January transfer window news: Arteta on Vlahovic, Spurs make Lingard decision

January 12, 2022 admin

The transfer window is in full flow, with Newcastle continuing to dominate the headlines after last night agreeing a deal to sign Burnley striker Chris Wood.

Elsewhere, there’s plenty of business to be done – both in and out – at the opposite end of the Premier League table.

Arsenal is on the lookout for a new striker, while Man United is fielding enquiries about Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.

MORE: Man United , Arsenal , Newcastle transfer roundups

Stick with Sporting News throughout the day for the latest transfer news, with the biggest stories for January 12 below.

Arteta responds to Vlahovic links

Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn into the rampant Dusan Vlahovic speculation at his Wednesday morning press conference, telling reporters: “I’m really sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not going to be discussing any rumors.”

However, the Arsenal manager went on to speak about the club’s pulling power in the market: “Historically, this club has always been targeting the best players in the world, and the best players in the world were always interested to come here.

“I can say that situation hasn’t changed. So any time I have spoken to any player, they were so willing to come. I haven’t faced any other situation. That’s one of our biggest powers.

“Our capacity to get the attention of people to come and join our club is a big advantage for us.”

Gunners fans will be hoping Fiorentina striker Vlahovic is one of those players, having scored 16 goals in 19 league games this season.

Mourinho to raid Arsenal again?

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is still wanted by Jose Mourinho, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Mourinho tried to bring Xhaka to Roma last summer, when the Swiss star’s relationship with Arsenal (and particularly the fans) seemed to be over.

The 29-year-old has since recovered and hit some good form alongside Thomas Partey, while Roma has addressed its midfield needs by bringing in another midfielder from Arsenal, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

However, Mourinho is set for more talks with his old friends in North London this coming summer.

Dortmund sets up Haaland talks

Borussia Dortmund and Erling Haaland are set for talks next week, according to German newspaper Bild.

The star striker has been the subject of constant transfer rumors over the past two windows, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both seemingly keen on his signature.

Father Alf-Inge and agent Mino Raiola are now scheduled to meet Dortmund chiefs, who want to resolve what is fast becoming a crisis situation for the Bundesliga giant, given the 21-year-old has a summer release clause of just $85 million.

Mourinho calls Ndombele

Jose Mourinho didn’t seem to be Tanguy Ndombele’s biggest fan when the pair were together in North London, but that isn’t an obstacle in Roma’s transfer strategy.

Ndombele has personally received a phone call from Mourinho, according to French outlet Telefoot, in a bid to convince the midfielder to join him in the Italian capital.

Roma is eyeing the 25-year-old on an initial loan deal, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Rashford uncertain ahead of contract talks

Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are preparing for contract negotiations ahead of the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Rashford is currently earning $270,000-per-week and has 18 months left to run on his deal.

The England international is said to be worried about his form and future prospects at Old Trafford, so the discussions won’t be smooth sailing.

AC Milan makes Bailly approach

Eric Bailly is the subject of an approach from AC Milan, according to Sky Italia.

The Serie A giant is keen on signing a new center back in the January window, with both Manchester United’s Bailly and PSG’s Abdou Diallo on the radar.

Bailly has played in just four Premier League games this season, with a grand total of 217 minutes.

Conte wants three signings

Spurs have set their sights on making a trio of moves in the January window, according to The Times.

In a frank meeting with chairman Daniel Levy, new manager Antonio Conte demanded a wing-back, a midfielder and a forward.

Arsenal defender Mari set for exit

Udinese is closing in on a deal for Pablo Mari, according to Sky Italia.

The Serie A club lost another Brazilian defender to Watford this month, in Samir. Mari has been identified as a temporary replacement, with a loan move until the end of the season.

Mari has not been seen in the Premier League since matchday two of the campaign, when he simply couldn’t cope with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

Spurs to wait for Lingard

Jesse Lingard is a target for Spurs, but not in the current window, according to the Evening Standard.

The Manchester United winger is a long-standing target of the North London club, rather than specifically manager Antonio Conte, with an approach made last summer.

Rather than go back in for the England international this month, Spurs will wait until he becomes a free agent come June.

Lingard shone during his loan spell with West Ham last season, racking up 14 goal contributions (five assists and nine strikes of his own) in just 16 games, as the Irons sealed a Europa League spot.

Source link