23 Jan 2016 10:45:42
I just wondered if you could give us a transfer update please Ed002. Keep your public happy ;-)
{Ed002's Note - There are major dependencies on (a) players leaving, and (b) how much money the club can raise through sales. However, there is known to be (or have recently been) some level of interest in the following players fairly recently:
Goal Keeper:
Possible for the summer after January attempt failed: Maccabi Tel Aviv's Pedrag Rajkovic is continuing to be watched by Chelsea after his performances in the Champions League. If Begovic were to leave for first team football Chelsea will move quickly.
Possible for the summer after January attempt failed: After Maccabi Tel Aviv's Pedrag Rajkovic told Chelsea he wants to be a first pick Chelsea are looking to a deal with Dinamo Zagreb for Adrian Semper. An initial bid was deemed unacceptable.
Very, very unlikely: Chelsea has been keeping watch over Troyes' goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni - and they may well move regardless of whether Begovic goes or stays. AS Monaco have also been looking at the player - probably one for the summer after Troyes get relegated.
Right Back:
Won’t happen in the short term: Chelsea and Inter Milan have a declared interest in Benfica's Nelson Semedo who has also been watched by scouts from Manchester City. Benfica wil not be keen to sell.
Won’t happen in the short term: Chelsea spoke with Benfica about Cancelo in January 2014 but nothing came of it. I am aware that Valencia, Manchester City, Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid, West Ham and Liverpool all took a look at him last season and it was Valencia who successfully made a move for him. Valencia are aware that Chelsea and Juventus are looking at the player this season and will both likely be interested in taking the player in the summer.
Centre Back:
Slim chance: There was talk of Nacho leaving Real Madrid in the summer but Benitez persuaded him to stay - Galatasaray and Roma were both interested. Perhaps he would be open to a move elsewhere now - but much will depend what happens with Varane - PSG will push if they lose Marquinhos. Arsenal, Napoli and Chelsea have all watched the player this season. That may or may not open up further opportunities to him.
Won’t happen: River Plate's Balanta is of serious interest to Napoli, Torino, Udinese, Roma, Valencia, Juventus, Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Galatrasaray and AC Milan. Manchester United, Napoli and Caniggia for Liverpool had shown interest when he was younger but that interest has gone. Valencia agreed a move last summer but it fell through. Arsenal and Chelsea have watched the player on a number of occasions as well. Guardiola was a fan when at Barcelona. His agent says he has been approached by Aston Villa and Leicester City about the availability of the player. He would need a lot of work before being ready to play at the highest level in Europe, although Udinese, Olympiacos, Roma and Valencia were actively seeking an agreement for this past summer, but nothing came of it. If they cannot secure the services of Maksimovic then Napoli may spring a surprise offer in January which also avoids getting involved in a summer signing-on fee auction. If they can get the transfer of Maksimovic through, then expect Torino to move for Balanta.}
First choice and clear target but remains very unlikely: PSG had no intention of selling Marquinhos in the summer and have agreed a new contract with him - regardless of interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Interest of Manchester United has gone. However, the player is continuing to have a difficult time with no regular pattern to his game time and this has led Chelsea to put a marker in place with PSG over another discussion about - probably as soon as the January transfer window closes. A summer move to London will be a very attractive option but others may show an interest as well. Barcelona have a different player in mind. It would not be a surprise to see further interest from Bayern Munich.
Possible: Chelsea, Lyon, Roma, Porto, Milan, Sevilla and Bayern Munich have been watching Atletico Mineiro 's Jemerson. Bids are possible this month but the summer seems a more likely time for a move.
Very unlikely: Chelsea and Bayern Munich have sustained interest in Varane.
Very unlikely: New York RBs Matt Miazga has attracted scouts from a number of sides, including Chelsea, Swansea City, RB Leipzig and Stoke, but nobody has made an approach to the MLS about him.}
Slim chance and pricey, but a bid might be made: Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all took a look at Everton's John Stones in the summer of 2014 but none made an offer. Chelsea made an attempt to sign him in the summer of 2015 but then moved on to another target. I very much suspect Manchester United (who showed interest some time back) will look again to Stones, and a January bid is not out of the question. Again, Chelsea might well look to another offer in January or the summer and Everton know that Real Madrid have attended a couple of games and are working around a major potential issue that may make them bite. Everton will resist any move, but as ever, paying over the odds could force the matter – as it could force a bid from elsewhere, such as Manchester City or again Barcelona
Possible as Marseille are looking for something to happen next week: N'koulou was looked at by a number of sides including Arsenal, Lyon, Norwich, West Ham and Napoli with a view to a summer move. Marseille did expect interest from Lyon to lead to an offer but they may well be hedging their bets to pick him up when his contract runs out in the summer. Four clubs have held discussions with Marseille that could lead to an offer being made in January to take the player. Roma are very keen on adding another centre back in January, Chelsea who have been having on-going discussions over two other matters, Spurs who were non-commital and Lazio. Lazio have told Marseille that they are looking for a pre-contract agreement to take the player when he is out of contract in the summer - but Marseille has explained he would be available for a small fee now if they are interested - and selling is clearly the preference of the club. Valencia, Norwich and Arsenal have watched the player again this season and it is not out of the question that either could step in and make an offer.
Very unlikely: Rugani is wanted by Genoa and Napoli but his agent wants a move to England due to the attraction of the money. Juventus may let him move on as they try to raise funds but would much prefer to loan him out and keep him on the books, or keep him until the summer and review the situation. Arsenal sent a certain Frenchman to take a look at Rugani. He has been recommended to both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Left Back:
Nothing right now.
Defensive Midfield:
Possible for January: Bologna's Amadou Diawara will probably not be moving to Chelsea in January but Chelsea do, like Napoli, Juventus and Manchester City, maintain an interest in the player and may move to agree a summer move during the January window. Spurs, Marseille, PSG and Fiorentina have also had the player watched this season.
Unlikely but possible in January: Inter's Marcelo Brozovic has been made available to raise funds with the club offering him to Spurs, Arsenal (who previously tried to sign him from Dinamo Zagreb), Everton and Chelsea. Villarael and Barcelona have been watching him as well. Inter were looking to replace him with Grujic but have lost out there.
I rather suspect a push at some point – but not this year: Chelsea has again returned to watch Leander Dendoncker of Anderlecht.
Won’t happen but a throwaway bid may still be made: Porto's Ruben Neves is subject to sustained interest from Chelsea as interest grows from Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG and Real Madrid, with Real Madrid perhaps likely to make a January offer. Porto has no interest in selling in January. The asking price might well scare most clubs away.
Midfield:
Possible: Ante Coric (of Dinamo Zagreb) is destined for an excellent career if he doesn't move too early - but Chelsea and Real Madrid are very keen.
Very unlikely: Imbula has failed to settle at Porto and his agent is hawking him around having spoken with Milan, Valencia and Chelsea to date. It is possible other English clubs will be approached during this coming week to gauge interest. Stoke's interest has been rebuffed. Price will likely be an issue.
Won’t happen: Barcelona need to raise some funds through sales as they are still looking to strengthen in several areas and will also be bringing players through that have been getting experience in the B team. Like Deulofeu who moved to Everton, Roberto has been of interest to English sides including Spurs and, in particular, Chelsea. There is also sustained interest from Inter Milan but his price would likely deter them. Chelsea have again discussed the player with Barcelona but I am very doubtful of any January move and rather suspect Chelsea have since moved on.
Won’t happen: Stefano Sensi was watched by Sassuolo, AC Milan, Southampton, Juventus and Atalanta on more than one occasion this season and enquiries about his availability were made by Fiorentina, Palermo, Torino, Roma, Napoli and Chelsea - all of which have had the player scouted as well. Milan has spoken to Cesena about a January move with a view to him staying with Cesena for the rest of the season and Palermo even also put an offer on the table. However, the significant spanner in the works related to Genoa's claim that they have an option to buy the player has gone and he is joining Sassuolo.
Won’t happen: Liverpool have agreed in principle to the transfer of Red Star Belgrade's Marko Grujic after agreeing a record fee with his club and making an astonishing wage offer. The player will almost certainly spend the rest of the season with Red Star and move in the summer. I don't know what promise of game time had been made but it has been suggested by his representative that Liverpool have offered him Gerrard's number 8 shirt as well (there was no clarification if it was an old used one or not). This far outstrips any other offer, particularly if the club are promising game time. Inter could not match the transfer fee in cash and certainly not the wages even though they were his first choice destination. Chelsea offered a lower transfer fee (that could have been resolved) but would not be looking at him for the first team for probably two and a half years. That would comprise an initial loan back to Red Star (perhaps even including next season at Red Star if the get in the Champions League - but that was not Chelsea's preference) and then a year on loan in Europe as he is seen as being behind the pecking order of another midfield player (Pasilic) who is going through that process with Chelsea already. Liverpool's offer has also ended interest from Napoli, Hamburg, Wolfsburg, PSG, Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City and Roma (although none of these clubs put a firm offer on the table as I understand it) but Stuttgart, Udinese and Anderlecht have proposals which they think will be more acceptable to the family of the player who are worried about the damage a move to Liverpool could do to his career - not just financial proposals but career building proposals. Whilst there remains a chance that another side could match Liverpool's offer with a cash bid, and then agree to a longer loan back, I suspect the deal will still go through. Much is expected of him.
Won’t happen: Brussels based "intermediary" Klay Ekeocha has been very keen to say that he is in discussions with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Benfica, Porto and West Ham about teenager midfield player Kelechi Nwakali, whose brother is on the books of Manchester City. He will also regale whoever will listen with colourful stories about vast sums of money being offered to him by agents wishing to represent his "client", who, incidently, has been of enquiries from Olympiakos and Udinese. Ekeocha claims to be an agent but is actually from the less-well regulated end of the game - an "intermediary". He is no more than a man who will make repeated phone calls and try and talk to clubs about players who he has no legally-binding contract with.
Won’t happen: Juventus, Arsenal and Chelsea enquired about Rabiot in 2013 and PSG were not keen to sell. Chelsea, Roma and Arsenal enquired in the summer of 2014 but all would see him as one for the future - and neither would commit to the guarantee of first team football that was being requested by the player. Roma tried for a deal in January 2015 but to no avail. For more than a year Rabiot has been bleating about not being in the first team at PSG and a move to any of the interested sides would not have resolve that in the short term. However, Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and Manchester City had him watched over during last season on a regular basis, and Spurs were keen on taking him on a loan to buy deal. Although previously backing away due to the request for a guarantee of playing time, talks did again happen with Juventus in July 2015. Roma, Spurs and Arsenal may rekindle their interest if PSG were to look to let him go in January. I am pretty sure if that is the case then Wenger will want to talk to the player (and his mother) to ensure that his head is in the right place. His preference for Roma is getting weaker as they think more seriously about a move. Chelsea simply saw him as too much grief in the end.
Very unlikely in January and I am doubtful if it will happen at all – but there may be a bid: Tielemans has attracted long-term interest from Chelsea with Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Juventus, Napoli, Barcelona and Marseille all showing an interest in the past 9 months. Plenty of other sides will have had him scouted. Chelsea have actively been speaking with his club since January 2014 but would even now need to send him on loan for, I imagine, at least a year or more. Atletico spoke with Anderlecht this summer and the player liked the idea of a move to Madrid but nothing could be resolved for a move at the time. The problem with a move to England is that he is certainly not ready to step right in to the first team at many of the more senior clubs. If he accepts that and a loan, then a move is possible. Whilst Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea may well all look to offers in January, a move before next summer is unlikely. I also understand that Piero Ausilio attended the Spurs vs Anderlecht game to watch two players - Tielemans being one.
Very unlikely: Whilst PSG need to sell to raise funds, Matuidi is keen to stay in Paris but his agent has made it clear that he will listen to offers from England. Right now there aren't any although Manchester City and Chelsea could look to the player again. Interest from Arsenal would only return if they could not bring in others. Interest from elsewhere has moved on. A move this January is looking unlikely right now.
Very, very unlikely: For the right price, the right package and for the right destination, Paul Pogba will leave Juventus during 2016. A number of clubs have considered Pogba and I will try and explain where each stands.
- PSG are desparate to sign a high-end French player to placate the fans. They put an offer on the table to Juventus in the summer but it was not acceptable as it included Verratti and Cavani - but Juve are looking to a deal they can control (but they may still take Verrati as a separate deal). PSG are in a difficult situation with UEFA and need to stay within FFP but may well try to sell to raise the funds to return for Pogba or again offer players in exchange. And regardless of that, there are other FFF limitations that could still potentially cause them a problem.
- Manchester United would have liked to strike a deal but I suspect the chances of a move is near zero and they are probably right out of the picture - likely knowing it would never have happened in any case. Interest will have gone I would think.
- Manchester City are planning on making further changes during 2016 changes - including the manager. If they get the manager they want they will give him the chance to pick a couple of players which they will happily pay what it takes to obtain - but they are well aware that they need to work within the confines of FFP and any further infraction could cost them €40M and a ban from European football - which makes them very unattractive as a club.
- Chelsea remain keen on Paul Pogba, tried to strike a deal for the summer and have had a number of conversations with the concerned parties to see what can be done going forward. Financially Chelsea are in a position to make something happen but they will not be held to ransom. They are aware it would be very difficult and do always have alternatives in mind.
- Although Real Madrid moved on from their previous interest, there is every chance still of a offer including players in part exchange. I very much suspect Real Madrid could still become a player in this saga.
- Barcelona remain keen and whilst they are reasonably strong financially they need to work on a rebuild and will look to sell one or two high-value players to help fund this - and they very much want Pogba to be at the centre of that.
Attacking Midfield/Winger:
Unlikely in January: Whilst Shakhtar's Alex Teixeira has accepted an offer to join Chelsea in January the move remains subject to (a) Shakhtar deciding to sell - and their owner is blocking any move at this time; (b) the clubs agreeing a fee and terms – whilst they have been negotiating the price was raised considerably (and Chelsea won’t be held to random), and (c) the player being able to pass a medical this month. He has had scan of his right thigh after he pulled up in training on Tuesday morning. Five bids (two formal submissions and three verbal) from four clubs have been made to Shakhtar since November and each has been rejected as Mr Akhmetov does not want to sell the player at this time. The clubs are Chelsea, Juventus, PSG and I understand Liverpool. Spurs have also watched him in recent months. His agent sees an eventual move will happen but he doesn’t think anything will happen in January unless someone were to offer his club the very high asking price they have placed on him. And I suspect the summer is far more likely now.
Won’t happen: There is no plan to sell James Rodrigues in January but Real Madrid will happily listen to any outrageous bids made. Three clubs come in to the picture - Manchester United because they are seen as stupid enough to pay what most sides would see as way over the odds for the player; Chelsea as the player has suggested himself that he would like to play for them and live in London - but they won't be held to ransom; and Bayern Munich now that Carlo Ancelotti is heading there - again they won't be held to ransom. However, he may well be sacrificed in the summer to raise funds but note that there are a four significant things going on in the background that could have an impact on whether or not he will be leaving during 2016 - so we need to wait and see. Right now Mendes is focused on the futures of three other players.
Unlikely but there is sustained interest: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have watched Bernardo Silva of Monaco on several occasions this season, including during internationals. He is an unusual player in that he is naturally left footed but is most effective on the right wing. He has also played as cover in defence and was previously seen by Fiorentina as an option to replace the similar Juan Cuadrado. Juventus and Manchester City and Jventus have also watched him this season and he may be a player they look again to seriously. I expect there will be discussions and bids about the player in January - and I understand that one interested club has a creative offer in mind.
Unlikely, particularly because of price, but there is sustained interest: Benfica's Goncalo Guedes is a player Chelsea has watched on a number of occasions this season and have declared an interest in. They will perhaps look to an offer next summer. Arsenal have had the player watched as have Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich. Regardless, the asking price is likely to be an issue for all of these clubs.
I suspect interest has gone: Pacos Ferreira's Diogo Jota only recently signed a new long-term contract but Lyon, Chelsea, Montpellier and Celta Vigo have all declared an interest with his club, having first been alerted by his performances with his national U19 performances. Arsenal have watched the player.
Won’t happen as I think a deal is nearing completion elsewhere: Partizan Belgrade's Andrija Zivkovic has been of sustained interest to Atletico Madrid and Chelsea with Valencia, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Spurs, Benfica and Cagliari all watching the player. Chelsea were looking to sign Zivkovic in the summer and send him on loan, but it is Atletico who will probably complete a January deal - but be wary of complex ownership issues involving Pini Zahivi needing to be resolved first.
Very, very unlikely: Milan have enquired about the availability of Palermo's Franco Vazquez and were told that he would be allowed to leave in the summer if an offer of more than €30M were made. That would be enough to scare off Inter. Chelsea and Spurs have scouted the player this season.
Won’t happen in January: Griezmann only moved last summer, and Atletico has no intention of selling unless a very significant fee is offered. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United previously looked at the player (when he was at Real Sociedad). Whilst Griezmann has said on a number of occasions that he has no plans to leave Spain anytime soon, he has said he would be interested in a move to Chelsea if the opportunity arose in the future. Both PSG and Bayern Munich would also be very interested if he became available - but I doubt that PSG will be in a position to do any sort of deal as they have other plans, even though they are desperate for a high-end French player. Bayern Munich look to have found their desired player elsewhere and can now likely be ruled out. Chelsea are still pushing for a deal for Griezmann and discussions have continued with a third party representing the club in these discussions – and Chelsea will continue to push for a solution. I would still not rule out PSG getting themselves in to a situation where an offer is viable - they still remain keen on a high profile French signing.
Won’t happen: Eintracht Frankfurt's Marc Stendera has been recommended to Chelsea by a former player as one who will likely play a major part of the next generation of German players. Bayer Leverkusen had an enquiry about him rebuffed but that may not deter Dortmund in the summer.
Won’t happen: Dynamo Kyiv managed to persuade Yarmolenko not to move this past summer and managed to get him to sign a new contract. There has been interest over the past year from Roma, Spurs, Stoke, Fiorentina, Everton, Inter and Dortmund. Bayer Leverkusen, Valencia, Napoli and Manchester City all dropped their interest and PSG, who were considering Yarmolenko as a possible option to replace Lavezzi this past summer, seem to have done the same - at least for now but there is a reasonable chance Lavezzi could move in January. Yarmolenko has expressed a desire to move to Barcelona or Chelsea - and there has been more than one approach made directly to the Chelsea to gauge their interest. Right now it looks like Barcelona are considering their options for a January bid, but much will depend for them on an entirely separate matter. Whilst an approach was made to the agent of Yarmolenko by Arsenal in the summer, nothing could be done. He spent the summer screwing everyone around and there is still a lingering view he could do the same in January. I don't know if anything can be done or if Arsenal or Barcelona will push, but Piero Ausilio was at a recent game to look again at him - so Inter might still be in the mix.
Very, very unlikely: Ajax will look to keep Anwar El Ghazi from interested parties for perhaps one or two years. Bayern Munich, Milan, Liverpool, Manchester United, Leicester, Atletico and Chelsea have all declared an interest. The player has said he wants to play for Real Madrid. Chelsea were to put an offer on the table in the summer and would have been willing to leave him with Ajax for up to two years. However a third party advisor to Chelsea blocked any move at that time citing the player as still being inconsistent and wanting longer to consider whether or not Chelsea should progress a move for the player who he thinks could "disappear" very easily at a higher level, and particularly in England - this was the same person who said Depay was not ready this summer. Arsenal have now had him watched in a match against Vitesse Arnhem - whether that will manifest itself as interest or not is unclear right now. Milan will use income from El Shaarawy to explore again if a deal can be done.
Very, very unlikely in January but don’t lose sight of this kid: Renne's Ousmane Dembele is seen as one for the future and has attracted the attention of Marseille, Arsenal, Chelsea, Lille and Manchester City.
Won’t happen: Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in Fluminense's Gerson, but Roma traded options with Barcelona to remove an option on Gerson to agree a January move last summer. He will be arriving and loaned from January to Frosinone.
Won’t happen: Valencia's Andre Gomes was watched last season by representatives of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Milan, Manchester United and by Vicente Fernandez on behalf of Chelsea. However, the asking price was well beyond anything that would make any transfer possible in the summer. This season many clubs, including Chelsea again, have watched the player but it will likely be Barcelona, Juventus, PSG and Manchester City that fight for his signature in the summer - and I very much doubt Barcelona or Juventus will be able to match any financial offer made by Manchester City or PSG without a sudden influx of money. Juventus would need the money from a significant sale in order to move for Gomes without it becoming an unnecessary financial burden. Obviously if Valencia hold out for the sort of figure he has in his release clause then he won't be going anywhere.
Won’t happen: Juventus have an agreement in place with Genoa that will see Rolando Mandragora move to Turin in the summer. Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona, Napoli, West Ham, Manchester City and Inter all looked at the player with approaches by Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG being rejected out of hand. There is a bit of a weird twist in the deal, but once his loan to Pescara is completed he will move to Juventus.
Won’t happen: Real Madrid made Isco available summer 2014 - although priced at a level where all but a handful of teams could afford him. They also offered him to Chelsea at the same time as a part exchange for a player but Chelsea were not interested. There was interest from Bayern Munich in the past but that has gone. Arsenal made an enquiry regarding Isco's availability in the summer but their first choice was someone else and then no longer a priority. In addition to Chelsea he has also been offered to PSG and Juventus - and Juventus put a significant offer on the table in the summer but it was not accepted. Not out of the question that Arsenal could look again - and I do expect that Manchester City and Milan, both of which have been interested in the past, will enquire further. Right now there is no interested from Chelsea and Juventus has other targets.
Won’t happen: Chelsea stepped back from any deal for Reus in December 2014 after several discussions resulted in a significant issue becoming clear - if that goes away then it is possible something could still be done, but I very, very much doubt it.
Unlikely as I suspect he will get his desired return to Italy: A meeting between Inter and PSG on December 30, 2014 concluded that the transfer of Lavezzi could take place but first PSG need to talk with the player about reduced wage demands - but he returned to South America without permission and Inter dropped their interest as they were not interested in being screwed around. However, PSG again approached Inter in the summer and whilst the the player was keen they didn't have the money in cash to make anything happen. Interest from Juventus, Napoli and Valencia has gone for now but PSG are looking for a deal to bring in much needed transfer revenue and are looking to replace him with Boufal -ideally they would like a January sale to avoid his contract running down. Approaches have been made to Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona whilst Inter's interest remains. There is also some interest from Fenerbahce and Flamengo - but none of these clubs seem keen on a January unless the price suits them. His agent is frustrated that there is no interest in Italy aside from Inter who have already committed more money that they have - but will look for a deal regardless.
Won’t happen: Fiorentina's Federico Bernardeschi has been watched by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus and I suspect it will come down to the Spanish sides and Bayern Munich fighting over a summer deal.
Forward:
Pretty certain this will happen at some point: Similar to the Manea deal I told you of last year, Chelsea will contract Orji Okonkwo after performances during the Under 17 World Cup. However, I very much suspect it will be several years before he would be ready for the first team squad.
Possible for the summer: Quincy Promes has been watched by Manchester United, Newcastle, Dortmund and Southampton over the past year or so. Bayern Munich and Juventus were quoted €32M by Spartak who have become aware of a third party that might have a claim on the player and will need to be paid off. Do not be surprised by the sudden interest of Chelsea being reported.
Possible: Pato has not had a good time this past couple of years and Corinthians loaned him to Sao Paulo until the end of the year - but it hasn't worked out that well although he has been getting goals. He has been in mixed form and often unfit and I would think far from able to perform at the premier league level on a regular basis. Corinthians would be really pleased if someone were to buy him - actually they are pretty desparate to sell and have now taken a pretty extreme measure through a third party to seek a new home. Although many of the the LIverpool supporters are convinced he will be one of the many players joining in January, I am not aware of any deal with Liverpool for him - and I can't see where he would fit in given Benteke, Origi, Firmino and Sturridge not to mention Ings returning at the end of the season. Spurs might just have looked to him to solve their striker issue but I don't see a move happening. Both Sporting Lisbon and Benfica have been approached. The Arsenal manager has spoken with an ex-player about Pato but I think it unlikely any move to the Emirates will happen. Spurs is, according to someone very close to the situation, one of his two preferred destinations - Barcelona being the other (although I get the feeling that if the question was posed again today he would say two other clubs). Chelsea have been approached about Pato again and have put any decision on the matter in the hands of a third party. Clubs will have noted his wages are very high, he has some ownership issues that would need to be resolved before a return to Europe, and (importantly) he has a total of six agents and representatives that would need to be paid as part of any transfer. I cannot, realistically, at this time see any English side taking him on but Chelsea does remain a possibility; the answer for him is back in Brazil until the summer, with Chinese second dividion side Tianjin Songjiang (who have made an offer) or potentially somewhere in Italy (but I doubt with a leading club).
Very unlikely: Inter's Mauro Icardi has been subject to sustained interest from Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, with both Arsenal and West Ham watching the player late last season. He was very much Chelsea's first choice striking addition for the summer of 2015 but he eventually signed a new deal with Inter - a contract that is in his favour unlike the one he had previously. It seems unlikley, regardless of a number of difficulties there are with the player, that they would look to sell in January unless they were to recieve a very, very good offer - but with a replacement in mind in Embolo they might well need to rethink their options. Inter need to raise money for purchases and are actively looking at players with Piero Ausilio attending two recent games in London and holding discussions with Chelsea over another player, offloading Icardi in January will potentially bring them two or three of their desired targets. Add to that Icardi's form has not been great just recently, so it is possible.
Very unlikely: Porto cashed in on Jackson Martinez in the summer but the start to his Atletico career has been difficult as he has struggled to fit in. His agent is one that trys to talk to club representatives and sounded out Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United to see if they are interested. Tough to see anything coming of it.
Very unlikely: There is seemingly no remaining interest in Aubameyang from Juventus, Real Madrid, Spurs, Roma or either of the Milanese clubs. Whilst Dortmund are happy to see the back of him, it will only be at a high price - and I think that may well block a move in January as it did in the summer. The player has made it clear that he would like to move to Italy. However, that has not deterred Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Valencia who have had him watched again this season so an offer in January is possible. However, I suspect the asking price would make a move to Valencia unlikely. I cannot imagine a move to Barcelona being viable until one of their first choice forwards moves on. Arsenal or Chelsea might be best placed if they have the stomach for the expenditure - but it would be a very major change to the Arsenal approach to buying players. Dortmund will keep him rather than let hm leave cheaply. Plenty of baggage with him as well.
Won’t happen: Palermo, Chelsea, Inter, Arsenal, Valencia, Spurs, Stoke, Roma and Villarreal are all known to have shown interest in Boca's Jonathan Calleri but it was Chelsea and Inter who have discussed a possible move with Boca. Boca were looking to keep him until the summer and were looking for a premium for a winter sale - and that put Inter on a difficult footing and they started to look for an initial loan or assistance from a third party. Chelsea did not really want to take the player until the summer and they would be looking to send him straight out on loan if a January move was pushed and even that was complicated by the player having three owners, Boca, Deportivo Maldonado and an investment company. My expectation was that he would therefore stay at Boca until the summer and then complete a move to Chelsea, assuming the new manager was keen. However, this has rather irked Inter who, strapped for cash, wanted to complete the transfer in the coming week or two, subject to (a) them having managed to raise the funding necessary to make the deal happen (perhaps with third party assistance) as they remain short of funds, (b) providing the player with assurances over game time, and (c) the player accepting those assurances and agreeing the move which would almost certainly mean playing for a different side until June - probably Bologna or just perhaps Frosinone. The player's third party ownership is messy so Boca are not in the best position to negotiate on their own. It is all pretty ugly and the ownership cannot be easily resolved this month so a loan to Sao Paolo will likely go ahead whilst the mess of his ownership is resolved in preparation for a summer move.
Unlikely: Guy Hillion is still looking at Lacazette but after summer discussions a move seems difficult to say the least - I would not expect it to happen in January and I suspect after that Chelsea will move on.
Very unlikely: PSG were willing to sell Cavani this past summer and he was offered to a number of sides who had previously shown an interest. Whether or not they would be open to a January sale with the potential problem it would cause to their Champions League squad is not known to meAtletico Madrid were planning sales to fund a bid for Cavani but nothing came of it in the summer - but it could still happen. Right now, Manchester City would not be in a position to move for Cavani without sales. Manchester United may well be interested but the price and the wages would make a decision very difficult. Chelsea has no immediate interest in the player as they have other targets - again, price and wages may deter them. Juventus were certainly interested but financially they would need to be creative and are also looking elsewhere. He was part of the package offered by PSG for Pogba, as was Verratti - but Juventus are looking to a deal they can control. I would not be surprised to see Real Madrid try and get involved again but they have other targets.
Won’t happen: Interest in Tascila has gone.
Don’t rule it out but unlikely: Santos' Gabriel Barbosa is of interest to Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. However, although much is expected of him he is only 18 and whilst there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that may be exercised in 2016, I suspect that he won't move there at that time. Chelsea have tried and continue to try to strike a deal - but it may be a while away. His agent mentioned that Fenerbahce had made an offer but I suspect that is incorrect and it was Galatasaray. I rather doubt Gabriel will end up in Manchester, unless it is in the away dressing room. Chelsea and Fiorentina have held recent discussions and PSG are looking to an offer.
He is a child and interest will likely drift over time – not one for now: Vitesse Arnheim have been trying to scare off interest from a number of English sides who have been watching young striker Thomas Buitink. Manchester City have joined Manchester United, PSV, Newcastle and Arsenal in having had the player scouted regularly this season. Chelsea, who have strong links to Vitesse, have spoken to the club about the player.
Very unlikely: Jese Rodriguez is again going to seek assurances about playing time that I am sure Real Madrid will not agree to and the expectation is that they will draw a line across and cash in on him at some point. Real Madrid are moving in to a potentially difficult period regarding transfers (with a ban looming) and they will be happy to raise funds with Napoli again looking for a permanent deal and Real Sociedad looking for a loan. Arsenal or Chelsea may be an option for Jese Rodriguez.
Very unlikely: Mainz, PSV, Hannover, Bruge and Rapid Wien had shown interest in Sion’s Moussa Konate over the summer with most stepping back because of the asking price and Rapid Wien opting for Tomi Correa. Everton, Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal have been represented at games this season and may follow up on their interest but all will be aware that it would be a big step up for the player who has struggled when chances came in Russia and Italy.
Unlikely but don’t rule him out: Lokomotiv Moscow were willing to sell Oumar Niasse in the Summer as he had failed to settle with Galatasaray interested in taking him back to Turkey - but a deal could not be done at the right price and Galatasaray's interest has now moved on. A good start to this season has attracted the attention of Chelsea and Lille. A number of other clubs including Spurs, Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle watched Niasse earlier in the season but did not follow up at all. Chelsea have held initial discussions but there is a major dependency that may prove to be a problem.
Doesn’t work for me at all so I will say no chance: Mainz, PSV, Hannover, Bruge and Rapid Wien had shown interest in Sion’s Moussa Konate over the summer with most stepping back because of the asking price and Rapid Wien opting for Tomi Correa. Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal have been represented at games this season and may follow up on their interest but both will be aware that it would be a big step up for the player who has struggled when chances came in Russia and Italy.
Dragged on too long, very, very unlikely: Lacazette remains of interest to Newcastle, someone at Chelsea and Inter whilst Juventus and Spurs have also recently had him watched. As ever, the price might be an issue. He has not been having a particularly good season performance or injury wise but a second formised bid from Newcastle is looking less likely as they understand that the player would not be interested in the move. Guy Hillion has continued to extol his virtues but there is no support from the folks in London for a bid at this time. Inter would struggle to fund a move - particularly given they have put all of their eggs (and cash) in one basket for another player. Lyon are difficult to negotiate with and they may well see a Gallic shrug in response to any other bids as well. Something to drag on all summer again.
Not going to happen: As I have explained before, Barcelona wish to start to rebuild their side around Neymar and need to raise cash to do that. There are a three issues that could adversely influence what will happen with that plan going forward - and that could see him sold. If circumstances are such that he is to be available at some point, then the known interest of Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United will no doubt be tested. It would not be out of the question for Manchester City to also think about putting a package together.
Slim chance: Southampton, Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all interested in taking Ademola Lookman away from Charlton. Much is expected of him and I would expect (and hope) he takes advice to stay where he is for now.
Won’t happen: Manchester United and Bayern Munich have both been aware of Moussa Dembele since his time at PSG and were both interested in signing him when he opted for Fulham as a 16 year old. Newcastle, Lille, Juventus, Napoli, Everton and Spurs have also been looking at Dembele since the start of the season with recent glances from Manchester City, Liverpool, Wolfsburg, Chelsea, Marseille and Monaco. A move in January is possible with his contract running out at the end of the season but Slavisa Jokanovic will try and have him sign an extension, no doubt advising him that if he moves he could be sat on the bench or playing in the reserves. Spurs will be willing to pay a premium to take him in January. Wolfsburg are hedging their bets by pushing ahead with an alternate player whilst working to see if a deal can be done for Dembele. Monaco will likely put an offer directly to the player and will seek a pre-contract agreement.
Chelsea will continue to work towards finding a couple of additions for January – else it depends on departures.}
23 Jan 2016 11:06:22
Sadly looks like the additions will be Pato plus one other
Thanks anyway for the update Ed002, brilliant as ever and very much appreciated!
23 Jan 2016 11:23:19
Thanks a lot Ed that's a great help, keep up the good work.
23 Jan 2016 13:22:57
Well I don't have any questions anymore!
Thanks ed much appreciated.
23 Jan 2016 14:46:46
That's the godly teamwork I was talking about, Ed001. You got everyone's questions answered with just 1 question.
Epiphanies coming thick and fast apparently ;-)
23 Jan 2016 15:28:38
After all that excellent work by ed02 what are the chances someone asks ed02 "who are we likely to sign " in the next day or two.
23 Jan 2016 16:02:43
100% sid. And if I were to set an over/ under at 5 on questions whose answers can be found on this post. Obviously that number varies greatly with tomorrow's performance.
23 Jan 2016 16:44:53
Firstly, just to say a massive thank you to add for the post, really very grateful, and don't want him to get the wrong idea.
I have to ask though, is anyone else feeling massively underwhelmed? Like the players we are interested in a lot of them seem very "meh" to me? We clearly need to do something with our squad, likely to include a few additions, but a lot of the players ed has stated we have an interest in I see as at best, marginal upgrades, and at worse, actually worse than we already have.
Does anyone agree?
24 Jan 2016 05:59:14
Thanks for the update ed. I really hope Liverpool don't nick tiexiera.
25 Jan 2016 07:40:31
Thanks Ed002 for the update and info, makes me realise just how much goes into a "transfer" before we (the fans out there) become aware of even any interest from our club.
Great stuff Ed002 and thank you so very much. Keep up the great work, it is truly appreciated by us here.