Transfer News and Rumors: Juventus Eyeing Federico Chiesa and Alexander Sørloth
Juventus are looking to bolster their forward line in January, and the club has identified Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth as potential targets. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, any deal for Chiesa will have to wait until Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool from the Africa Cup of Nations, which could be in mid-January. Al Hilal’s Darwin Núñez is also being considered as an alternative option. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have joined the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with the Spanish outlet AS reporting that Madrid have been offered the player, but the transfer fee would need to be worth more than €70 million to land the 21-year-old.
Trending Rumors and Transfers
AC Milan have identified Manchester City defender Nathan Aké as a key January target, with Corriere Dello Sport saying the Rossoneri consider the Netherlands international as a plug-and-play option. Tottenham Hotspur are also on the hunt for new arrivals, with TEAMtalk reporting that the club are interested in AS Monaco striker Maghnes Akliouche, who has three goals and five assists in all competitions this season. Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Borussia Dortmund are considering a move for Croatian defender Branimir Mlacic from Hadjuk Split, per Mundo Deportivo.
West Ham United have signed Valentín “Taty” Castellanos from Lazio for around €30 million, while Arsenal have signed 19-year-old Sweden right back Smilla Holmberg from Swedish club Hammarby IF. Tottenham have confirmed the free-agent signing of Norway international midfielder Julie Blakstad, 24, from Hammarby IF.
Expert Analysis: Adam Wharton’s Skillset
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen looks at Adam Wharton’s skillset, noting that the 21-year-old is one of the Premier League’s most accomplished distributors of the ball. Wharton constantly asks to receive the ball and is trusted not to lose possession under pressure. His pass selection is outstanding, and he can hit 35-yard switches with precision, incisive line-breaks through pressure, or well-weighted deliveries played into a teammate’s stride.
Other Rumors and Transfers
Barcelona are favorites to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the Serbia international’s contract ending in the summer and no plans for renewal. West Ham United are on the verge of announcing forward Taty Castellanos from Lazio, with the Argentine expected to pass a medical and the fee believed to be in the region of £26 million. Fulham have had a bid of £17 million rejected by Udinese for defensive midfielder Arthur Atta, while Bournemouth and Fiorentina are interested in signing Atalanta’s 25-year-old midfielder Marco Brescianini.
Manchester City center back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has agreed to join German side FC Koln on loan, with the 20-year-old heading to the Bundesliga initially on a short-term basis with a permanent option. Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is keen to add attacking options to his front line, with Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis on his wish list. Eintracht Frankfurt are hoping to sign a new striker, with Newcastle United’s 22-year-old William Osula identified as the perfect antidote to combat their list of attacking injuries.
Transfer News and Updates
Girona know that signing goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from Barcelona could be challenging, but they’re prepared to wait until the end of January for the 33-year-old. Brahim Díaz is on the verge of signing a contract extension at Real Madrid until 2030, with the Morocco international winger’s deal running out in 2027. Real Madrid defender and captain Dani Carvajal has received a number of offers from other clubs, but the 33-year-old is keen to stay in the Spanish capital.
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