Transfer news LIVE updates: Arsenal DONE DEAL; Man Utd, Liverpool, Barcelona, Chelsea

Transfer news LIVE updates: Follow all the latest gossip and transfer news

Friday January 5

Arsenal chase Real Madrid ace Lucas Vazquez

09.00: Arsene Wenger is reportedly upping his attempts to sign Lucas Vazquez.

The Real Madrid forward has only made five La Liga starts this season and is growing frustrated with the lack of first team opportunities.

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon he has stepped up his chase for the Spaniard.

Wenger is reportedly “willing to do anything” to take the 26-year-old to north London.

Don Balon add that the Arsenal boss admires Vazquez’s speed and agility.

It is also suggested that Vazquez would be open to a move to the Premier League.

Simeone to replace Conte

08:16: Chelsea want Diego Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone to replace Antonio Conte at the end of the season, according to The Times.

The Blues don’t want to sack the Italian but with Conte complaining about the transfer policy the club believe both parties will come to a mutual agreement for him to leave in the summer.

And Simeone is the number one choice to take the reigns at Stamford Bridge should Conte leave.

Inter Milan not in for Mkhitaryan

07.30: Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti has ruled out a January move for Manchester United forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Mkhitaryan has been linked with a January move away from Manchester United after falling out of favour with Jose Mourinho.

Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund have both been linked with moves for the Armenia international this month.

But it seems the German club are in pole position to re-sign Mkhitaryan after Inter boss Luciano Spalletti claimed his side could not afford him.

“To keep saying we need to have a big transfer campaign, after the club has made it clear there are certain parameters to be respected, seems to me the best way to get hurt,” Spalletti said ahead of Friday’s trip to Fiorentina.

“You can say names — Mkhitaryan, [Javier] Pastore, [Simone] Verdi. But they’d cost €30million [£26m] and we don’t have that!”

Conte or Mourinho to PSG?

06:00: Paris Saint-Germain have named Antonio Conte as their No 1 choice to replace Unai Emery, alongside Andre Villas-Boas and Jose Mourinho, according to reports. 

Emery is under increasing pressure to deliver in the Champions League at PSG this season after the club shelled out a world-record fee to sign Neymar in the summer as well as recruiting Kylian Mbappe.

But they face a tough challenge in the round-of-16 when they take on defending champions Real Madrid next month.

And the club are already planning for Emery’s replacement should he not deliver in Europe’s elite competition.

That’s according to ESPN, who claim Mourinho is not high up on their list of targets.

Instead they are considering moves for both Conte and former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Villas-Boas.

Philippe Coutinho Barcelona saga

05:00: Philippe Coutinho’s impending move from Liverpool to Barcelona makes no sense.

That is the damning verdict of journalist and ESPN pundit Gabriele Marcotti.

Barcelona tried to sign Coutinho over the summer, but had three bids knocked back as Liverpool dug their heels in to keep hold of the Brazilian playmaker who had submitted a transfer request.

Marcotti is left a little puzzled by the potential deal.

“This move doesn’t make sense,” Marcotti told ESPN.

“You will have to pay a premium. It doesn’t make sense for Barca who won’t be able to use him in the Champions League.”

Antonio Conte moan

04:00: Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been vocal at his expressing his transfer frustrations just days into the January window.

Conte was very vocal in airing his views over transfers last summer.

Six new players were brought in – Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Alvaro Morata, Davide Zappacosta and Danny Drinkwater – but Conte missed out on a handful of targets, including Romelu Lukaku who joined Manchester United from Everton.

And Conte doesn’t think his transfer demands have been met at the club he’s worked at.

He said: “I do not aim high with my requests, especially as in my history I’ve rarely been given the players I asked for.

“I always ended up at clubs who were running an austerity programme.”

Emre Can final decision

03:00: Emre Can has finally decided on a move to Juventus in a huge blow to Liverpool and could complete a transfer this month, according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp has remained optimistic the midfielder will opt to remain at Anfield and the player himself has admitted he could still decide to stay.

However it looks as though Liverpool have run out of time to make their move with Can reportedly agreeing terms to join Juventus.

That’s according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who claims the player’s agent and Juventus held positive discussions yesterday.

And it is suggested the deal could be announced this month, although it isn’t stated whether that will be on a pre-contract or an immediate transfer.

Chelsea’s Antonio Conte decision

02:00: Chelsea are lining up Diego Simeone as a replacement in the event Antonio Conte should leave at the end of the season, reports claim.

Conte has had a more turbulent campaign compared to his debut one, and the Blues find themselves 16 points adrift of table toppers Manchester City in third spot and their title defence in tatters.

Reports have emerged suggested former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is in the frame to take over.

Enrique is currently on a year-long sabbatical, and perhaps could be persuaded to dip his toes in the Premier League should the opportunity present itself.

However, The Times claim Atletico Madrid boss Simeone is the one Blues most crave.

The report indicates there is no intent to sack Conte, but there is a widespread acknowledgement that both parties could mutually agree on his exit.

Liverpool prepare Thomas Lemar alternative

01:00: Liverpool’s hopes of signing Thomas Lemar aren’t completely over according to reports, but they are prepared to turn their attention elsewhere should Monaco prove unwilling to sell.

Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has insisted Monaco are not prepared to sell the France international this month, despite the player almost leaving on transfer deadline day in the summer.

But their stance could change if Coutinho gets his wish and joins Barcelona this month.

That’s according to the Irish Independent, who claim any money from Coutinho’s transfer would immediately be reinvested with a bid for Lemar.

However, Liverpool are said to be unwilling to go as high as the £90m Arsenal offered in the summer and if Monaco refuse to drop their value they will turn their attention to Riyad Mahrez.

Thursday 4 January

David Luiz contacts Real Madrid and Barcelona

20:43: David Luiz’s representatives have contacted Barcelona and Real Madrid over a January transfer.

Luiz is free to leave Chelsea and the Brazilian is desperate to get playing time ahead of the World Cup this summer.

Mundo Deportivo claim Luiz’s agent Giuliano Bertolucci has twice contacted Barcelona over a deal – but the Nou Camp club have rejected the proposal.

Therefore, Bertolucci has been in touch with Real bosses in the hope of securing Luiz a switch to the Bernabeu.

Man Utd should sign Ozil and Sanchez

19:40: Manchester United would be vastly improved signing Arsenal stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

That is according to former Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Craig Burley, who now works as a pundit for ESPN.

A fan tweeted in to ESPN FC asking whether the duo would be good signings for United.

The Red Devils fan asked: “Should Manchester United try and get Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for free at the end of the season?

“It’s so clear they need a winger and an attacking midfielder.”

Burley was a fan of the idea and says it would be some coup if United boss Jose Mourinho could complete those two deals.

“I wouldn’t be against that,” he said.

“Yeah, if he could pull that off, absolutely, 100 per cent. 

“Would that improve them? Yes.”

Mavropanos done deal

18:00: Arsenal have completed the signing of young Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Mavropanos, 20, arrives from Greek Super League outfit PAS Giannina for undisclosed fee believed to be £1.9million.

The Gunners announced the signing on the official website, they wrote: “We’d like to welcome Konstantinos to the club and wish him well for the future.”

Courtois wants Real Madrid deal – Balague

17:30: Thibaut Courtois is angling for a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid and has begun to heap pressure on the Spanish club, according to Guillem Balague.

The Belgium international has been toying with the idea of a new deal at Stamford Bridge this week but Balague has claimed it is merely clever gamesmanship from the 25-year-old in an attempt to speed up a move to the Bernabeu.

“This is a goalkeeper putting pressure on Real Madrid so they close a deal for next season,” he wrote on Twitter.

“But those of you clever enough had already worked that out. He is trying to go to Madrid and Madrid want him.”

Barkley leaving – Allardyce

17:00: Chelsea and Tottenham have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Everton star Ross Barkley.

That’s because Toffees boss Sam Allardyce has revealed that he is expecting bids for the talented midfielder in January.

Barkley, 23, nearly joined Chelsea on deadline day but decided against the £35million deal.

“I would expect there would be sometime in this window if there is going to be any interest from some of the big boys,” said Allardyce.

Please explain, Arsene…

16:45: Arsene Wenger has been asked to explain his comments made about referees this week.

Wenger had already hit out at official Mike Dean after decisions made in Arsenal’s draw with West Brom.

And the boss is in more hot water following his comments made before and after the 2-2 result to Chelsea last night.

An FA Statement read: “The FA has requested observations from Arsene Wenger for media comments he made on Tuesday [02/01/18] and after last night’s Arsenal versus Chelsea match [03/01/18]. He has until 6pm on Tuesday 9 January to respond.”

Ideguchi is NOT the new N’Golo Kante

16:30: Leeds signing Yosuke Ideguchi is NOT the new N’Golo Kante – despite the comparisons – says Japanese football expert Sean Carroll.

“He’s a no-nonsense hard worker who will always put a shift in the middle of the park,” Carroll told Leeds Live.

“More of a steady presence than star turn, he wins the ball, looks after it, then tries to make things happen with simple, no frills play.

“And one colleague – rather exaggeratedly in my opinion – described him as having reminded her of N’Golo Kante.”

Lemar bombshell…

16:15: Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim says the club have no intention of letting Thomas Lemar leave.

The Reds are keen on signing the France international in the summer to replace Barcelona-bound Philippe Coutinho.

But Lemar’s manager Jardim has shot down any hopes of a transfer in the January window.

He said: “We never have the intention of making big player sales in January. The players understand it and know how it’s going.”

Reds break promise – report

16:00: Liverpool reportedly told Philippe Coutinho he could join Barcelona if a fair offer came in back in September, according to reports.

Liverpool star Coutinho is wanted by Barcelona despite the Catalan giants being unsuccessful in their bid to sign him back in the summer. 

Yet Catalan newspaper Sport say Liverpool told Coutinho in September he was free to join Barcelona this month.

It is said they told the 25-year-old he would be granted his Nou Camp wish should a suitable offer come in.

However, Sport say Liverpool could break that promise despite Barcelona’s willingness to bid big.

Barcelona are supposedly willing to pay over £100million to sign the former Inter Milan star, but Liverpool are holding out for even more money.

Chiellini to Blues unlikely

15.20: Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will only leave the club if he is promised a coaching role when he retires, reckons Shaka Hislop.

But Hislop seriously doubts if the Italian defender would want to leave his home country at his age. 

“As good as Chiellini has been and you understand with Antonio Conte and the inevitable link there, I just feel that Chiellini is not the age of player they need at Stamford Bridge,” he told ESPN FC.

“So it doesn’t make sense for me for Chiellini to leave Italy at this stage of his career, unless there’s a coaching role at the end of it. 

“I haven’t seen any speculation to suggest as much. I’m going to put that down as a miss for now.”

Jorginho will help Pogba – Hislop

14.45: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will get the best out of Paul Pogba if he signs Napoli midfielder Jorginho, according to pundit Shaka Hislop.

Hislop can see Jorginho fitting in alongside Nemanja Matic in the United midfield, which would allow Pogba to play further forward.

“I think it will (be a good fit),” he told ESPN FC.

“I say this because you see Manchester United, you see how good Paul Pogba was in a more advanced role. 

“Maybe Jorginho is the man if Jose Mourinho is intent in playing with two midfielders in front of his back four. 

“If that allows Paul Pogba to play further up, that’s great for Pogba, great for Manchester United and certainly a hit for Jorginho as well.”

Zidane worried with Hazard

14.20: Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane will be concerned at Eden Hazard’s form at Chelsea this season ahead of a potential swoop for the 26-year-old, says pundit Shaka Hislop.

Hazard has been consistently linked with a move to Real Madrid and Hislop says it would be a good fit, but reckons Zidane will be worried as Hazard is yet to show his best this term.

“Real Madrid need freshening up, there’s no question about that,” he said on ESPN FC.

“At the same time though, Hazard hasn’t been so great for Chelsea of late. 

“That could be a concern for Zinedine Zidane as they try and rebuild their side and have them challenge Barcelona.”

Shaw changes thinking

14.10: Manchester United have changed their transfer plans for January.

Jose Mourinho had identified left back as an area to strengthen and had doubts over Luke Shaw’s future.

But the Manchester Evening News now claim that Mourinho has had a change of heart and has been impressed with Shaw over the last month.

The former Southampton defender has struggled with injury during his time at Old Trafford but has started to impress again.

Shaw, 22, has made four Premier League appearances since the middle of December with Antonio Valencia injured and Ashley Young suspended.

He also played in the League Cup defeat to Bristol meaning he has completed 90 minutes four times in two weeks.

And he’s beginning to show his form of old and is beginning to change Mourinho’s opinion of him.

United were linked with moves for Danny Rose, Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Sandro and Kieran Tierney.

But they will now look at other areas as a greater priority than left-back

Emre Can in advanced talks with Juventus 

12.20: Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is in advanced talks to join Juventus.

However, the German will have to wait until the end of the season to link up with the Italian champions.

The 23-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he is he now eligible to sign a pre-agreement with a foreign club.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to keep him at Anfield but they have yet to sit down and open negotiations.

According to Sky Italia, Juventus have now entered “advanced talks” and could soon announce the signing.

Neymar sends Coutinho messages

11.20: Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has been in constant contact with fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.

Neymar’s preferred option would be for Coutinho to join him in the French capital.

But he respects that the midfielder’s heart is set on a move to the La Liga leaders.

According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Neymar would like to see Coutinho join the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona.

And he has apparently sent messages of support encouraging him to join Ernesto Valverde’s side.

The report also adds that a deal could be concluded “within hours.”

Coutinho presentation date

10.55: Philippe Coutinho already has a presentation date set for the Nou Camp, according to sensational reports in Spain.

Coutinho’s move to Barcelona appears to be pushing ahead with the La Liga leaders confident of doing the deal this month.

And Don Balon claim talks will accelerate from tomorrow and could be concluded by Monday.

He is then expected to arrive in Barcelona on Monday and could even make his debut on Thursday in the cup against Celta Vigo.

Don Balon claim Barca have a date for presentation and will put on a show for their most expensive player in history.

Coutinho will become the second most expensive player in world football – behind only Neymar – and is determined to make the move this month.

Ronaldo has three options to leave Real

10.40: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has three offers to leave the La Liga champions.

And Los Blancos are apparently weighing up a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar as his long-term successor.

According to Spanish TV station El Chiringuito, Ronaldo has three options to jump ship.

And Don Balon claim the offers on the table come from Chelsea, PSG and LA Galaxy.

Perez is also keen on securing the signature of ex-Barcelona winger Neymar.

The Brazilian only moved to the French capital in the summer for a world record fee of £198million.

But he has continued his glittering form and Real want to take him to the Bernabeu to save their season.

Everton close to deal

10.15: Everton are closing in on the signing of Cenk Tosun after agreeing a fee with Besiktas.

The Toffees have agreed to pay £27m for the striker after Sam Allardyce identified him as his top target.

The striker has been in the UK for the last few days waiting for permission to hold talks with Everton.

And now the deal looks set to be complete with Sky Sports reporting that a fee has been agreed.

Neymar buys house in Madrid

09.30: Real Madrid have seen their chances of signing Neymar rise after the Paris Saint-Germain star reportedly agreed a deal for a property in the Spanish capital.

Real chief Florentino Perez is intent on getting Neymar on-board as a replacement for veteran talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

And the latest news from Spain suggests Perez might just see his wish of luring the 25-year-old to the Bernabeu granted.

El Chiringuito TV journalist Borja Mazarro reported last night that Neymar has started househunting in Madrid.

And he shortly followed that claim by stating: “The father of Neymar has agreed a house in Madrid for June if the move to Madrid is made.”

Barcelona confident over Countinho

09.00: Barcelona are confident they can do a deal for Philippe Coutinho this month.

Barcelona tried to sign the Liverpool ace in the summer but saw three bids rejected despite the player handing in a transfer request and missing the start of the season.

But now the La Liga giants are almost certain they will get their man.

Spanish publication Marca report that the feeling has changed due to Liverpool’s willingness to negotiate this month.

Jose Mourinho close to Man Utd contract extension

08.30: Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly in “extensive talks” over extending his contract at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese boss has 18 months remaining on his current deal but negotiations have now begun to extend his stay beyond 2019.

Jose Mourinho apparently earns £12million-a-year and has a one-year extension trigger in his current deal.

According to the Telegraph, detailed discussions have taken place and an announcement could soon be made.

But the length or amount of the extension remains unknown.

David Luiz makes contact

08.00: David Luiz has contacted Florentino Perez to try and seal a move to Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

The Chelsea defender is out in the cold following a bust up with Antonio Conte.

And he knows his days are numbered in west London.

Express Sport reported that Real Madrid were among those interested in the Brazil defender.

And Don Balon now claim Luiz has made contact to try and seal a transfer.

Wilshere provides contract update

07.30: Jack Wilshere has discussed his future plans following the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Chelsea last night.

Wilshere’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and it is yet to be seen if he will see out the rest of the campaign with Arsenal.

Boss Arsene Wenger is keen to extend his stay in north London but Wilshere wants assurances of regular football and says there has been “no progress” over a potential contract extension.

“There is no progress there (on the contract extension),” Wilshere said.

“Regarding Russia, I want to be going to Russia, but now is not the time to start thinking about that.

“I have got to take each game as it comes. Keep playing in this team and then we’ll see when March comes and the international games.”