Premier League transfer news: Aaron Ramsey, Matthijs de Ligt, Robert Lewandowski
Ramsey will stay at Arsenal until the end of the season and the race is on to sign Ajax teenager De Ligt
Premier League transfer news and rumours
Ramsey set to stay for the season
There had been speculation that Aaron Ramsey could leave Arsenal in the January transfer window, but the Welsh midfielder has confirmed today that he will stay at the Emirates until the end of the season.
Ramsey’s contract talks with Arsenal collapsed, meaning he will be available on a free transfer next summer when his current deal expires.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Quoted by Sky Sports, Ramsey said: “I am contracted to Arsenal and I am going to do my best now this season to try and achieve something special. Everything has been going great with the club.
“We thought we were in a position where we had agreed a deal but that’s no longer the case. So I just have to carry on playing my football and do my best for Arsenal this season, and I’ll leave the rest with the club now.”
Gazidis targets Ramsey
Meanwhile, AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis, formerly of Arsenal, wants to give his new employers the signing of Aaron Ramsey as a “welcome gift”. The 27-year-old has also been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus. (Daily Star)
Lewandowski now ‘fine’ at Bayern
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed that he had offers to leave the German champions during the summer but turned them down. The Poland international had been linked with Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Speaking to Polish media outlet Sportowe Fakty, he said: “I have received several [offers] from different clubs and I have spoken openly. I knew, regardless of the offer, that the club’s response would always be no. I did not like some things between me and Bayern, I had to clear it up first. Now I’m fine here and I cannot speak of disappointment because I’m in one of the biggest clubs in the world.” (Sky Sports)
Lucas Hernandez: Atletico Madrid to Manchester United
Man Utd are keen on Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez and have reportedly made a “mammoth bid” to sign the French international. United boss Jose Mourinho is aiming to strengthen his defence and will offer Hernandez a huge wage increase to join the Old Trafford club. It’s reported that Manchester City and Real Madrid have also bid for the 22-year-old. (Metro via Marca)
Clubs chase Ajax starlet De Ligt
According to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have made the first move to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch international, 19, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe and The Sun reports that he is also wanted by Manchester United and Manchester City. The Guardian adds that Bayern Munich and Tottenham are also interested.
Everton to move for Nasri?
The Daily Mail reports that Everton are preparing a “shock move” to bring Samir Nasri back to the Premier League when his doping ban ends. The former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder, 31, was banned for “receiving an intravenous treatment at an LA clinic” but will be free to train with clubs from next month. However, the Liverpool Echo reports that Everton have denied the claims and have “absolutely no interest” in signing Nasri.
Piotr Zielinski: Napoli to Liverpool/Juventus
Liverpool and Juventus are both “keeping tabs” on Napoli star Piotr Zielinski. The Polish midfielder is reportedly in a “contract dispute with Napoli” over the release clause in a new deal. (Daily Mirror)
Nathan Ake: Bournemouth to Tottenham
Spurs have made Bournemouth star Nathan Ake their “top defensive target as they prepare for Jan Vertonghen’s exit”. Dutch defender Ake, formerly of Chelsea, is valued at around £40m. (The Sun)
Hysaj’s Chelsea move ‘blocked’
Elseid Hysaj’s agent Mario Giuffredi has revealed that Napoli stopped the right-back from signing for Chelsea. The Albania international is a favourite of Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who managed him at Empoli and Napoli. (TeamTalk)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - December 21, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - losing it, pedal to the metal, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Three fun, festive activities to make the magic happen this Christmas Day
Inspire your children to help set the table, stage a pantomime and write thank-you letters this Christmas!
By The Week Junior Published
-
The best books of 2024 to give this Christmas
The Week Recommends From Percival Everett to Rachel Clarke these are the critics' favourite books from 2024
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s financial charges: what next for the Premier League champions?
feature The club is alleged to have breached financial rules around 100 times over a nine-year period
By Mike Starling Published