Premier League clubs are running out of time to get business done in the transfer windows.
While plenty of deals have already been done, the top-flight's big boys have all kept their powder dry despite a desire to strengthen across the board.
Arsenal and Chelsea have emerged as surprise suitors for Karim Benzema, who looks set to follow Jordan Henderson in leaving Saudi Arabia in favour of a return to Europe. The former Liverpool captain has completed a move to Ajax.
Elsewhere, Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Goncalo Ramos, while Kylian Mbappe's future remains unclear. Stay tuned for the latest transfer updates from Mirror Football...
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Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah is set to miss at least the next two matches for Egypt aftr suffering an injury during their Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The grim fitness news was confirmed by the Egypt FA, who released a social media update that read: "Mohamed Salah suffers a strain in his back muscle and will miss two matches in the African Nations.
"The x-rays that Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Egyptian national team, underwent, showed that he suffered a strain in the posterior muscle, and he will miss the team’s next two matches in the African Nations against Cape Verde, and then the round of 16 match in the event of qualification."
Chelsea will demand £50million to part with Armando Broja this month.
The 22-year-old Albania international has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and has Premier League suitors, including West Ham and Wolves.
However, Sky Sports claim it will take £50m to get a deal done for the striker in January.
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson had this to say when asked about potential incomings this month: "No update on any players at the moment.
"I know Doug Freedman and Steve Parish are working hard to bring a couple of players into the squad."
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
No, not the Manchester City goalkeeper. Liverpool are one of a number of sides keen on landing the signature of Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The 24-year-old is incredibly versatile and has plenty of experience both as a defensive midfielder, while also able to contribute in an attacking sense. The Reds aren't alone in their interest of the Brazilian, with Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham all also rumoured to be keeping tabs on Ederson.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that Liverpool could make a move for the midfielder in the summer, but a January switch is unlikely given Atalanta are fighting for a return to Champions League football and in the knock-out rounds of the Europa League.
Celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has urged Mikel Arteta to sign a striker, telling the Gunners boss to stop being "stubborn".
"The January transfer window closes in 14 days but Arsenal still haven’t signed a striker despite proven goalscorers like Ivan Toney almost begging to go to a big club," Morgan tweeted on Thursday.
"What are you waiting for Arteta? Stop being so stubborn about your ‘process’ & get your chequebook out."
Newcastle have already made it clear they need to sell before they can buy this month due to financial fair play constraints. And now reports in Italy are suggesting they need to get a move on if they are to sign Atalanta star Ederson.
Calciomercato state that Atalanta also need to sell one of their best players this year, but warn that it is likely to be Teun Koopmeiners in the summer if Ederson doesn't go in January.
Newcastle have sent scouts to watch the central midfielder, who is apparently available for €40million (£34m).
Cristiano Ronaldo has made the bold claim that the Saudi Pro League is superior to the French Ligue 1 less than 24 hours after Jordan Henderson left the Middle East.
He explained: "Saudi League is not worst than Ligue 1. Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than French league already now."
"I feel so happy at Al Nassr, it’s a great move. Saudi is in a process, it will take long… but step by step they will go to the top level. I think Saudi Pro League will be among the top three leagues in the world. People in Saudi will be proud."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to comment on Emile Smith Rowe's future amid transfer speculation linking the midfielder with a move to West Ham.
The Arsenal boss kept his cards close to his chest, insisting that while Smith Rowe remains in his good books, he won't discuss any specific player. “I’m really happy with Emile," Arteta explained. "He’s on the right trajectory and now he’s settled, he’s training really well and you know that I won’t be talking about any individual situation."
The Spaniard's reluctance to address Smith Rowe's situation in more detail is likely to only send the rumour mill into overdrive. Arteta did go on to suggest that it is now up to him to hand the midfielder more opportunities to make an impact for the Gunners. "No change, " he added. "Emile is Emile. He’s got incredible qualities and we really happy to have him.
Tottenham are negotiating with Club Brugge to sign Antonio Nusa.
The 18-year-old winger could follow Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner in joining the club this month. He has three goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Brugge and has a lot of hype around him.
The Belgian side want £25million to sell the Norway international and also want to keep him on loan until the end of the season. Chelsea have been linked with Nusa, but Spurs are understood to be ahead in the queue at present.
Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa is wanted by Spurs (Tomas Sisk/Getty Images)Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are not planning to sign a striker in the final 12 days of the January transfer window.
Arsenal have struggled in front of goal this season - and many pundits have suggested they need a new striker to sustain their Premier League title pursuit.
But asked if Arsenal were chasing a striker this month, Arteta told reporters: "No. But, first thing, that’s because I love the players that we have."
Mikel Arteta speaking at a press conferenceNewcastle have already made it clear they need to sell before they can buy this month due to financial fair play constraints. And now reports in Italy are suggesting they need to get a move on if they are to sign Atalanta star Ederson.
Calciomercato state that Atalanta also need to sell one of their best players this year, but warn that it is likely to be Teun Koopmeiners in the summer if Ederson doesn't go in January.
Newcastle have sent scouts to watch the central midfielder, who is apparently available for €40million (£34m).
Atalanta midfielder Ederson is a target for Newcastle (Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)Emile Smith Rowe has endured a difficult time at Arsenal of late. He’s made 12 appearances across all competitions, but just one of those has come as a starter. The 23-year-old is still finding his feet after a long injury lay-off, yet his situation has attracted the vultures.
He’s previously been linked with Chelsea and Newcastle and now reports have suggested West Ham are circling. It’s been suggested that David Moyes’ side are attempting to get him on loan until the end of the season, promising the kind of dream spell that Jesse Lingard enjoyed in 2021.
Mirror Football understands that the reports are wide of the mark and Smith Rowe would not be interested in any case. He is determined to stay and fight for his place in Arteta’s side.
Emile Smith Rowe won't be joining West Ham on loan from Arsenal. That deal is not happening. Here is the latest @MirrorFootball transfer blog. #AFC #WHUFChttps://t.co/NSK7XdaYsk
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) January 19, 2024
Joe Rothwell and Hamed Traore still have futures at Bournemouth, despite leaving the club on loan this month, according to manager Andoni Iraola.
Midfielder Rothwell has joined Southampton until the end of the season in search of game time, while attacking midfielder Traore has moved to Napoli. Asked in his press conference if they still have futures with Cherries, Iraola said: “Yes, I think so. In the end they are good players, they have already shown it in different places and I think it is always strong competition to be part of the team.
“Especially the last months where the team has been performing quite well and it has been tough for them to have the minutes they wanted. But I think there is no doubt they are both very good players.”
Tottenham have sent Ivan Perisic out on loan to Hajduk Split for the rest of the season.
The 34-year-old versatile wide player has rejoined his home-town club, where he previously spent six years at the start of his career. Perisic has been out of action with an ACL injury since September and won't play another game for Spurs, with his contract due to expire in June.
He leaves having contributed 14 assists and one goal in 50 appearances since joining from Inter Milan in May 2022. "We wish Ivan all the best for the future," Spurs said in a statement.
He becomes the seventh player to leave Tottenham this month, following Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Eric Dier (Bayern Munich), Sergio Reguilon (Brentford), Djed Spence (Genoa), Japhet Tanganga (Millwall) and Ashley Phillips (Plymouth Argyle).
Ivan Perisic has left Spurs (Julian Finney/Getty Images)LDU Quito president Isaac Alcarez has dismissed reports that Oscar Zambrano is Premier League-bound.
Zambrano, dubbed ‘the next Moises Caicedo’, had reportedly been on the cusp of joining Bournemouth, while Brighton and Manchester United are both interested. The 19-year-old midfielder is valued at £5million and was thought to be making the move soon.
However, Alcarez told ESPN: “I am not in charge of [his agent] Oscar Zambrano. A week ago, he had a conversation with Diego Castro. There is nothing formal or definitive. We have to wait. It will be the best for the player and for the institution. The transfers have not been closed; we will see what will happen in the coming days.”
Jordan Henderson has been speaking to the media at his unveiling by Ajax.
The 33-year-old has ditched Al-Ettifaq for Amsterdam just six months after leaving Liverpool to join Steven Gerrard. He was heavily criticised for the move and an interview he gave defending Saudi Arabia.
He told reporters: "If I offended anybody or people felt I let them down, I apologise for that - but my beliefs have never changed and never will. I can only apologise if people feel let down." Henderson also claimed his switch was a "football decision".
Manchester United are reportedly at the front of the queue for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee has been hyped since emerging at Bayern Munich and has 10 goals and six assists in 43 games for Bologna. The 22-year-old has been linked with United before and now Sport Italia say they are in 'pole position' for him.
That is in spite of Bayern having a buy-back option set at €40million (£34m). United, or any other suitor, would be asked to stump up €50m (£43m) to sign the Dutchman.
West Ham are interested in taking Emile Smith Rowe on loan from Arsenal.
The Gunners midfielder has hardly featured this term and has recently been linked with Chelsea and Newcastle.
But reports have now outlined that West Ham are attempting to sign the Hale End graduate on a temporary basis.
(Getty Images)Newcastle have identified Everton's Amadou Onana as a potential January target, according to The Telegraph.
The Magpies are in need of midfield reinforcements with Joelinton likely to miss the remainder of the campaign and Onana, 22, fits the bill.
Newcastle could struggle to meet Everton's valuation of Onana, believed to be around £50million, due to FFP restraints but could inquire as to whether the Toffees would be open to accepting a loan fee now and a larger fee in the summer.
(Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)Bayern Munich are courting Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier - and could launch a surprise bid for the veteran this month.
The England star, 33, has a contract which runs until next summer and a sale would help Newcastle in terms of their FFP obligations.
It remains to be seen, though, whether or not they would consider cashing in on one of their most influential players.
(MI News/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)West Ham are trying to do a loan deal for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Our man Ryan Taylor has the latest:
West Ham now believed to be in box seat for Kalvin Phillips. Donât rule out approaches from elsewhere including Europe but Newcastle have failed to warm to potential numbers involved. #WHUFC #NUFC https://t.co/KR2FmBSWXp
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) January 19, 2024
Arsenal need a goalscorer. Karim Benzema is an elite goalscorer...so in that sense, yes it would work.
At 36, Benzema clearly isn't a long-term solution to an issue that Mikel Arteta knows he has to solve.
With all due respect to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, neither are plundering the 20 league goals Arsenal need to end their 20-year title drought.
Benzema has that killer instinct Arsenal lack in front of goal. If signing him for six months is doable, it feels like a no-brainer.
(Getty Images)League One outfit Charlton Athletic are set to sign two strikers today, per The South London Press.
The Addicks, who are mired in midtable in the third-tier, are closing in on deals for Ipswich Town's Freddie Ladapo and Port Vale's Uche Ikpeazu.
Jose Mourinho has agreed to become the new head coach of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab.
Mourinho was sacked by AS Roma earlier this week but is poised to make a swift return to management, per Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Saudi outlet claim that Mourinho has verbally agreed to become their new boss after talks with Al-Shabab sporting director Domenico Tite on Thursday and is expected to travel to the Middle East in the coming days.
(Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)Southampton manager Russell Martin has dismissed speculation linking Kyle Walker-Peters with a transfer to Chelsea.
Walker-Peters has been one of Saints’ outstanding performers this season, with his drive from right-back one of the key factors behind the club’s current 20-match unbeaten run. The 26-year-old has two goals and two assists in 27 appearances this season and looks destined for a return to the Premier League, whether Saints earn promotion or not.
The former Tottenham star is under contract until June 2025, but talkSPORT have reported that Mauricio Pochettino is keen for a reunion at Chelsea following another injury to Reece James. Martin has now issued a firm hands-off warning.
“My message? My message is probably different to the party line: it’s go away,” he told reporters ahead of Saints’ Championship game against Swansea on Saturday. “I spoke to Kyle. I also know his agent really well. There’s been no conversation at all about him wanting to leave. He’s in such a good place. I think he’s enjoying himself. It would take a lot of money to prise him away.”
Kyle Walker-Peters still has plenty of admirers (Getty Images)
