Transfer Window Weekly Update: Key Developments

The winter transfer window is currently open throughout Europe, and clubs are actively pursuing their strategies. Here are the latest insights and updates about potential transfers as we head deeper into January.

Could Real Madrid’s Arda Güler Move to Arsenal?

After a substantial investment exceeding £250 million last summer to strengthen their squad, Arsenal is considering their future transfer strategies with a focus on long-term growth. They have shown interest in Rodrigo Mendoza, a 20-year-old midfielder from Elche, and are keeping tabs on Güler as well.

The Turkish midfielder started the season as a significant player in Xabi Alonso’s lineup. Real Madrid opted against pursuing Martín Zubimendi, believing in Güler’s potential progression in the central role. However, his game time and performance have dwindled recently, and with Álvaro Arbeloa now at the helm, his future role remains uncertain despite featuring in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey match against Albacete.

Arsenal doesn’t plan to engage in any major signings during this window unless an enticing opportunity arises in the final days, making any serious interest in Güler more plausible for the summer.

Updates on Manchester City’s Interest in Marc Guéhi

Manchester City is actively seeking a center-back, especially with injuries sidelining John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Rúben Dias. Guéhi has emerged as a significant target, and City believes they can negotiate a favorable fee with Crystal Palace. The club is aware that they might lose the England international for free once his contract lapses this summer.

Initially, it seemed that Guéhi might wait until the end of the season when he could choose from numerous offers. However, reports indicate negotiation progress, with Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, confirming that discussions about Guéhi are advancing towards completion.

PSG Targets Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández

Paris Saint-Germain is on the lookout for a midfielder this summer, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández is high on their list. Both manager Luis Enrique and director Luis Campos admire the Argentine player, viewing him as capable of fulfilling multiple roles in the midfield.

Negotiating this potential transfer won’t be easy. Chelsea is likely to demand a substantial fee, especially considering Fernández arrived for a Premier League record of €121 million in 2023, with a contract that extends until 2031. Although there were rumors about his dissatisfaction at Chelsea last summer, the club is reluctant to part ways with a player who has often worn the captain’s armband in the absence of Reece James.

With Chelsea not obliged to sell, any move would depend on Fernández pushing for it. Notably, his relationship with former manager Enzo Maresca, who was recently dismissed, is also a factor in this potential transaction.

Chelsea’s New Manager and the Future of the “Bomb Squad”

Under new management from Liam Rosenior, Chelsea is beginning to assess the “bomb squad” players, including Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. Although discussions are underway, both players seem likely to leave the club.

Sterling reportedly prefers a permanent transfer over a loan deal after West Ham expressed interest in securing his services until the season concludes. Fulham has also shown interest, while clubs like Napoli and Roma eye Disasi.

Chelsea is currently at the limit of six foreign loan players as allowed by UEFA, which means any moves must either comply with these regulations or result in permanent transfers for these players.

Barcelona’s Quiet Transfer Window

Barcelona remains relatively inactive in this transfer window, with João Cancelo’s loan from Al Hilal being the only major signing thus far. However, potential departures may arise, particularly surrounding goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who has lost his starting position to Joan García. The La Liga leaders are also receiving inquiries about young talents struggling for playing time.

Midfielder Marc Bernal, now returned from injury, is attracting interest, particularly from La Liga rival Girona. While Barça previously indicated Bernal wouldn’t be leaving, they are now contemplating the benefits of giving him more playing time elsewhere. Additionally, Roony Bardghji is receiving interest from various European clubs, but Barça currently intends to keep him this month.

Harvey Elliott’s Uncertain Future at Aston Villa

Harvey Elliott finds himself in a precarious situation at Aston Villa, as his parent club Liverpool is unable to terminate his season-long loan early. The 22-year-old has played just 96 minutes in the Premier League this season, with his last appearance occurring in October against Fulham.

Due to a contractual stipulation where Villa must complete a permanent transfer of Elliott for £35 million after ten league games, and with manager Unai Emery indicating no plans to proceed with this signing, Elliott may have to remain at Villa without further game opportunities. FIFA regulations also restrict him from being loaned to another club since he has already played for two teams this season.

Liverpool is aware of this scenario but requires Aston Villa to cancel the loan, which might incur a financial cost, and there are no signs that such an action will occur this window.

Liverpool’s Defensive Concerns Following Bradley’s Injury

Liverpool’s defensive lineup is facing challenges after the injury to Conor Bradley, which leaves them in a tight spot. With Giovanni Leoni also unavailable for the remainder of the season, Liverpool might need to strengthen their defense before the window closes, especially if they aim for a top-four finish.

At this moment, they appear hesitant to enter the transfer market, though they can utilize midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones as temporary right-back solutions if necessary. Liverpool maintains interest in Guéhi from Crystal Palace, and they will have to assess their plans should Manchester City advance their pursuit of him.

Other Potential Transfer Developments

• Villarreal is negotiating with Orlando City concerning the transfer of defender Alex Freeman, but an agreement remains distant. Orlando’s proposed deal significantly enhances Freeman’s compensation from last year.

• Cruz Medina, a U.S. youth international, is close to joining Chivas in Liga MX. The midfielder previously trialed with Bayern Munich and has Spanish-Mexican dual nationality.

• Bournemouth seeks to sign Brazilian striker Rayan from Vasco da Gama after Antoine Semenyo’s exit to Manchester City. The Brazilian club demands €50 million, while Bournemouth’s offer stands at €35 million.

• Espanyol is exploring an acquisition of Ángel Alarcón from Porto to strengthen their squad. If successful, this would also financially benefit Barcelona, who hold a share of Alarcón’s future transfer fees.

• Óscar Mingueza appears to be attracting interest, particularly from Juventus, aiming for a free transfer in the summer. Nevertheless, a January move for a minor fee is still a possibility as negotiations remain active.

• Sidiki Cherif from Angers and Crystal Palace is nearing a full agreement for a permanent transfer, and his potential is highly regarded in Ligue 1.

• Finally, Hirving Lozano faces an uncertain future, failing to secure a deal with San Diego FC. Various teams in both Mexico and Europe, including Atlanta United and Real Oviedo, are considering signings, but negotiations have not yet materialized.

As the transfer window progresses, clubs continue to strategize for acquisitions and departures that could significantly alter their rosters. Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold.