The winter transfer window is now open across Europe, with significant movements beginning to unfold. What insights are reporters from ESPN gathering regarding potential transfers?
Every Friday until February, we will provide you with the most recent updates and analysis on notable transfer activities.
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Is Arda Güler from Real Madrid heading to Arsenal?
Having spent over £250 million last summer to strengthen their squad, Arsenal is now focused on long-term investment with their upcoming transfer plans. They are particularly interested in 20-year-old Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, and Güler is another young talent on their radar.
The Türkiye international initially started strong in Xabi Alonso’s midfield. Madrid’s choice not to chase Martín Zubimendi stemmed from their faith in Güler’s potential development. yet, his recent influence and performance have waned, and his role under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa remains uncertain, despite starting in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey defeat at Albacete.
still, Arsenal is not expected to make major moves this window unless a strong opportunity arises in the last two weeks, making any serious interest in Güler more likely for the summer — James Olley and Alex Kirkland
What’s the latest on Manchester City’s interest in Marc Guéhi?
Manchester City is looking for a center back with injuries sidelining John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Rúben Dias. Guéhi is being viewed as a long-term prospect that could be acquired earlier under favorable conditions. City is confident they can agree on a fee with Crystal Palace, especially since they risk losing the England international for free when his contract ends this summer.
even if it seemed this situation would linger throughout the window—especially since Guéhi knows he’ll have numerous options come summer—it appears City has won him over. Sources have informed ESPN that an agreement for Guéhi is nearing completion, a sentiment confirmed by Palace’s coach Olivier Glasner during a press conference.
“My latest understanding is that a deal with Marc is in the final stages. I can’t confirm a club, since it’s not yet finalized, but it’s close,” Glasner stated — Rob Dawson
1:07
Laurens: Signing Guehi in January is a no-brainer for Man City
Julien Laurens examines the future of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Is PSG interested in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández? Is a move realistic?
PSG will be hunting for a midfielder this summer, and Fernández is firmly on their list. Both manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos are admirers of the Argentina international, who is thought to be capable in three different midfield roles.
yet, this pursuit is likely to be complicated. PSG knows Chelsea will demand a hefty fee, especially since Fernández arrived in 2023 with a Premier League-record transfer of €121 million and has a contract running until 2031.
Fernández could play a pivotal role here. There were rumors about his discontent at Chelsea in the summer of 2024, but nothing came of it. Chelsea would be hesitant to let go of a player who often captains the team in the absence of Reece James.
besides, Chelsea is under no financial pressure to let him go, and his lengthy contract provides further leverage. As such, Fernández would need to initiate a move for a transfer to occur.
keep in mind that he was close to former manager Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed earlier this month. Should Fernández express a desire to leave, PSG would be interested — Julien Laurens and James Olley
With a new manager, what lies ahead for Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’?
New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior plans to communicate with the two most notable members of that group—Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi—but both are anticipated to leave.
Previous reports indicated that Sterling would prefer a permanent transfer over a loan after West Ham expressed interest in a temporary deal until season’s end. Fulham has also shown keen interest, and Napoli is monitoring Sterling while Roma and Lyon are keeping tabs on Disasi.
Yet, Chelsea has already maxed out on the allowed six overseas loans as per UEFA, meaning either the rules will need to change, or a foreign club must establish a permanent transfer for one of the players — James Olley
2:55
Has Liam Rosenior made a good impression at Chelsea?
The ‘ESPN FC’ team discusses Liam Rosenior’s debut week as head coach of Chelsea.
Barcelona’s silence raises questions. What transfers might occur?
With João Cancelo’s recent loan from Al Hilal, it appears that will be the only signing for Barcelona this month. yet, some departures are anticipated. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen could be on the move after losing his starting position to Joan García. plus, the LaLiga leaders are fielding inquiries for some younger players not getting consistent minutes.
Midfielder Marc Bernal, who recently returned from a lengthy injury, is among those being monitored. LaLiga club Girona has shown interest, but no concrete offers have surfaced yet. Previously, Barça indicated he would stay, but they now recognize that a loan might be beneficial for his playing time. Roony Bardghji is also attracting interest, although Barcelona’s current stance is that he will remain at the club this January — Sam Marsden
Harvey Elliott has only played 96 minutes in the Premier League this season. Will someone rescue him this month?
Elliott finds himself in a difficult position at Aston Villa, as Liverpool has no means to shorten his season-long loan at Villa Park.
The 22-year-old has not featured for Unai Emery’s squad since a brief appearance against Feyenoord on Oct. 4, and his last Premier League involvement was against Fulham on Sept. 28.
even with being fit and available, Villa is bound to complete a £35 million permanent transfer after Elliott’s 10 league appearances, but Emery has stated that they do not plan to execute this deal, meaning he will not play again.
yet, as he registered a one-minute appearance for Liverpool against Newcastle last August, he has played for two clubs this season. so, he cannot secure a new loan from Villa due to FIFA regulations that prevent players from appearing for three clubs in a single season.
Liverpool is aware of Elliott’s predicament, but for Villa to send him back would trigger a financial penalty, and there are no signs that such action will take place in this transfer window — Mark Ogden
With Conor Bradley’s injury, will Liverpool fortify their right back position with Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez?
Liverpool’s defensive options looked thin even prior to Bradley’s season-ending knee injury. Now, with the Northern Ireland international out, their options are further constrained.
With center back Giovanni Leoni also likely absent until the start of next season, it may be prudent for Arne Slot’s team to secure additional reinforcements before the window closes to ensure they have the best shot at a top-four finish. Nevertheless, Liverpool currently seems unlikely to make moves in the market, as midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones are capable of stepping into the right back role in emergencies.
The club remains interested in Palace’s Guéhi, and it remains to be seen if Liverpool will expedite their summer plans should City approach the defender this month — Beth Lindop
Are there any other intriguing deals emerging?
1:38
Tighe questions whether Conor Gallagher resolves any issues for Tottenham
Sam Tighe critiques Spurs’ choice to target Conor Gallagher instead of a more creative midfielder.
– LaLiga side Villarreal is still discussing a deal for Orlando City and USMNT defender Alex Freeman, although sources suggest the two parties are “far apart” on terms. Last month, ESPN reported that Orlando proposed Freeman a max-U22 contract, potentially increasing his salary significantly from last year’s figure of $105,000. — Jeff Carlisle
– U.S. youth international and San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Cruz Medina is on the verge of signing with Liga MX giants Chivas, according to sources. The 19-year-old represented the U.S. at the 2023 U17 World Cup and has also trained with Mexico’s youth national team due to his dual nationality. In 2022, he trialed with Bayern Munich. — Cesar Hernandez
– Bournemouth is entering the competition to sign Vasco da Gama’s teenage striker Rayan as a replacement for Antoine Semenyo after his transfer to Man City. Sources indicate that Vasco has set an asking price of €50 million for Rayan, while Bournemouth is ready to offer €35 million for the Brazil U20 prospect. — ESPN Brasil
– Espanyol is considering a move for Porto winger Ángel Alarcón to enhance their pursuit of European football. If Espanyol completes this deal, it could inadvertently financially benefit Barcelona, as they are entitled to a significant portion of any future transfer fee for the forward, who made five appearances for the LaLiga leaders before moving to Portugal. — Marsden
– Óscar Mingueza is another player to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Juventus is one of the frontrunners to sign the Celta Vigo defender on a free transfer this summer. yet, a January deal for a nominal fee remains a possibility, as Celta’s confidence in him signing new terms has diminished. — Marsden
– Crystal Palace and Angers are nearing an agreement for the permanent transfer of striker Sidiki Cherif. The 19-year-old is considered one of Ligue 1’s brightest emerging talents due to his impressive power, speed, and technical ability, and Palace believes he will seamlessly integrate into their system and the Premier League. — Laurens
– The future of Hirving Lozano is uncertain following San Diego FC’s announcement that they will not be pursuing him, complicating his quest for a new team. In Mexico, several clubs have informed ESPN that they cannot cover the winger’s salary, and in Europe, although not in active talks, Real Oviedo—part of the Mexican Pachuca group where Lozano began his career—has not ruled out a potential signing. MLS side Atlanta United also remains a possibility. — ESPN Deportes
