Transfer Window Weekly: Insights on Premier League Moves

The winter transfer window is currently active throughout Europe, and teams are beginning to finalize deals. Here’s what our sources are reporting regarding potential transfers.

Premier League Interest in ‘Next Toni Kroos’

Kennet Eichhorn, a talented 16-year-old from Hertha Berlin, is garnering attention from major Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. The young midfielder has already made impressive strides in the German 2. Bundesliga, appearing in 14 matches this season. Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has reportedly engaged in discussions with Eichhorn’s representatives about a future transfer, though no official proposal has yet been made.

Eichhorn, who is currently signed until 2029, has a release clause estimated at around €12 million, attracting interest not only from English clubs but also from top German teams such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.

Scouting Report

Eichhorn typically plays in a double pivot role and has seamlessly transitioned his composed playing style from the youth academy to senior levels. He appears unfazed during intense match situations and maintains a calm demeanor while possessing and distributing the ball. Analysts have drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos, highlighting Eichhorn’s sharp decision-making, excellent first touch, and ability to navigate pressure effectively.

On average, he completes nearly four progressive passes per 90 minutes, showcasing his eagerness to advance play while also possessing the versatility to manage possession under pressure. — Tor-Kristian Karlsen

Potential Departure for Joshua Zirkzee?

Joshua Zirkzee’s omission from Michael Carrick’s lineup during his debut match at Manchester United raises questions about his future with the club. Zirkzee was absent from the squad during the 2-0 victory over Manchester City due to a training injury. Despite speculation about growing interest from Italian clubs, United has stated that Zirkzee’s exclusion was unrelated to any transfer discussion. While the Dutch international is eager for a move, the club is aware of his potential value should injuries occur within their current roster. A summer exit seems more likely at this point. — Rob Dawson

Chelsea’s Pursuit of Jérémy Jacquet

Chelsea is negotiating with Rennes regarding a potential transfer for defender Jérémy Jacquet, focusing on fees and bonuses. Rennes is valuing the young center back at approximately €70 million-€75 million, which poses a challenge for Chelsea.

Liam Rosenior, the new manager, is keen on signing the 20-year-old, who he knows well from his previous stint at Strasbourg. Jacquet has expressed willingness to join a top club but is not prepared to force a departure if Rennes’ financial expectations are unmet. — Julien Laurens

Manchester City Moving Cautiously After Guéhi Signing

Following the acquisition of Marc Guéhi for £20 million and Antoine Semenyo for £64 million, Manchester City seems unlikely to make further signings this window. Although both purchases were considered advantageous opportunities, club officials believe any additional investments can be postponed until the summer transfer window, when priority targets will include a central midfielder and a right back.

In the meantime, Fulham is reportedly in discussions with City about a potential deal for winger Oscar Bobb. — Rob Dawson

Other Premier League Insights

Everton is actively searching for a striker but has faced challenges identifying suitable candidates for its roster. Previous interest in Ivan Toney was interrupted due to high costs, and their pursuit of Callum Wilson is also on hold as he seeks regular playing time that the club cannot guarantee him.

Additionally, Everton is tracking Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri, although the Moroccan forward is expected to sign with an Italian club. Manager David Moyes is also looking to reinforce the right back position with players like Brooke Norton-Cuffy from Genoa or Emil Holm from Bologna on the radar. — Mark Ogden

Juventus center back Gleison Bremer is attracting attention from the Premier League, although a transfer this month is improbable. However, his potential departure in the summer appears plausible given that his salary is manageable within the English league’s financial landscape. — Rob Dawson

Barcelona’s Transfer Developments with Dro Fernández

Barcelona is hoping to finalize the transfer of Dro Fernández to Paris Saint-Germain, potentially exceeding the €6 million release clause in his contract. There’s optimism for an agreement following improved relations between the clubs. Barça is seeking €10 million as a baseline for talks, which could enable PSG to benefit from not paying the total fee outright while potentially saving on taxes. — Sam Marsden

Future Departures from Barcelona

Beyond Fernández, several other players from Barcelona are evaluating their futures. While young talents such as Pedri and Gavi have stabilized the first team, others now seek opportunities elsewhere. U.S. youth international Adrian Simon Gill is expected to move to Atlanta United, while Mamadou Mbacke and Andrés Cuenca are also exploring options abroad. Dani Rodríguez has captured the attention of Dinamo Zagreb. — Sam Marsden

Questions Surrounding Josh Sargent’s Future

The ongoing situation around Josh Sargent remains tense. The striker for Norwich City has reportedly played his last game for the club, as he opted out of an FA Cup match due to a bid from MLS’s Toronto FC. After a family development, Sargent has expressed interest in returning to North America.

Following a meeting that left Sargent feeling upset, the club has opted to have him train with the under-21 team, contradicting earlier assertions that he would not be transferred this month. — Jeff Carlisle

Additional Transfer Rumors

• Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar, who retired last year due to health issues, remains entangled in contract termination negotiations with his Brazilian club, which are stalled over financial disagreements. — André Hernan

• Manchester United is pursuing loan opportunities for younger players before the transfer deadline, with Ethan Wheatley nearing a move to Bradford City and Toby Collyer likely heading to Hull City.

• Interest is brewing from Inter Milan for Santos’s Robinho Junior, with an offer of around €18 million on the table, though Santos is reluctant to let him depart at this juncture. — Felipe Silva and Nathalia Ferrão

• Both Corinthians and Grêmio are inquiring about Fenerbahce’s Talisca, but transfer stipulations may hinder an agreement.

• América is looking to strengthen its squad by targeting Palmeiras’ Raphael Veiga, and Monterrey is searching for a striker, eyeing Atlas’s Uros Durdevic as a primary candidate. — Héctor Tello