of a £64m move.
Cunha has been linked with a handful of clubs this month but Wolves are insistent that the Brazilian is not for sale.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's search for a striker
17:06
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the club’s bid for Ollie Watkins and their aim to bring in a striker before the end of the January transfer window.
"I’m not going to talk about any individuals," Arteta said. "We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.
"I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.
"We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.
We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background. It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time."
Chelsea to battle Manchester United in race for Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel
08:44
,
Miguel Delaney
Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, although any move is likelier in the summer.
There may also be competition at that point from Manchester United, who have a long-standing interest in the Swiss international.
Chelsea have started to consider their goalkeeping situation after some high-profile errors from current No. 1 Robert Sanchez.
Despite Enzo Maresca publicly backing the Spanish shot-stopper, the Blues have identified Kobel as a candidate who fits a lot of the criteria they prefer in a goalkeeper.
Dortmund are nevertheless resistant to even considering anything for the 27-year-old right now, especially in the midst of a run to the Champions League play-off round, with Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk securing 10th place in the table.
Ange Postecoglou on Mathys Tel 'deal'
17:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
L’Equipe report that Tottenham have reached a £50m deal to sign France Under-21 star Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.
But Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was tight-lipped after the 3-0 victory over Elfsborg on Thursday.
"I can't tell you anything," he said. "I've been focusing on getting the team prepared tonight.
"Other people are working in the background. As I've said all along, I'm allowing them to get on with it and when, and if, there's any news I'm sure I'll find out."
Brighton reject bid for Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma
08:29
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jhon Duran is heading to Al-Nassr, who have also submitted a monster bid for Brighton’s winger Kaoru Mitoma.
The Saudi Pro League club have put a €65m offer on the table with just four days of the window remaining.
It was rejected, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic, but others say Al-Nassr could come back with an improved bid.
Chloe Kelly seals deadline day move to Arsenal to end unhappy Man City stalemate
08:14
,
Jamie Braidwood
Chloe Kelly completed a loan move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day to bring an end to the England international’s unhappy season with Manchester City.
Kelly, 27, had made just one start for City in this season’s Women’s Super League and asked to leave with a statement posted on social media this week.
In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday night, The Lionesses said she wanted to “be happy again” and took aim at City for dictating “who I can and can’t join
