Chelsea is in competition with Bayern Munich for the acquisition of defender Jérémy Jacquet, while Barcelona’s young talent Dro Fernández is sought after by the Blues and Manchester City, among others. Stay with us for the latest transfer news and rumors worldwide.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Bayern Munich is set to challenge Chelsea for Rennes center back Jérémy Jacquet, according to Florian Plettenberg. The Blues have gained an advantage by entering direct discussions with the player, while Bayern management maintains a positive view of him. Jacquet’s price tag, estimated at over €50 million, could be a significant barrier for the German side, especially if Kim Min-jae remains. Numerous top clubs are reported to be monitoring the 20-year-old’s progression, who is under contract with Rennes until June 2029.
– Chelsea and Manchester City are at the forefront to acquire 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy Dro Fernández, as per talkSPORT. Sources have informed ESPN that the attacking midfielder has expressed his desire to depart this January by invoking his €6 million ($7m) release clause. Borussia Dortmund is also interested in securing Fernández, who has made five first-team appearances this season and is highly regarded by coach Hansi Flick.
– Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta had a meeting with Juventus on Friday, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old is also drawing interest from several Premier League teams, although no formal offers have been made yet. Discussions between Mateta and Juventus regarding personal terms are reported to be “positive,” with the Italian club looking to secure him initially on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent. The transfer prospects are now contingent on Crystal Palace’s final decision on exit conditions, with sources informing ESPN that Eagles defender Marc Guéhi is set to join Manchester City this month.
– Fulham has not abandoned the pursuit of PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, despite the U.S. international recently suffering a broken forearm, Sky Sports reports. Pepi has netted 11 goals for PSV this season, including three in the UEFA Champions League, but now faces two months out recovering from surgery.
– Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is on Manchester United’s managerial shortlist, as per the Daily Mirror. The Austrian coach, who guided Palace to the FA Cup last season and won the Europa League with previous club Eintracht Frankfurt, recently announced he will leave Palace at the end of the season.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Barcelona correspondent Sam Marsden discusses the expected interest in Dro Fernández:
Signing Fernández is a clear choice for any prominent European club. The €6 million release clause is minimal compared to the expenditures of some teams, especially in England. The worst-case scenario is that his development stalls, but even then, it’s hard to foresee his value diminishing significantly. The potential benefits are enormous.
A playmaker adept at advanced midfield or wing positions, Fernández — who has been compared internally to Thiago Alcantara and Pedri — caught Hansi Flick’s attention during his time with the U19s and was included in the preseason tour with the first team last summer, netting an impressive goal against Daegu FC. LaLiga and Champions League debuts have followed, yet with Fermín López, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha all occupying the No.10 role ahead of him, his route to regular first-team action remains unclear.
but, this is typical for 18-year-olds — and Fernández just celebrated his 18th birthday this week. The examples of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, who have played regularly between ages 16 and 18, are outliers but have established a benchmark that other Barça young talents are eager to fulfill.
Even so, Fernández’s announcement regarding his intention to leave has taken the club by surprise. Manchester City and Chelsea have been following him for years, as has Borussia Dortmund, which may provide the best immediate development opportunities, but Paris Saint-Germain might end up winning the race. PSG coach Luis Enrique’s rapport with Fernández’s agent, Ivan de la Peña, could tip the scales in the French club’s favor.
OTHER RUMORS
Manchester United has turned down multiple inquiries for Harry Maguire this month. (The Sun)
Inter Milan is preparing to offer Francesco Pio Esposito a new contract to fend off interest from Premier League clubs in the 20-year-old Italian striker. (Tuttosport)
Celtic is looking to make a loan offer for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Auréle Amenda. (Sky Germany)
AFC Bournemouth has reached an agreement to sign Alex Tóth from Ferencvárosi for a reported €10 million plus add-ons. (Sky Sports)
Burnley is considering a loan move for West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse this month. As of now, no approach has been initiated. (The Sun)
Leeds United has inquired about the availability of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jørgen Strand Larsen. (The Athletic)
Austin FC is nearing completion of a deal to acquire Palmeiras winger Facundo Torres. (Tom Bogert)
Al Saad is poised to make a bid for Lazio center back Alessio Romagnoli. (Nicolo Schira)
Stoke City has made a move to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan until the end of the season. (Football Insider)
