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After a busy summer, Arsenal are once again looking to make serious moves in the January transfer window, with their pursuit of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic the biggest story of the window so far.

Mikel Arteta is also desperate to strengthen his midfield and has been offered the chance to sign Juventus’ Arthur Melo on loan, but the Gunners are also being linked with both Georginio Wijnaldum and Youri Tielemans.

Antonio Conte is also looking to make improvements to his Tottenham squad after taking over mid-season and has been linked with a move for Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard.

Lingard is not the only man who may be deemed surplus to requirements by Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford though, with Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek reportedly being offered to Newcastle on loan, while Paul Pogba is said to have denied reports he has been offered a new contract.

As far as Chelsea are concerned, any moves by Thomas Tuchel are likely to be as a result of injuries to full-backs Reece James and Ben Chiwell, but there is also the small matter of Antonio Rudiger’s future to resolve, with the German due to be out of contract in the summer, with no shortage of suitors.

Elsewhere, West Ham are pushing to sign a striker to provide back-up to Michail Antonio, while on the continent the futures of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are once again major talking points.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours LIVE with Standard Sport’s blog below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

• Arsenal struggling with Vlahovic deal

• Man United make Zakaria contact

• Lamptey linked with Old Trafford switch

• Arsenal offered Arthur Melo loan deal

• Tottenham interested in Lingard transfer

• Gunners hold talks with Tielemans agent

• Tottenham work on Ndombele sale

• Liverpool eye Jarrod Bowen

Arsenal youngster Azeez recalled

22:10 , Malik Ouzia

Football.London say that Arsenal have recalled youngster Miguel Azeez from his loan spell at Portsmouth.

The 18-year-old is a highly-rated prospect and was sent out on loan in search of first-team experience but it has not been forthcoming at Fratton Park.

Azeez made his first team debut for Arsenal in the Europa League against Dundalk last season, though it is not year clear whether his recall will see him rejoin the squad or be sent out on loan again elsewhere.

Rooney: Derby ‘unlikely’ to sign Diallo

21:19 , Malik Ouzia

Derby County boss Wayne Rooney says he is unlikely to bring in Manchester United winger Amad Diallo on loan this month.

The Rams have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, though reports suggest Borussia Dortmund are also interested.

“He’s a Manchester United player and obviously he’s a player of interest to a few other clubs, I know that,” Rooney said.

“I obviously keep close tabs on some of the young emerging talent, not just from Manchester United but from other clubs.

“There’s various players we’re looking at in terms of what players we can bring in to improve the squad and give us the best chance of staying up.

“He’s a player who of course I like him. If you’re asking me if he’s going to be with us at some point in January then that’s very unlikely.”

United leading Ruiz race

20:52 , Malik Ouzia

Italian outlet La Repubblica say that Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, but may have to wait until the summer to do a deal.

United will be desperate to strengthen in the position in the summer, particularly if Paul Pogba leaves, with the Frenchman’s contract due to expire at the end of the season.

The report claims United see Ruiz as a decent alternative should they fail in any bid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.

Arsenal midfield need grows...

20:14 , Malik Ouzia

Arsenal’s need for midfield reinforcements has just gotten a little more desperate because Granit Xhaka, back in the side for tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, has been sent off after less than half-an-hour.

He will now miss Sunday’s north London derby through suspension, as will Martin Odegaard, who has tested positive for Covid.

Fiorentina chief: No offer for Vlahovic yet

19:53 , Malik Ouzia

Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone says the club have yet to receive a formal offer from Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic - but says the striker has been told to make a decision over his future as soon as possible.

“We expect Dušan to make a decision on his future immediately, we need an answer if he stays or wants to leave,” he told Mediset, quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

“We asked Dušan two days ago to decide and communicate his plan in public immediately.

“We’re open to consider all the proposals we’ll receive for Vlahović - no bid is on the table right now.”

Arsenal transfer roundup

19:20 , Malik Ouzia

There’s plenty going on around Arsenal this month, with Mikel Arteta clearly keen to kick on after a shrewd summer of recruitment helped put the Gunners back in top four contention.

If you’re after a roundup of all the major news, rumours and reports then check out our club-by-club guide here:

Arsenal transfer news and gossip: Vlahovic talks; Arthur latest

Dortmund eye Christensen bargain

18:31 , Malik Ouzia

German outlet Bild say that Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen this summer.

Like Antonio Rudiger, the Dane is due to be out of contract at the end of the season and is therefore already eligible to begin discussions with foreign clubs over a potential free transfer.

Christensen’s stock was on the rise after a superb Euros with Denmark, but his contract situation has not helped his case at club level and he has been used increasingly sparingly by Thomas Tuchel.

Done deal!

17:50 , Malik Ouzia

Everton have completed the signing of Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi on loan until the end of the season.

“I just want to focus on working hard, getting into the team, fighting for my place and, with the boys, to get Everton where it belongs - that is much higher up the table. We have a really good squad,” he told the club’s website.

“I can always score a goal in an important moment. I can add a lot of value with my pace and technique going forward. I can hold the ball and I am decent in one-on-ones. I am ready and can’t wait.”

Fiorentina chief blasts Vlahovic over negotiations

17:07 , Malik Ouzia

Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso says his club’s negotiations to try to keep Dusan Vlahovic have shown him how “screwed up” football has become.

The forward, who is a priority target for Arsenal, has only 18 months left to run on his contract at the Serie A club and has rejected a new deal which would have seen him become the highest paid player in their history.

“We are under active considerations as to what to do,” Commisso told the Financial Times, of his club’s dilemma over whether to cash in now.

“He developed here. And he should give recognition, whatever happens, to the club that got him to where he is.”

But he added: “The more I live here, with this crazy sport, the more I realise how screwed up it is.”

Wood: I couldn’t turn down Newcastle move

16:23 , Malik Ouzia

Newcastle’s new signing Chris Wood has been talking about the reasons for his switch from Burnley, which was confirmed this week.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” he told a press conference this afternoon. “I just think it’s a great opportunity. I spent four-and-a-half great years there, every single year I really enjoyed myself there. My team-mates, the staff, the club as a whole was fantastic.

“To be honest, I wish I’d left when Burnley were further up the league, but that’s just how it is and it’s just how football is sometimes. Nobody can plan these sorts of things, you’ve just got to look at what’s in front of you and how you’re doing with football at the point in time. It was a case of this is a massive opportunity and a massive club, and something that I couldn’t turn down.”

Petit: Wijandlum return to Premier League would make sense

15:55 , Malik Ouzia

Georginio Wijnaldum is another player who has been cited as a solution to Arsenal’s midfield problems and former Gunner Emmanuel Petit believes a return to the Premier League would make sense for the Dutchman, whose summer switch to PSG has not gone to plan.

“He is struggling and he is quite isolated in the PSG dressing room,” Petit said.

“He doesn’t have the relationship with his team-mates that he had when he was with Liverpool.

“He seems to be missing that kind of affection, and the competition is very high at PSG.

“We all know the quality that Wijnaldum possesses, he was a top player at Liverpool, so maybe a return to the Premier League could be something good for him.”

Rodgers: Tielemans happy at Leicester

15:53 , Malik Ouzia

Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move to Arsenal this month and Liverpool are also said to be among his suitors.

However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers was quizzed about his future this afternoon and insisted he is content at the King Power.

“Youri’s very happy here. He’s developed and turned into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

“Clearly with a player with that quality and with the length of contract, he’s always going to be talked about.”

Liverpool to keep Divock Origi

15:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

Jurgen Klopp has ruled out any move away for Divock Origi this month.

The cult-hero forward had been linked with a move to money bags Newcastle United but, speaking to the club’s official website, the Liverpool boss suggested the Belgian’s future was at Anfield.

“So he cannot help us in this moment but I don’t see any kind of scenario – pretty much everything can happen in life – but from this moment I would say he will be here (beyond the end of the January transfer window).”

Arsenal deal could spark Chelsea chain reaction

14:53 , Jonathan Gorrie

With Juventus midfielder Arthur strongly linked touted as a potential Arsenal signing, the Serie A giants may need a replacement,

To that end, reports in Italy suggest Juve could make a move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The England international is low down in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could well be tempted by such a move.

Rangnick unsure about Mauricio Pochettino

14:21 , Jonathan Gorrie

Although Marucio Pochettino has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, current Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is said to be ‘unsure’ of him.

The German, who will moved into a consultancy role after this season, is thought to harbour doubts.

Steph Houghton signs new Man City deal

14:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

A big boost for Manchester City.

Newcastle United look towards Chris Smalling

13:44 , Jonathan Gorrie

Seemingly keen to draft in it as much Premier League experience as possible, Newcastle United are now reportedly considering a move for former England star, Chris Smalling.

The ex-Manchester United is currently at Roma and could form the next signing of the Eddie Howe rebuild.

Burnley in crisis over Chris Wood move

13:22 , Jonathan Gorrie

According to The Athletic, sections of the Burnley dressing room are in ‘dismay’ after star striker Chris Wood joined relegation rivals Newcastle United.

Amid a desperate battle to stay in the division, former teammates are said to be shocked to lose him.

Ronaldo backs Rangnick

13:14 , Jonathan Gorrie

With so many rumours around Cristiano Ronaldo at the moment in regards to his Manchester United, it might be reasonable to assume the superstar is not happy at Old Trafford.

Still, he’s moved to assure fans that under-fire boss Ralf Rangnick needs time.

“He needs time to put his ideas across to the players. I believe he’s going to do a good job. We know we aren’t playing the best but we have many games to improve.

“Since he arrived I think in some points we are better, but he needs time. It’s not that easy to change the mentality of players and the way they play, the culture, the system like that. I believe that he is going to do a good job.”

Denis Zakira update

13:11 , Jonathan Gorrie

Borussia Monchengladbach director Ebel suggests Manchester United are yet to approach the club over a potential move for Denis Zakira despite all the reports surrounding the midfielder.

He did not, however, rule out a potential sale.

Liverpool consider Jarrod Bowen move

12:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

For a while now, much has been made about how Liverpool plan for the future.

An immediate rebuild of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking line might not be necessary but, at some point, there will be need to be a refresh.

To that end, Football Insider claim the Anfield giants are keen on a move for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, who is thought to be open to a potential switch.

Paul Pogba tipped for PSG move

12:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has tipped Paul Pogba for a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Frenchman is out of contract at Manchester United at the end of the season and has seen what was a promising start to the season ruined by injury.

“I think it makes sense for him to go to PSG actually. I think his story has run it’s course at United. I don’t see it as a very happy situation. He hasn’t seemed that settled for a long time.

Ousmane Dembele set to leave Barcelona

11:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

It seems the Dembele saga could soon come to an end.

Indeed, reports from The Daily Mirror claim the French forward is now set to LEAVE the Camp Nou with Manchester United now keen on a move.

Tottenham work on Ndombele sale

10:53 , Jonathan Gorrie

Antonio Conte dropped Tottenham’s record signing Tanguy Ndombele for Wednesday night’s loss to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup as Fabio Paratici attempts to sell him.

Still, offloading such a highly-paid player to have done little to raise his market value since joining Spurs will be no easy feat.

You can read Dan Kilpatrick’s full report here.

Juventus consider Memphis Depay

10:25 , Jonathan Gorrie

He may not have been at Barcelona very long but reports from journalist Gianluca Di Marzio suggest Memphis Depay is already a target for another European giant.

The Dutchman is thought to have come across Juventus’ radar as they attempt to rebuild for a second time under Max Allegri and the Serie A titans could use Barca’s financial problems to their advantage by making a big bid.

Arteta approves Arthur to Arsenal loan

09:53 , George Flood

More on Arthur Melo to Arsenal now.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has tweeted to say that Mikel Arteta has approved a potential loan, with the Gunners willing to cover the Brazilian midfielder’s salary.

However, Juventus are yet to sign off on the deal and would apparently need to sign a replacement for Arthur before they do.

Ronaldo offers Rangnick backing: ‘He needs time'

09:33 , George Flood

Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent unhappiness at Manchester United has been a constant source of headlines over recent weeks.

However, the Portuguese superstar - linked with the likes of Barcelona - has now offered his public backing to Old Trafford interim coach Ralf Rangnick.

“Since he arrived... he changed many things,” Ronaldo told Sky Sports. “But he needs time to put his ideas across to the players. I believe he’s going to do a good job. We know we aren’t playing the best but we have many games to improve.

“Since he arrived I think in some points we’re better... It isn’t that easy to change the mentality of players and the way they play, the culture, the system like that.”

However, Ronaldo also admitted that finishing outside the top three would be unacceptable for United this season.

The club are currently seventh and 11 points adrift of third-placed Liverpool after a wretched defeat to Wolves that was followed by a wholly unconvincing FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

United face Villa again in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

“I don’t accept that our mentality be less than being in the top three in the Premier League,” Ronaldo added.

“I think to build up good things, sometimes you have to destroy a few things. So why not - new year, new life and I hope United can be the level fans want. They deserve that.

“We’re capable of changing things now. I know the way but I’m not going to mention it here because I don’t think it’s ethical on my part to say that. What I can say is we can do better - all of us... I’m here to try to win, compete.”

DONE DEAL! Aston Villa sign Digne

09:20 , George Flood

The confirmed deals are coming thick and fast in the Premier League this morning.

Aston Villa have now announced the arrival of Lucas Digne from Everton on a permanent transfer.

The French left-back had also been linked with the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle after falling out with Rafael Benitez at Goodison Park, but chooses to join Steven Gerrard’s revolution following the loan for Philippe Coutinho.

“When Lucas became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him to the club,” said Gerrard.

“To sign a player of his pedigree and quality in the January window is a great addition to our squad and his arrival excites me and everyone associated with Aston Villa.”

DONE DEAL! Newcastle announce Wood arrival

09:09 , George Flood

The second signing of a new era at Newcastle is now official.

Joining Kieran Trippier at St James’ Park is striker Chris Wood, who has joined from relegation rivals Burnley in a deal worth around £25m.

The New Zealand international has signed a two-and-a-half year contract on Tyneside and is available to make his debut against Watford this weekend.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for me and I’m delighted to be a Newcastle United player,” Wood said.

“I have played at St. James’ Park a few times and it’s an amazing place, so to have the chance to represent this club with those incredible supporters behind me and my team-mates is very special.

“The club and manager have been first class during this process, and I really can’t wait to get onto the pitch and repay the faith they have in me, especially with a vital part of the season ahead of us.”

Chelsea target Kimpembe and Tchouameni

09:01 , George Flood

Despite suggestions that Rudiger could now stay at Chelsea, L’Equipe in France report that Thomas Tuchel is still interested in reviving a deal for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

Failing that, it could be that Kounde’s France team-mate Presnel Kimpembe of PSG could fit the bill as the reigning European champions target January reinforcements to sustain their fight for trophies on multiple fronts.

It is also suggested that Chelsea are contenders in the race for Monaco’s midfield starlet Aurelien Tchouameni, though have yet to make a move for his services.

Rudiger planning Chelsea stay after U-turn

08:51 , George Flood

The issue of Antonio Rudiger’s future has been a dominant theme at Chelsea over recent months.

The German centre-back - who scored the winning goal against Tottenham last night - is a key player under Thomas Tuchel, yet had looked set to depart this summer with his contract due to expire and the likes of PSG, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid all keen on a deal.

However, Bild now report that Rudiger has performed something of a U-turn and would like to stay at Stamford Bridge.

It is claimed that talks between the two camps have improved after the 28-year-old was initially left very unimpressed by Chelsea’s contract offer.

ICYMI - Tottenham interested in signing Lingard

08:47 , George Flood

Tottenham are prepared to wait until the summer to act on their long-term transfer interest in Manchester United‘s Jesse Lingard, report Jack Rosser and Dan Kilpatrick.

Spurs have considered Lingard a target since Jose Mourinho‘s time in North London and are now in the race to land the England international when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

It is thought there will be a number of suitors come the end of the season, with Newcastle United having already been linked this month but Spurs’ interest can be tracked back to over a year.

The North Londoners made an approach to United and Lingard over the summer window while Nuno Espirito Santo was in charge.

Click here to read the full article.

Arsenal hold talks with Tielemans agent

08:45 , George Flood

Arthur Melo isn’t the only new midfield name being mentioned in connection with Arsenal.

Per Goal, the Gunners are also looking at Leicester star Youri Tielemans and have held talks with the Belgian’s agent over a potential move.

Tielemans is out of contract at the King Power in the summer of 2023, though any departure looks more likely in the summer at this stage.

ICYMI - Arsenal offer Arthur Melo deal

08:38 , George Flood

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on loan, writes Simon Collings.

The Brazilian has struggled for action this season and he has started just three Serie A games during the current campaign.

As a result, the 25-year-old is keen to secure a move in January and Arsenal have emerged as an option.

Intermediaries have offered Arsenal the chance to sign Arthur on loan and the north London club are assessing their options.

The Gunners want to bring in a midfielder this month but long-term targets, such as Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes, will be hard to sign during the current transfer window.

Click here to read the full article

Man United join Lamptey race

08:36 , George Flood

Speaking of Manchester United, they are also said to have joined the race for Tariq Lamptey.

Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with the Brighton full-back, who has shone on the south coast since leaving Chelsea.

The Daily Mail report that United have a strong interest in Lamptey as Ralf Rangnick looks to upgrade on the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot.

However, the two clubs are said to be £10m apart in terms of their valuation of the player.

Man United make Zakaria offer

08:29 , George Flood

Manchester United are said to have made their move for long-term target Denis Zakaria.

The Red Devils - along with rivals Liverpool - have been frequently linked with the Swiss midfielder, who is out of contract at Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season.

Now Bild in Germany report that United have made an offer to Zakaria’s agents and are willing to pay a fee now to secure the deal rather than waiting to complete a free transfer in the summer.

Arsenal struggling to agree Vlahovic deal

08:24 , George Flood

Good morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s latest LIVE coverage of the January transfer window.

We begin with the latest at Arsenal, who look to be very busy as the market gathers pace this month.

We know they are pushing for a blockbuster mid-season deal for Serbian marksman Dusan Vlahovic, though the latest reports suggest agreeing a fee with Fiorentina is likely to prove problematic.

According to The Independent, the Serie A club are demanding the majority of their €75million (just over £60m) asking price to be paid up front.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are said to want to structure what would be a club-record deal over a four-year period, but are being met with reluctance by Fiorentina.

Sky add that Arsenal will struggle to finance a deal for Vlahovic by the end of the month due to the size of the fee involved.