Premier League transfer news and rumours
From Barca to the Bridge?
Chelsea are planning a summer transfer swoop for Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri wants to sign a midfield replacement for Cesc Fabregas who left for Monaco this month. The Daily Express says Rakitic is high on Sarri’s shortlist.
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The Barca star was a target for Paris Saint-Germain last summer and Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with the 30-year-old.
Paredes moves to PSG
One midfielder who won’t be joining Chelsea is Leandro Paredes. The Argentine has signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Zenit Saint Petersburg in a deal worth around £35m. (Sky Sports)
Mane plays down Real speculation
Sadio Mane has revealed that signing a new contract at Liverpool was his “only concern” despite rumours of a move to Real Madrid. The Senegal international was linked with Real last summer but in November he penned a five-year deal at Anfield. The forward said: “Speculation is part of football. You just learn to live with it and not to take it too seriously. All I can say is that my only concern is Liverpool.” (Liverpool Echo)
Mata future uncertain
The Daily Mirror reports that Manchester United have offered Juan Mata a 12-month contract extension “to try to stop him walking on a free transfer”. The Spanish midfielder’s current deal expires this summer and the BBC says the uncertainty has alerted clubs in England and Europe. Arsenal and Barcelona have been linked with the 30-year-old.
Gueye asks to leave
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye has asked to leave the Merseyside club. The Senegal international is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, who had a £21.5m bid rejected by the Toffees. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea reject Hudson-Odoi request
Callum Hudson-Odoi has handed in a transfer request at Chelsea, which has been rejected by the Stamford Bridge club. The teenager is wanted by German giants Bayern Munich. (Sky Sports)
Tottenham also want Tielemans
Tottenham have joined the race to sign Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans. The 21-year-old looked set to sign a loan deal with Leicester City but Spurs are “weighing up a dramatic bid” to try and hijack the move. (The Daily Telegraph)
Soler in Spurs’s sights
Tottenham are also keen on Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler and are planning a £30m move in the summer. (ESPN)
Stoke sign Batth
Wolves defender Danny Batth has signed for Championship club Stoke City. It’s understood Stoke paid an initial £3m for the 28-year-old. (BBC Sport)
Howe dismisses Ake talk
Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake has been linked with a return to Chelsea but Cherries boss Eddie Howe says the transfer talk is just speculation. (Sky Sports)
Matondo set for Schalke
Wales star Rabbi Matondo looks likely to become the latest British youngster to leave for the German Bundesliga. Manchester City have agreed an £11.29m deal with Schalke for the 18-year-old. (The Daily Telegraph)
Who could move before the deadline?
The January transfer window “slams shut” on Thursday and clubs are busy trying to complete deals before the 11pm deadline.
Both Sky Sports and the Daily Mail have predicted some of the moves that could happen this week. Potential deals include:
- Maxi Gomez: Celta Vigo to West Ham
- Ivan Perisic: Inter Milan to Arsenal
- Callum Hudson-Odoi: Chelsea to Bayern Munich
- Youri Tielemans: Monaco to Leicester City
- Denis Suarez: Barcelona to Arsenal
- Idrissa Gueye: Everton to PSG
- Javier Hernandez: West Ham to Valencia
- Willian: Chelsea to Barcelona
- Miguel Almiron: Atlanta United to Newcastle
- Che Adams: Birmingham City to Burnley
This week’s Premier League fixtures and TV guide
Tuesday 29 January (7.45pm unless stated)
- Arsenal vs. Cardiff City
- Fulham vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Huddersfield Town vs. Everton
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. West Ham United
- Manchester United vs. Burnley (8pm)
- Newcastle United vs. Manchester City (8pm, live on BT Sport 1)
Wednesday 30 January (7.45pm unless stated)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Chelsea
- Southampton vs. Crystal Palace
- Liverpool vs. Leicester City (8pm, live on BT Sport 1)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Watford (8pm)
Saturday 2 February (3pm unless stated)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Watford
- Burnley vs. Southampton
- Chelsea vs. Huddersfield Town
- Crystal Palace vs. Fulham
- Everton vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Cardiff City vs. AFC Bournemouth (5.30pm, live on BT Sport 1)
Sunday 3 February
- Leicester City vs. Manchester United (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Monday 4 February
- West Ham United vs. Liverpool (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
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