The 2022 January transfer window is open (find out when it closes here), and there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Chelsea step up chase for Tchouameni
Chelsea are leading Manchester United in the race to sign Monaco wonderkid Aurelien Tchouameni, according to The Sun.
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The 21-year-old is being linked with a €50 million move to west London and is seen by many not only as the long-term replacement for compatriot N’Golo Kante, but also as the potential future fulcrum of the whole Blues midfield.
Tchouameni is also wanted by Barcelona and Man United, though there are reports that the Red Devils have cooled their interest as they look to pursue other targets.
The France international can play in front of the defence, like Kante, but he can also offer more of an attacking threat too. He has continued his fine form from last season into 2022, and he is a regular at the heart of Philippe Clement’s side. However, Monaco run the risk of failing to qualify for European football next season, which could mean he decides to cut his losses and make a move this month to join a club with guaranteed action on Europe’s biggest stage.
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LIVE BLOG
08.44 GMT: FC Salzburg are set to resist any January bids for USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson, sources have told ESPN’s Tom Hamilton.
Leeds are one of the teams seriously interested in signing Aaronson, according to sources, but the 21-year-old is also being watched by teams in Serie A.
However, with Salzburg through to the Champions League round of 16, and 2022 being a World Cup year, Aaronson is likely to favour staying at the Austrian Bundesliga champions until the summer and then re-evaluate his options.
08.30 GMT: Paris Saint-Germain are growing confident that they can convince Kylian Mbappe to extend his contract at the club, sources have told ESPN’s Julien Laurens.
Mbappe’s existing deal runs out in June, but sources have told ESPN that his family has been in talks with the Ligue 1 leaders over a short-term extension, and the latest meetings have been positive. PSG are more hopeful of the striker signing an extension because Mbappe, 23, is more receptive than ever towards the possibility of staying in the French capital a bit longer.
However, Real Madrid are still confident that they can sign the France international this summer. The LaLiga leaders were close to recruiting him last summer, but sources told ESPN that PSG rejected a €200m offer from Madrid in August.
In December, Mbappe ruled out the possibility of leaving PSG in January, but Madrid president Florentino Perez is convinced he can secure a deal for the striker on a free transfer this summer.
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Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens say Ralf Rangnick has handled Manchester United’s Anthony Martial poorly.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Nick Judd)
– Manchester United are one of several Premier League clubs monitoring Aberdeen wonderkid Calvin Ramsay, according to the Mirror. United are reported to have sent scouts to watch the young star play against Rangers in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Pittodrie. The 18-year-old right-back has been a shining light for Aberdeen this season, providing four assists in 12 appearances from the flank. The other clubs interested in Ramsay’s talents include Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Southampton and Leeds United.
– Barcelona are looking to fend off interest in Gavi from Liverpool and Manchester City, according to Sport. The Spaniards have begun contract negotiations with the 17-year-old’s representatives later than planned, having been delayed by the arrival of Ferran Torres earlier in the month, but it’s hoped they can convince the talented youngster — Barcelona’s third youngest goal scorer in their history — to agree to an extension and increased release clause.
– Leeds are preparing a second bid for United States forward Brenden Aaronson after FC Salzburg rebuffed their original offer of £15m, reports the Mirror. Salzburg are keen to hold on to the forward who has scored three goals and added seven assists for the reigning Austrian champions. However, Leeds refuse to give up on him and believe the 21-year-old, who has also scored twice for the U.S. national team during World Cup qualifying, has huge potential.
– Lille’s talented youngster Rocco Ascone is attracting interest from top clubs in both Italy and France, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 18-year-old midfielder has been in and out of Lille’s first team since he was 17 but he believes he might be able to get more game time by leaving the club. Lille aren’t prepared to let him go permanently, though, and if he is to depart in January, expect it to be on loan.
– AC Milan’s search for a centre-back continues, and Fabrizio Romano says that the Italians are only interested in a loan move. With that in mind, he believes the Rossoneri are targeting Manchester United’s Eric Bailly and Paris Saint-Germain’s Abdou Diallo, though no fresh contact has been made. Tottenham Hotspur’s Japhet Tanganga is also at the top of their wanted list, but Spurs are said to be unwilling to let the 22-year-old leave before next week.
