As January deadline day approaches, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the clubs still looking to cut some big deals in the transfer market. The Gunners are pushing hard for Moises Caicedo, with talks continuing with Brighton after a first £60million bid was rejected before a very public plea from the player. Ibrahima Bamba has also been linked with Arsenal while they continue to lead Barcelona in the race for Martin Zubimendi.
Over at Chelsea, the name Enzo Fernandez still refuses to go away from their shortlist and they have now struck a deal for Lyon’s Malo Gusto, with a medical to follow ahead of a loan back to France. The Blues remain keen on Caicedo too, who is reportedly now considering submitting a formal transfer request.
Tottenham are focused on pulling off a £39m deal for Pedro Porro, who wants to playing one last match for Sporting this weekend, while Nicolo Zaniolo is also a target. Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news, rumours and signings via Standard Sport’s live blog below!
Live updates
Caicedo could miss Brighton training amid Arsenal talks
The Moises Caicedo to Arsenal saga is really moving along tonight.
After that very public transfer plea, Fabrizio Romano now reports that the Ecuador midfielder could choose to skip Brighton training later ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool on Sunday as part of his bid to force through a move.
However, Brighton’s stance that Caicedo is not for sale is apparently unchanged despite his explosive statement issued on social media earlier this evening.
Others suggest that he may already be in London, with Chelsea also still interested in a deal along with Arsenal.
Stay tuned for further updates across the weekend!
Arteta confirms Arsenal stance as Moises Caicedo pleads for transfer
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will try and strengthen their squad if a “reasonable” opportunity emerges between now and the end of the transfer window.
The Gunners saw a £60m offer for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo rejected on Friday, though the midfielder has since issued a public transfer request on social media.
Talks, however, will continue and an improved offer for the Ecuador international is a possibility. Still, Brighton are under little pressure to sell.
Read the full story here!
Albert Sambi Lokonga: Arsenal reject offer for midfielder
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has invoked the ire of supporters for his performance against Manchester City.
Still, the Belgian appears to be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, for now at least.
Foot Mercato claim Monaco have failed in an £8m bid for the midfielder.
Djed Spence set to leave Tottenham
Djed Spence is expected to leave Tottenham on loan during the final days of the January transfer window, according to the PA.
Spence has struggled for minutes since his summer switch from Middlesbrough and is yet to make his full debut for the club.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte has regularly picked Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty over the 22-year-old, who looks likely to miss out on the matchday squad again for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Preston.
A number of Premier League clubs are interested in securing the services of Spence on loan but Tottenham are reluctant to allow an option-to-buy clause to be included in any deal.
Cristian Stellini, Tottenham’s assistant manager, insisted on Friday a lack of consistency in training has resulted in the defender being restricted to only six appearances this season.
“Being consistent without playing so many times is not easy but being consistent in the training is really important for a type of player like Djed,” Stellini said.
“This is the area where he can improve a lot. He improved since he is here and he had great improvement but he has to follow like everyone, like Bryan Gil, like Pape Sarr.
“They improve but the season is going on. If you don’t have many chances to play, maybe you need to be consistent in the training.
Moises Caicedo publicly demands transfer as Arsenal talks continue
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo has issued a public transfer request.
The 21-year-old has been the subject of offers from both Arsenal and Chelsea, who have identified him as a leading target during this month’s transfer window.
Premier League leaders Arsenal have seen a £60m bid rejected by the Seagulls but will continue talks and an improved offer is possible.
Chelsea had failed with a £55m verbal offer prior to Arsenal’s move, with Brighton holding out for a fee upwards of £75m.
Read the full story here!
Thomas Partey: Arsenal injury worry?
Thomas Partey, one of the key players in Arsenal’s Premier League title push, came off injured against Manchester City.
While it’s unclear as to the extent of his injury, perhaps it could force Arsenal into the transfer market as talks with Brighton over Moises Caicedo continue.
Weston McKennie close to Leeds move
Leeds are building something of an American enclave at Elland Road it seems.
Already boasting a number of USMNT stars, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has reportedly told friends he will be moving to Yorkshire.
Real Madrid not in running to sign Declan Rice
England international Declan Rice is widely expected to leave West Ham this summer.
Standard Sport understands Arsenal are the frontrunners to sign Rice, so much so that other leading clubs are ready to pull out of the race.
According to talkSPORT, Real Madrid hold a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old but will not move due to Arsenal’s strong position.
James Maddison: Leicester get concrete offer for Newcastle target
While it seems Anthony Gordon will be joining Newcastle in the coming days, James Maddison is said to remain a major target.
Leicester have so far stood firm despite the England international’s dwindling contractual status, with his current deal set to expire next summer.
Still, there are now reports in the Daily Express suggesting the Foxes have been met with a “concrete offer” from an unamed club.
Enzo Fernandez: Liverpool ready to hijack Chelsea transfer
Enzo Fernandez is one of Chelsea’s leading targets this month but the club have so far failed to sign him.
Current club Benfica are holding firm and refusing to let the Argentine go for less than his £106m release clause.
Now, Liverpool could enter the race.
It is claimed the Reds have held talks with Benfica over signing Fernandez this summer.