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The transfer market is buzzing with activity, and today’s updates from Simon Jones of Daily Mail Sport reveal intriguing moves, including Chelsea’s interest in Julian Alvarez, formerly of Manchester City, and Mathys Tel’s possible departure from Tottenham. For a recap of yesterday’s news, follow this link.
Nwaneri close to sealing move
Ethan Nwaneri is set to arrive in Marseille on Wednesday to finalize his loan transfer from Arsenal. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace has also shown interest in acquiring the England international recently, though Arsenal initially intended to retain all their players.
Clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal have their eyes on 17-year-old Belhinho, an attacking midfielder currently at NK Kustosija. Originally from Brazil, Belhinho played at Vasco da Gama before relocating to Croatia with his family.
Arsenal are in discussions with Marseille over loaning out teenage attacker Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal and Manchester United among European giants in for teenage talent
Additionally, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich are monitoring the young talent, who recently transitioned from Dinamo Zagreb to Kustosija. The Croatian club has gained recognition for its track record of developing young players and transferring them to major teams like Barcelona.
Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are following the teenager who recently moved to Kustosija from Dinamo Zagreb. Kustosija have forged a reputation in recent years of selling on young talent to the likes of Barcelona.
Canaries with one eye on the Champions League
Norwich staff will be interested spectators as Manchester City take on Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. Norwich have enquired about Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh.
The Dane ended last season as the joint top goalscorer in the Europa League, along with Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
Norwich are drawing up contingency plans as striker Josh Sargent is desperate to leave for Toronto.
Villa interested in Mateta
Aston Villa have made an enquiry for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta after Juventus had their offer rejected.
Villa are exploring a number of options including Tammy Abraham and Newcastle’s Will Osula.
Aston Villa have made an enquiry for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta after Juventus had their offer rejected
Godfrey lands in Denmark
Defender Ben Godfrey has arrived in Denmark for a medical at Steve Cooper’s Brondby ahead of joining the Danish club on loan until end of season from Atalanta. Godfrey had been on loan at Sheffield United
Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has landed in Denmark for a medical at Steve Cooper’s Brondby
Still speaks out for first time since Saints sacking
Former Southampton manager Will Still says he is ready for the next challenge in his coaching career following his premature departure from St Mary’s.
Still, who shot to prominence with his stand-out work with Reims and Lens in France, was sacked by Saints in November after just 13 games but is coming under consideration at other clubs.
The 33-year-old said: ‘The past 12 weeks have given me an opportunity to stop and take a moment to listen. Listen to those who have encouraged me to pause, reflect and appreciate everything I have experienced and achieved so far. For the first time in my coaching career, I’ve had a chance to take stock on a personal and professional level – to reset, learn and refresh.’
Taking to Instagram, he posted: ‘Now, as I look back over these past 12 years since taking my first steps into coaching, I feel incredibly grateful and have a real sense of pride. From starting out as a video analyst then assistant coach, to going on to realise the dream of stepping into a head coach role, it has been a journey so far full of milestone moments.
‘Being appointed the youngest head coach in a top-flight league, going on historic unbeaten runs, savouring unforgettable wins, discovering new countries and cultures… I am grateful to have shared these high points surrounded by those who have really got behind me – my family, my players, the various staff, board members and the unbelievable fanbases.
Will Still was a revelation in France but won only four of his first 16 games in charge of Southampton
‘But no journey is without its challenges. There have been difficult personal periods and to be let go by Southampton in November was one of them. Did it hurt? Of course. I am passionate about my work as a head coach, I love the job and building something with all the people I am lucky enough to work with.
‘Criticism can be harsh but it comes with the territory. I also know I didn’t get everything right and on reflection there are things I’d have done differently. But through all of this, I appreciate all the opportunities I have been afforded in this game so far and this time away has given me fresh energy, perspective and an even stronger sense of how much I know I have to give.
‘I feel excited for the future, the possibilities that lie ahead and I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported me, believed in me and helped shape my career so far. Onwards.’
Blues closing on deal to bolster strikeforce
Birmingham are closing on a £6million deal for Djurgardens striker August Priske.
The Denmark Under 21 international has travelled to England and the clubs are ironing out final details with the Swedish club looking for a further £2.5m in bonus payments.
Birmingham are also emerging as front runners ahead of Middlesbrough to sign Brighton winger Jeremy Sarmiento, who is currently on loan at Cremonese.
Hammers midfielder a target for Valencia
West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez is wanted on loan at Valencia.
The 31-year-old Argentine has been a target for Gremio in Brazil and following the sale of Andy Irving to Sparta Prague last weekend, he was expected to stay as part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
However, struggling Valencia are looking for an experienced midfielder to help them out of relegation trouble in La Liga.
La Liga strugglers Valencia are keen on West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez
Ajax keen on permanent move for Zinchenko
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is now wanted on a permanent transfer by Ajax.
The Ukraine international was due to undergo a medical today after the clubs discussed a loan and payment terms. But in the process of discussions about a fee, Ajax have now asked about a permanent transfer and the medical had been delayed.
As reported by Daily Mail Sport earlier this month, Ajax had asked about a loan deal for Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte which had been knocked back. Zinchenko can give them cover in midfield as well as at left-back. He made just ten appearances while on loan at Nottingham Forest this season and is out of contract in the summer.
Ajax have made their offer and Arsenal are considering the terms.
They are also in talks to send Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille on loan with the England international keen on the move.
Arsenal have been looking at other young left-backs in the market but retain belief in Nwaneri developing further under Roberto de Zerbi.
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is now wanted on a permanent transfer by Ajax
Fulham are frontrunners for wantaway City star Bobb
Fulham are emerging as the leading contenders to sign Manchester City attacking midfielder Oscar Bobb.
As Daily Mail Sport reported in December, Borussia Dortmund, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Fulham and clubs from Portugal and others in the Bundesliga all hold an interest.
Oscar Bobb has struggled for regular minutes this season and Fulham have now emerged as contenders for his signature
Dortmund had made the early running with Norway international Bobb keen on a switch abroad but that deal has looked less likely in recent days.
City are looking for a fee worth around £30-35m for the 22-year-old who has been recovering from injury and talks will continue this week.
Blues join race for Wednesday ace
Chelsea have stepped into the race for highly-rated Sheffield Wednesday left back Yisa Alao.
Manchester United and Liverpool had both made offers for the 17-year-old who has already broken into the first team and has been offered his first professional contract.
United had offered around £400,000 with substantial add-ons and were considered favourites but Chelsea are willing to offer more to crisis club Wednesday who are struggling to stay in the Championship following their points deduction.
He started his first senior game at home to Brentford in the FA Cup earlier this month, followed by a first Championship start against Portsmouth last weekend.
Alao was outstanding in Wednesday’s defeat to Portsmouth but was taken off after an hour as manager Henrik Pedersen tries to manage his progress and minutes on the pitch.
17-year-old Sheffield Wednesday full back Yisa Alao is wanted by Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United
Chelsea are understood to be willing to offer around £600,000 plus substantial bonuses on performances for Alao but also under serious consideration will be the youngster’s career pathway.
Wednesday entered administration in October 2025 due to severe financial issues under owner Dejphon Chansiri, leading to unpaid wages, EFL charges, and an 18-point deduction.
Begbies Traynor were appointed administrators, and a consortium led by James Bord has been selected as the preferred bidder for a takeover, with the process awaiting final approval.
Cherries strengthen midfield ranks
Bournemouth have confirmed the signing of Alex Toth from Ferencvaros on a five-and-a-half-year deal for £10.4million plus £2.6m and a sell-on.
The 20-year-old midfielder said: ‘The whole club, the whole structure is great. When I was speaking to the directors, it was quite obvious for me because they were such good guys.’
Chelsea recall Fofana and plan to sell forward
Chelsea have recalled striker David Datro Fofana from his loan spell at Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk with a view to selling him.
Chelsea signed the 23-year-old from Molde for £10m and are keen to get their money back on the forward who has scored eight goals in 15 games for Karagumruk. Celtic are among those to have enquired.
The Stamford Bridge side and Paris St Germain are among the clubs maintaining a watching brief on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez for the summer.
Tel’s exit route from Spurs after European snub
Paris FC remain interested in a loan deal for Tottenham forward Mathys Tel who is keen to leave after being left out of Thomas Frank’s Champions League squad.
Ligue 1 side Paris FC are interested in a loan deal for Tottenham’s young forward Mathys Tel
Chelsea and PSG are among clubs keeping tabs on Julian Alvarez for a potential summer move
Mainoo’s U-turn
Kobbie Mainoo is preparing to stay at Manchester United this month after being restored to the first team by Michael Carrick.
The 20-year-old was pushing to leave for Napoli on loan after being restricted to substitute appearances under Ruben Amorim.
However, Carrick gave Mainoo his first start of the season in the Manchester derby on Saturday and has encouraged the England midfielder that he is in his plans going forward, if he maintains form. Mainoo had agreed a new contract last year which was still to be signed off under Amorim.
Cottagers back in for Atta and Pepi
Fulham have revived their bid to sign Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta.
Marco Silva’s side had a £17.4m offer rejected earlier in the window with Udinese reluctant to sell. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has attracted scouts from top sides including Manchester City with his performances.
Fulham are also maintaining dialogue with PSV Eindhoven for striker Ricardo Pepi.
Fulham have revived efforts to sign Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta after having a bid rejected
Traore in, Paqueta out?
West Ham are expected to return to talks for Fulham winger Adama Traore over the coming days. Fulham are asking for around £5m.
The Hammers are progressing over a loan for Venezuela international winger Keiber Lamadrid from Deportivo La Guaira. The 22-year-old travelled to Paris on Sunday ahead of a medical and work permit application but is due to join for around £1m with an option to buy.
Meanwhile, West Ham also anticipate Flamengo will resume talks over the proposed sale of Lucas Paqueta.
The east London side have said they may sell if Paqueta is loaned back. The transfer window in Brazil does not close until March. Flamengo’s first game of the new season is at Sao Paulo on January 29.
New ‘keeper and midifelder at the Vitality
Bournemouth are close to signing Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas on loan with an obligation to buy while midfielder Alex Toth has passed a medical ahead of joining from Ferencvaros.
Bournemouth are close to signing Lazio ‘keeper Christos Mandas on loan with obligation to buy
Osman leaves Seagulls on loan
Brighton striker Ibrahim Osman is joining Birmingham City on loan.
Bove trades Rome for Hertfordshire
Watford are closing on former Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove who arrived for his medical yesterday.
New striker at Loftus Road
QPR have signed Justin Obikwu from Coventry.
To catch up on all the moves and stories so far this week, go to:
MONDAY: Palace hold out for £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta
SUNDAY: Man United midfielder heads out on loan
SATURDAY: Chelsea step up pursuit of Ligue 1 star
FRIDAY: Man City agree five-year deal with Marc Guehi
THURSDAY: Conor Gallagher’s replacement lined up at Atletico
WEDNESDAY: The latest on Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool future
