Transfer news LIVE updates: Sanchez to Man Utd, Chelsea want Dzeko, Liverpool latest

Transfer news LIVE updates: Follow the latest news and gossip

Friday 19 January 

Zorc heading to London

19:55: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s impending move to Arsenal is edging closer with Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc heading to London.

German website WA claim Arsenal are prepared to fork out €60m (£53m) for the striker.

They say club chief Zorc is due to arrive in London tomorrow to finalise an agreement with Arsenal’s hierarchy to push the deal over the line.

Conte should replace Wenger

19:31: Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher feels Antonio Conte would be the perfect replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal should the Frenchman leave at the end of the season.

“There is one club in particular, much closer to his current home, I feel should be monitoring developments more than others; a club desperately in need of Conte’s persona, who would send a rocket through every department of their institution and instantly change perceptions,” he told the Telegraph.

“That club is Arsenal.

“I can imagine no more suitable replacement for Arsene Wenger than Conte.

“It would be one of the most astute managerial appointments in Premier League history.”

Klopp eyes Bale

18:30: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly eyeing Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale to counter Manchester United’s deal for Alexis Sanchez.

Spanish publication Don Balon say that, in the wake of the Chilean’s imminent move to Old Trafford, Liverpool are eyeing a move for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

The Reds are fuelled with cash from Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona.

And with the club shining under Jurgen Klopp, a move to Anfield could appeal to the Welshman.

Mkhitaryan in tears

17:20: Henrikh Mkhitaryan reportedly cried after saying goodbye to his Manchester Unites team-mates today.

The player is expected to join Arsenal with Alexis Sanchez moving to Old Trafford as his replacement.

And the Daily Mail, citing a source, said: “It was very tearful.

“Henrikh has been a very popular figure here at United.

“We know he isn’t too happy at the way this deal has been forced upon him. 

“He realises he has more chance of playing at Arsenal, but he would have preferred to leave on his own terms.”

Balague on Aubameyang

17:10: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be an option for Chelsea and Liverpool if Borussia Dortmund weren’t demanding €60m for his signature, says La Liga expert Guillem Balague.

“Chelsea right now could be an option, but Dortmund are asking for 60m euros so it’s something that is taking any interest away. 

“Real Madrid were never in it, Liverpool feel he wouldn’t suit their group and their XI with what they have – something you can argue about – and Chelsea, I think they could do with somebody like him but the cost is too prohibitive.

“Arsenal are obviously financing it with the departure of one of their top players so it makes more sense for them.”

Man Utd’s big Sanchez hope

15:45: Manchester United hope Alexis Sanchez turns out like Roger Federer and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The MEN say the Red Devils are undeterred about the fact he turns 30 in December.

And they hope he stays at the top for as long as Federer and Ronaldo. 

Guardiola congratulates Sanchez

15:06: Pep Guardiola has congratulated Alexis Sanchez on his impending move to Manchester United.

“I’m not the guy with the mathematics, with the numbers. What I know right now is that he is still an Arsenal player,” the Manchester City boss said.

“I think he is going to United so congratulations to both of them. At the end, the players, when they have contenders, they decide where they want to play.

“Their managers [agents] decide where they want to play. They decide that. Good luck [to them].

“My opinion on Alexis remains the same. It was a pleasure to be with him at Barcelona. He was going to decide to move on to another club, so I wish him all the best.”

Sanchez in Arsenal training

14:20: Alexis Sanchez has been pictured training with his Arsenal team-mates as his move to Manchester United stall.

Sanchez trained with the reserves yesterday but appeared in combative mood as the players prepared for tomorrow’s clash with Crystal Palace.

The 29-year-old was also pictured talking to Mesut Ozil and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Conte on Dzeko and Crouch

13:40: Antonio Conte refused to give much away when asked about Chelsea’s links to Roma striker Edin Dzeko and Stoke’s Peter Crouch.

On the links with Dzeko he said: “As you know very well that it is not right to talk about players on other teams. 

“There is a transfer period and if something happens then you might be the one to know first.

And on Crouch he added: “My answer is the same. I am not interested in this conversation. To be respectful for my players and other players of other clubs. 

“This is period is a transfer market, if something happens you are the first media to know the news.”

Sanchez deal stalling

13.30: Alexis Sanchez arrived at Arsenal’s training ground this morning as his move to Manchester United dragged on.

Sanchez is set to join Manchester United on a four-and-a-half-year deal and has agreed to a package worth around £500,000 a week.

But United had hoped to have the deal complete in time for him to play against Burnley tomorrow.

The deadline for that was midday which has now passed and it has emerged some details from the deal are still to be thrashed out.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan pulled into Carrington this morning – using the front entrance, unusual for players as they usually come in through the back – as his future looks uncertain.

The Armenia star is expected to join Arsenal as part of the deal although murmurs of a hold up on his end have emerged today.

The BBC claim Mkhitaryan’s deal is in the balance and ‘could go either way’ after talks stalled.

And now Sanchez has turned up at London Colney where he trained away from the main group yesterday.

Nicholas doubts Mkhitaryan

13:00: Henrikh Mkhitaryan has struggled to make the grade at Manchester United because he can’t handle the pressure of playing for a huge club, says Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas.

Nicholas says he is similar to previous Arsenal players Alexander Hleb and Andrey Arshavin, who were both key figures in their national team but never reached their full potential in England.

“If you don’t handle the situation at Manchester United then there’s a question mark over you for me,” he told Sky Sports.

“I just think the club is so enormous that it swallowed him up.

“He reminds of Alexander Hleb, or even Andrey Arshavin. 

“They have talent and are superstars in their own country but they can’t really handle the pressure.”

Moyes denies Batshuyai interest

12:05: West Ham boss David Moyes insists he was not watching Chelsea’s clash with Norwich to run the rule over Michy Batshuayi.

The Belgian has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with West Ham one of several clubs showing interest.

“I went to watch Chelsea play Norwich in the FA Cup on Wednesday night and I knew that would increase the speculation about Andy Carroll and Chelsea with Michy Batshuayi coming to us,” he wrote in the Evening Standard.

“Categorically, I did not go to Stamford Bridge to watch Batshuayi or any other player in particular. 

“I like to get out and watch plenty of matches, I hadn’t seen Norwich this season and there were some players there who had been mentioned to me as having been doing well.”

Giroud next out

11.30: Olivier Giroud could be the next man out at Arsenal.

Giroud has been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund in part of the deal to see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang move to north London.

The bookies now make it just a 2/1 shot the French striker swaps North London for the German giants, with Aubameyang now shorter than ever to go the other way.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Lacazette’s arrival at the Emirates has left Giroud sitting on the Arsenal bench for the majority of this season, but any move for Aubameyang may result in the French target man enjoying a change of scenery himself.”

Mourinho considered demand to Woodward

10:16: Jose Mourinho had considered asking executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to go ahead with a deal for Alexis Sanchez even if Henrikh Mkhitaryan could not agree a move.

But the Manchester United boss is reluctant to antagonise Mino Raiola, who also represents Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

And that’s why the club have decided to give super agent Raiola every chance to secure Mkhitaryan’s move to Arsenal.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is convinced Sanchez’s move to Old Trafford is reaching a critical stage, saying yesterday: “It’s the deadline now – in the next 24 to 48 hours this will happen… or not.”

Ronaldo dream over

10.00: Manchester United’s signing of Alexis Sanchez spells the end for Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of an Old Trafford return.

Sanchez is closing in on a move to Manchester United in a deal which could be completed today.

United launched their move for Sanchez last week and expect to make him their new No7.

And that spells the end for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo had hoped to seal an emotional return to Manchester after growing frustrated at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo feels Madrid have betrayed him over a new contract and is concerned over their form this season.

And Marca report that a deal for Sanchez to join United would mean Ronaldo’s dream is over.

Walcott convinced by Rooney

09.20: Theo Walcott has revealed Wayne Rooney convinced him to join Everton.

Walcott signed for the Toffees from Arsenal this week as Sam Allardyce’s second big signing.

He follows Cenk Tosun as Allardyce looks to turn things around at Goodison Park.

And Walcott admits he spoke to Rooney about the move.

“He said all the golf courses are great! Just kidding, he’s not great at golf,” Walcott said.

“When you’re used to something for so long it’s a big decision to make. I got a sense from Wayne that the club was hungry. He felt like this was the right place and I totally agree with him.”

Merson on Mkhitaryan deal

08.55: Paul Merson has hailed Henrik Mkhitaryan and thinks Arsenal are getting a great deal.

The Armenia star is heading to Arsenal as part of the deal to see Alexis Sanchez join Manchester United.

And Merson thinks he’ll be a success at the Emirates.

Speaking on The Debate on Sky Sports Premier League, Merson said: “I am a big fan of Mkhitaryan. 

“I watched him at Dortmund, where he was voted player of the season and scored plenty of goals. 

“He has lost his way at Manchester United but if Arsenal get him, with the way they play and the way Arsene Wenger is going forward with attacking players, I think he will be a sensation.

“He is a great signing for Arsenal if they get him. Sanchez is top drawer, but to get that kind of quality in January is very rare. 

“Mkhitaryan is one of the best in the Premier League. Any offensive player going to Arsenal under Arsene Wenger is a good move.”

Sanchez deal

08.45: The deal to see Sanchez join Manchester United is expected to be wrapped up today with Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining Arsenal.

United though are in a race against time to complete the move by midday and have Sanchez registered to play Burnley.

Sanchez will take the No 7 at Old Trafford and adidas have already started selling shirts with his name on in London.

Ed Woodward made signing an iconic superstar to wear the No 7 one of his priorities when he first joined the club and is finally getting his man.

United have also looked at Antoine Griezmann and Paulo Dybala but have swooped in to get Sanchez ahead of rivals Manchester City.

Dzeko bid

08.30: Chelsea are trying to sign Edin Dzeko from Roma, according to Sky Italia.

Antonio Conte is desperate for more options up and top and sees the former Manchester City man as an option to back up Alvaro Morata.

He was looking at Andy Carroll but an injury has ruled that one out and now Dzeko is on his radar.

The Blues are said to be willing to pay £44m for Dzeko and left-back Emerson Palmieri.

Chelsea are evening willing to send Michy Batshuayi out to Roma on loan as part of the deal.

Coutinho replacement…

08.15: Liverpool will NOT sign AC Milan ace Suso to replace former talisman Philippe Coutinho.

That’s the verdict of ex-footballer and ESPN FC pundit Alejandro Moreno.

“No, no no [it won’t happen],” he said.

“He said he doesn’t want to go, so I don’t know where the rumours are coming from.

“I would tell you that he’s fine in Milan, I think he wants to stay there, he’s playing well there. 

“His last experience at Liverpool was not all that positive.”