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 has sent Premier League clubs into a frenzy but telling Bayern Munich that he wants to leave, but Manchester United believe they hold an advantage that could prove decisive in the race with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is seen as an alternative should Arsenal not manage to secure either Watkins or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, while the Gunners lead the race for Norwegian starlet Sverre Nypan.
Manchester United are also 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.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below
January transfer window - live updates
- Aston Villa reject Arsenal bid for striker Ollie Watkins
- Emery's stance revealed as Gunners expected to return with second offer before deadline
- Aston Villa's Jhon Duran set for Al-Nassr medical ahead of £64m move
- Man Utd close in on £30m Patrick Dorgu signing from Lecce
- Chelsea target Mathys Tel prefers Arsenal as Man Utd and Spurs monitor
- Brighton reject offer for Mitoma
The damning final truth of Antony’s Manchester United nightmare
18:10
,
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim was discussing a forward he doesn’t pick. He would, he said on Sunday, be willing to put his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench ahead of him if he didn’t give the maximum in training.
It wasn’t Antony he was talking about: Marcus Rashford was the man damned by comparison with Jorge Vital. (Although a spot on the bench has already opened up.)
The temptation is to suggest the veteran Vital would be of similar use to Antony as a substitute.
Casemiro open to Roma move
17:51
,
Mike Jones
Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy says that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is open to a move to Roma.
United are willing to let him leave on loan though they prefer a permanent deal during this window.
At this stage Roma have only asked for information about Casemiro and may not make their interest forma unless Leandro Paredes leaves for Boca Juniors.
Arteta rules out early Sterling return
17:34
,
Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal have no plans to terminate one of their domestic loans.
Raheem Sterling and Neto both joined the Gunners last summer.
As per the rules, Arsenal won't be able to sign a player on loan from another Premier League club amid links to the likes of Matheus Cunha and Evan Ferguson.
"We are not thinking about that," Arteta told reporters when asked if Arsenal were thinking about cutting one of the loan deals short.
Napoli and Man Utd still apart in Garnacho negotiations
17:17
,
Mike Jones
Napoli are determined to secure a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Alejandro Garnacho at the top of the list.
Manchester United want around €65m for the winger and will not settle for less as they must sell players in order to bring in ones more suited to Ruben Amorim’s style of play.
According to Italian publication, Tutto Mercato, Napoli have offered around €55m plus bonuses for Garnacho but the clubs remain apart in negotiations over a fee.
Brighton reject offer for Mitoma
17:09
,
Mike Jones
Brighton have rejected a bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr for winger Kaoru Mitoma.
Sky Sports News says that the offer was £54m.
Brighton say that the Japan international is not for sale. Mitoma signed for the Seagulls for £3m and a sale of this kind would see them net a huge profit.
Emery on the transfer window
17:00
,
Mike Jones
Aston Villa have signed Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia for over £30m in this window but after allowing Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene to leave for the same figure, they have funds available for more incomings.
Unai Emery said: "We are trying to be intelligent and make the better decisions transfer window.
"It’s not easy to change some players in this window. We did with Jaden [Philogene] and [Donyell] Malen and with Kosta [Nedeljkovic] - he is close to leaving - and a centre-back we didn’t do because we are now involved in it.
"If we can then add some players to improve the squad we have to do it, but how we are performing, we’re in the right way."
Burn on Isak transfer rumours
16:44
,
Mike Jones
Dan Burn has had his say on Alexander Isak possibly leaving Newcastle and claimed the striker is ‘priceless’.
Burn said: "It's for the owners to say but he's priceless to us. I hope he does well but not too well.
"The way he moves...you come up against special players but there's nobody out there that dribbles the way he dribbles.
"Even Allan Saint-Maximin was something different and he was probably the best dribbler I've ever played with. Even the quality, it's not just dribbling for the sake of it.
"He's on fire at the moment, probably one of the best strikers in the world at the moment.
"It's hard because it's hard to defend just the way he moves. He moves his feet quickly but his top half doesn't really move."
'Best for everyone' if Marcus Rashford leaves Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand
16:26
,
Mike Jones
Rio Ferdinand believes it would be “best for everybody” if Marcus Rashford leaves Manchester United.
The England international has not played for his hometown club since 12 December and appears to be out in the cold under Ruben Amorim.
He watched United’s injury-time Europa League win over Rangers from the stands on Thursday night (23 January) as his exile continued.
Ferdinand told TNT Sport: “I think that is an indication of what the club wants to happen. I think they want to get him out
“I think he needs to go a new club, a new situation, a new environment.”
Marcus Rashford should be banished from Man Utd dressing room, says Paul Scholes
16:02
,
Mike Jones
Marcus Rashford should be “banished” from the Manchester United dressing room, Paul Scholes has said in a frank assessment of the forward’s future at the club, adding: “The sooner he’s gone, the better.”
Rashford has not featured in any of United’s last 11 matches in all competitions, with boss Ruben Amorim leaving the 27-year-old out of the matchday squad on all but one occasion.
Van Dijk on 'world class' Gravenberch
15:41
,
Mike Jones
Virgil van Dijk praised the form of teammate Ryan Gravenberch after the latter made himself a key figure under Arne Slot after starting all 22 league games this season.
“Last year he didn’t play as much but we all saw his quality and it was key to keep his head down and work his socks off," Van Dijk said.
“This year he has got the trust and the confidence. He can show his quality week in, week out and every few days. I am very impressed with him. Not only on the pitch but outside the pitch as well.
“He is still a young boy but he is growing into a man. The way you approach the game on and off the pitch is very key to be a world-class player.
“The consistency he is showing, he is a world-class player and he can only get better as well. He learns from difficult moments in games. He has been almost flawless this season. I am proud of him. He is vital for us.”
Adeyemi in talks with Napoli?
15:25
,
Mike Jones
News broke over the last couple of days that Napoli have entered talks with Karim Adeyemi as the club keep tabs on alternatives to Alejandro Garnacho.
Patrick Berger of Sky DE reports that Napoli are willing to pay an overall package of €52.5m, while other reports state that the club are still in talks with Man Utd over Garnacho.
Celtic hope to seal deal to re-sign Kieran Tierney
15:08
,
Mike Jones
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says a move for Arsenal's Kieran Tierney will "definitely happen" in the summer but he is trying to bring him in before next week's transfer window shuts.
Tierney has been in talks over a pre-contract agreement ahead of an emotional return to Celtic Park on a free transfer at the end of the season.
But, with loanee Alex Valle back at parent club Barcelona, Rodgers would like the left-back to return north of the border before next week's transfer deadline.
"He's still, at this moment, an Arsenal player," the former Liverpool and Leicester boss said ahead of Celtic's final Champions League league phase game at Aston Villa.
"I think we're agreed that it will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.
"I think that, like I said, we prepared that for the summer. I don't want to speak too much on it with the greatest respect, because he's not a Celtic player here now with us.
"But if we were able to do it, of course, we would like to do that, but that's out of our control at this moment in time."
Rodgers confirmed Valle would not play for the Hoops again after his loan ended.
Why Man Utd hold Mathys Tel advantage in transfer race with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
14:56
,
Mike Jones
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.
Manchester United close in on Arsenal youngster
14:49
,
Mike Jones
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?
Emery reveals Watkins stance
14:41
,
Mike Jones
Speaking ahead of 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.”
Arsenal's Watkins bid revealed
14:38
,
Mike Jones
The Times are reporting 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 unlikey that Villa would let both of their key forwards leave in the same mid-season window so Arsenal may be out of luck.
Tottenham 'open talks' with Bayern over Mathys tel
14:30
,
Jamie Braidwood
Tottenham have opened talks with Bayern Munich over signing Mathys Tel, report Sky Sports in Germany.
Aston Villa have also joined the race for the 19-year-old, adding to competition from Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea.
Ange Postecoglou was asked about new signings yesterday and said “opportunities were being explored”.
"Traditionally, the last few days of any window tend to be pretty frenetic. I expect us to be involved in that,” he said.
Malacia could be sent out on loan
14:22
,
Mike Jones
Tyrell Malacia could go out on loan during this window if Manchester United can get a move for Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu over the line.
There are a number of clubs interested in Malacia but no move can happen until United have a replacement in situ.
Sky Sports News says Lecce's preference is to keep Dorgu.
United did launch a bid of £25.4m + £4.2m (€30m + €5m) for the defender, but Lecce want a something closer to £38m (€45m).
Jordan Henderson set for Monaco move
14:00
,
Jack Rathborn
Jordan Henderson is poised to join Monaco and end his spell at Ajax.
The former Liverpool midfielder left Anfield for Saudi Arabia and Al-Ettifaq before cutting short his move to join the Dutch giants in January last year.
But now Fabrizio Romano reports the former England midfielder will start a new challenge in France.
Unai Emery reacts to Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran transfer speculation
13:28
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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
,
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.
