Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid’s Güler in Arsenal plans for statement signing
Credit to Author: ESPN| Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2025 09:43:38 EST
Craig Burley and Ale Moreno worry for Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal winger was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches. (1:34)
Arsenal have compiled an eight-player shortlist amid plans to make a big signing in January, while Paris Saint-Germain could compete with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United for Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip from around the globe.
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– Liverpool rebuff Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold approach – sources
– Man United’s Ruben Amorim rules out January transfers amid form slump
– Barcelona not in position to register Dani Olmo, LaLiga says
– Arsenal have compiled an eight-player shortlist amid plans to make a statement signing, according to the Daily Mail. The Gunners are reportedly exploring the market for a No. 9 striker, and they are considering RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko, 21, and 25-year-old Wolves star Matheus Cunha as potential options. Manager Mikel Arteta is also keen to reinforce his squad after the injury sustained by Bukayo Saka, and it is believed that he could also look to land a wide forward, with Bayern Munich‘s Leroy Sané (28), Real Madrid‘s Arda Güler (19), and Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, 21, all on the club’s radar.
– Multiple clubs are tracking Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, says Rudy Galetti. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are all reported to be keen on the 17-year-old, and could make a move to sign him in January. Quenda claimed a record held by Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday, when becoming the youngest player to feature in the Lisbon derby during the 1-0 victory over Benfica.
– Two Serie A clubs are interested in Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to the Daily Mail. Napoli and Juventus are reported to be positioning themselves for an approach to land the 23-year-old if an opportunity arises in the January transfer window. Zirkzee, who was substituted in the 33rd minute of the 2-0 Premier League defeat by Newcastle United on Monday, is reported to be hopeful of staying and fighting for his place at Old Trafford.
– Liverpool are open to moving on winger Federico Chiesa in January, reports Calciomercato. Talks are reported to have taken place with Atalanta over a potential loan deal that would include an obligation to be made permanent in the summer, while the 27-year-old’s representatives have also discussed a switch to Napoli. Chiesa has made just one start for the Reds since arriving at Anfield in the summer.
– Newcastle United are looking to offload right-back Kieran Trippier in January, according to The Sun. The St. James’ Park hierarchy is believed to be keen to move the 34-year-old on to help remain aligned with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, and clubs in LaLiga, Serie A and Turkey are all said to have “registered interest” in his services. Trippier has made 11 Premier League appearances this season, starting just five.
ESPN’s Alex Kirkland takes a look at Arda Güler’s situation at Real Madrid, and how a move to Arsenal might fit.
Arda Güler’s Real Madrid career still hasn’t taken off. Nobody doubts the 19-year-old’s quality — and he’s a big fan favourite at the Bernabéu — but his minutes are limited under coach Carlo Ancelotti, and after his profile rocketed following a starring role at Euro 2024, it’s entirely predictable that he’s being linked with a move away.
Ancelotti has talked up his talent, calling him “the present and future of Real Madrid” and asking for patience, but the stats suggest that in the biggest games, like El Clásico, he isn’t willing to call on Güler. In fact, one of the criticisms of Ancelotti from fans and the Madrid media this season has been over his reluctance to use Güler and fellow teenager Endrick.
In terms of a switch to Arsenal, the Martin Ødegaard comparison is an attractive one, and the parallels are obvious: both are gifted, left-footed playmakers, young players who were snapped up by Madrid amid interest from big clubs all over Europe. Güler would also slot perfectly into the ‘Ødegaard role’ at Arsenal, on the right-hand side of a midfield three.
Ødegaard wasn’t willing to wait for his chance at Madrid, given the competition for places in midfield, and pushed to leave, first to Real Sociedad and then Arsenal. Güler hasn’t done the same yet. He and the club have both been insistent that a loan move isn’t on the cards. But if he continues to struggle to get into the team, and his development is under threat, that patience won’t last.
– Liverpool’s women’s team have a longstanding interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Sam Kerr and want to do a loan deal this January. (BBC)
– Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City are all keen on Barcelona forward Dani Olmo if he becomes available on a free transfer in January. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Man United manager Ruben Amorim wants a new goalkeeper to compete with Andre Onana. (MEN)
– Liverpool and Manchester United will battle for the signing of 21-year-old Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. (Caught Offside)
– Liverpool have “concrete” interest in signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White in the summer. (Football Insider)
– Bayern Munich are tracking Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer. (Bild)
– Manchester City are looking at Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, who used to play for Chelsea. (Football Insider)
– Liverpool could target Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak if they let Darwin Nunez leave. (TEAMtalk)
– Chelsea star Joao Felix will not leave the club in January, despite not playing much of a role this season. (GMS)
– Galatasaray have already approached PSG to discuss loan deal for out-of-favour defender Milan Skriniar. (Fabrizio Romano)
– AC Milan have registered their interest in signing Sporting CP forward Francisco Trincao. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Wolves could miss out on signing Lens defender Kevin Danso if they do not move quickly. (GMS)