The January transfer window is delivering high drama, with a major move finally confirmed, a managerial sacking, and a host of Premier League clubs battling for key targets. The action is intensifying as clubs look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.
Major Deals and Managerial Mayhem
Antoine Semenyo's protracted transfer to Manchester City is now complete. The Bournemouth winger passed his medical on Thursday and has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. The deal is worth an initial £62.5m, agreed outside of his £65m release clause, with Bournemouth in line for a further £1.5m in add-ons and a 10% sell-on fee.
In a stunning development at Old Trafford, Manchester United have dismissed manager Ruben Amorim less than 24 hours after his extraordinary rant following United's 1-1 draw with Leeds. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are now contenders to take the interim role. Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach following Enzo Maresca's controversial departure on New Year's Day.
Defensive Battles and Wonderkid Pursuits
In a significant blow to Liverpool and Manchester City, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has indicated that highly-rated defender Marc Guehi is likely to stay at Selhurst Park this month. However, Arsenal have now entered the race for the England international, adding another layer to the saga.
Mikel Arteta's side are also busy on other fronts. They have reignited their interest in Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet, but face fierce competition from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. Furthermore, Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a stunning £86m move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is also wanted by Manchester United and Tottenham.
AC Milan are looking to the Premier League to solve their defensive issues, targeting Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Nottingham Forest's Murillo. Their initial interest in Manchester City's Nathan Ake has cooled due to City's injury crisis.
Other Key Moves and Rumours
The ripple effect of Semenyo's departure is being felt at Bournemouth, who are keen on a loan move for Arsenal's 18-year-old attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri. However, the player himself is reportedly unsure about a mid-season exit.
Elsewhere, Tottenham are persisting in their pursuit of Santos left-back Souza, having seen an £8m bid rejected. They are now preparing a £13m offer for the 19-year-old Brazilian.
Nottingham Forest are actively seeking striking reinforcements. They are in the race for Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen – who could cost around £40m – and have also contacted Napoli regarding the availability of Lorenzo Lucca.
In other news:
- Arsenal could receive a financial boost from a 25% sell-on clause should former defender Nuno Tavares leave Lazio.
- Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee hopes for a January exit have been dented as Roma close in on Giacomo Raspadori.
- United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is a loan target for Dutch giants Ajax.
- Arsenal are also leading the chase to sign Blackburn teenage forward Igor Tyjon for around £1m.
With the window open, expect the pace of deals and speculation to accelerate rapidly in the coming days.
