As the dust settles on arguably the greatest World Cup final of all time and Lionel Messi cementing his legacy among the true sporting greats with Argentina, attentions begin to turn back toward club football and the looming January transfer window. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the clubs competing to get some major early business over the line to boost their hopes for the second half of a busy season, while Messi himself is out of contract in the summer.
Arsenal have opened talks over Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is now pushing for a dream move to the Emirates. The Gunners are also reportedly chasing the likes of Cody Gakpo and former Spurs target Nicolo Zaniolo, with Facundo Torres also prominent on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist.
Chelsea are poised to launch a £45million move for Josko Gvardiol and may also pursue Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in a big January double move, having already lined up deals for both Christopher Nkunku and Datro David Fofana. Spurs could battle Liverpool for Weston McKennie or Sofyan Amrabat, with both clubs interest in the two midfielders. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip LIVE below!
Live updates
Thuram available on the cheap
Manchester United have reportedly received encouragement in their bid to sign Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram.
The 25-year-old came on for France in the World Cup and got an assist, flicking a header on for Kylian Mbappe who they volleyed into the bottom corner.
Thuram’s contract expires at the end of the season, and according to Sport Bild he will be available for just £10m in January. Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among those keeping tabs on the situation.
Winterburn tells Arsenal to avoid Ronaldo
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has urged the Gunners to stay away from Cristiano Ronaldo, as the 37-year-old looks for a new club after leaving Manchester United.
Winterburn told Free Super Tips: “It’s a no from me and there’s only one simple reason – it would be a short-term gap to fill.
“A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it. I wouldn’t be able to argue with that, but I think the way Arsenal start games, they press high, they’re full of energy.
“And Ronaldo is an unbelievable player – but I don’t think he has the legs to be able to do that any more.”
Napoli: Kvaratskhelia going nowhere
Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has made it clear the Serie A leaders have no intention of selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs linked with the 21-year-old, who has eight goals and as many assists so far this season.
Kvaratskhelia only arrived in Italy in the summer, so it’s no surprise that Napoli are reluctant to lose him already.
“No, there’s no chance we will let him go”, Giuntoli told Sport Express.
“It doesn’t depend on the fee or on the proposal. He will just stay with us.”
Premier League fight for McKennie
Tottenham and Liverpool could be set to battle it out for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
Liverpool’s desire to add to their midfield options is no secret, and the Daily Mail claim that they are considering a January loan move for McKennie before then moving for Jude Bellingham or Enzo Fernandez in the summer.
However, Spurs have long-standing interest in McKennie and are keeping tabs on the situation, with both Fabio Parataci and Antonio Conte big fans.
Juventus reluctant to sell Vlahovic
This time a year ago, Dusan Vlahovic was being linked with Arsenal every 30 seconds.
He moved to Juventus instead but 12 months on, here we are again. Both the Gunners and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for the 22-year-old.
Bayern Munich and PSG are also believed to be keen, but Calciomercato claim that Juventus do not want to listen to any offers until the end of the season.
It’s suggested it will take a bid of at least €80m to convince the Serie A side to reconsider.
Melo to remain at Liverpool
Arthur Melo’s agent has insisted the midfielder will remain at Liverpool for the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old has played only 13 minutes since his summer arrival from Juventus, and a serious injury is set to keep him out potentially until Feburary.
Despite that significant setback, Federico Pastorello has dismissed talk of the loan deal being terminated.
“He will stay 100% at Liverpool in January,” Pastorello told Tuttomercatoweb . “It’s an aspect that has never been under discussion, I don’t know who questioned the rumours about his possible return to Turin, but that’s not the case. Absolutely.
As for next season, the current one ends and then we’ll see. If Liverpool wanted to renew the loan or make an offer, in my opinion they would find fertile ground.”
Benzema done with international football?
In the world of international football, Karim Benzema has seemingly announced his retirement from French duty.
The Ballon d’Or winner was named in France’s World Cup squad but picked up a thigh injury in the days leading up to the tournament, resulting in him flying home from Qatar.
In the days leading up to the final, L’Equipe claimed that Benzema had cut off communication with the French staff, due to his frustration with Deschamps and the medical team. The Real Madrid star reportedly wanted to stay with the national team in Qatar and see how the injury progressed, but was instead told to return home.
A day after France’s final defeat, and on his 35th birthday, Benzema put out a somewhat cryptic message online.
“I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it,” Benzema posted on social media.
“I have written my story and ours is ending.”
Arsenal interested in Danilo
Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Brazilian midfielder Danilo dos Santos.
The 21-year-old plays for Palmeiras and has attracted attention from across Europe, with the Gunners one of those clubs interested.
Fichajes report that Arsenal are keen and considering a move for him in January.
Rabiot set for Juventus stay
Adrien Rabiot could end up staying at Juventus until the summer as a result of Paul Pogba’s injury.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report that Max Allegri is reluctant to let the Frenchman leave in January, despite his contract running out of the end of the season.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the midfielder in the past, and with the 27-year-old almost out of contract a move appeared likely.
However, it’s claimed that Pogba’s uncertain injury situation means Juventus are reluctant to leave themselves short in midfield, and may opt to keep Rabiot.
Wan-Bissaka on the move?
West Ham are reportedly considering a January move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Manchester United right-back has played four, yes four, minutes so far this season under Erik ten Hag, with it appearing almost certain that he will soon be on the move.
The Manchester Evening News claim that West Ham were interested in Wan-Bissaka in the summer and could attempt to make a loan move for him when the window opens in January.
