Transfer News and Rumors: Manchester City Eye Aleksandar Pavlovic as Rodri’s Potential Replacement
As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri. According to TEAMtalk, City and Chelsea are closely following the progress of the 21-year-old German international, with some even suggesting he could be “the nearest thing to Rodri.” While there is no indication that Pavlovic or Bayern are looking to part ways, the Premier League pair’s interest is undeniable.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are on the hunt for a new center back, with Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni emerging as top targets. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are also keeping a close eye on Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté. The search for a defensive reinforcement comes as Ronald Araújo takes a break to address mental health issues, while Andreas Christensen’s contract is set to expire in the summer.
Trending Rumors and Transfer News
Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid are all scouting AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to Marca. The 19-year-old has made 26 appearances across all competitions this term, recording two goals and five assists, and is considered “one of the jewels of European football.” Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are also interested in a summer move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, although a January transfer is unlikely due to the 29-year-old’s current ankle injury.
Atlético Madrid are closely monitoring the future of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, whose contract expires at the end of the season. The Germany international’s situation in Bavaria has become complicated, with Bayern unwilling to make a large offer to renew his contract. Juventus and Napoli have also been linked with the 30-year-old.
Expert Analysis and Opinion
ESPN’s Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens debated whether Barcelona need to target a defender in the January transfer window. While the club’s defensive issues are well-documented, the pair discussed the potential risks and benefits of making a mid-season signing. Watch the full discussion here.
Other Rumors and Transfer News
Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool could hinge on whether the club succeed in beating Manchester United and Manchester City to the signing of AFC Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in January, according to Football Transfers. Bournemouth are preparing for Semenyo’s departure and have become the latest club to consider Tottenham Hotspur’s Brennan Johnson as an option.
Chelsea are top of the list of clubs interested in Stade Rennais center back Jérémy Jacquet, reports Le Parisien. Dayot Upamecano and Bayern Munich are largely in agreement about a contract renewal, but the center back’s representatives want a release clause to be active in the first year of his contract, while Bayern want that to happen in the second. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain remain interested in the 27-year-old.
Kobbie Mainoo sees no future for himself at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and would be willing to permanently leave in January, according to the Daily Mail. Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave AC Milan in January to become a regular starter and aid his hopes of going to the World Cup with England, with Lazio and Premier League clubs showing interest.
Manchester City are willing to let Savinho leave in January despite blocking the winger’s move to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer and giving him a new contract in October. Barcelona are interested in signing 15-year-old Norwich City winger Ajay Tavares and developing him at La Masia, reports Mundo Deportivo.
AC Milan plan to complete a loan for West Ham United striker Niclas Füllkrug with an option to make the deal permanent, with their match against Genoa on Jan. 8 hoped to be his debut. The Rossoneri are also moving for Independiente Medellin left-back Juan Arizala and negotiating for Partizan Belgrade striker Andrej Kostic.
Stuttgart are on the verge of a breakthrough in negotiations for Racing Santander striker Jeremy Arevalo, whose €7m release clause is expected to be triggered over the weekend. Girona and River Plate are keen to sign Claudio Echeverri on loan as he returns from Bayer Leverkusen to Manchester City.
Everton are keeping tabs on Leeds United right-back Jayden Bogle ahead of the January transfer window. Lyon have enquired about Bahia center back Santiago Ramos Mingo, while three Serie A clubs have shown interest in a six-month loan for Antonio Vergara, with the midfielder wanting to leave Napoli to get more game time.
