Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal linked with $115 million move for Kudus
Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea will attempt to sign Real Madrid‘s Vinícius Júnior, while Rafael Leão is considering an exit from AC Milan amid interest from Barcelona. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from the world of soccer.
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TOP STORIES
– Arsenal sporting director Edu set for exit – source
– Amorim to have say on Man United contract renewals – sources
– Mohamed Salah posts cryptic note about Liverpool future
TRENDING RUMORS
– If Real Madrid‘s Vinícius Júnior becomes available for transfer then Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain would be interested in signing him, says Marca. The Brazil winger has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and Sport claims that he is starting to consider a move, with Al Hilal leading the chase. Any transfer would likely break Neymar‘s world record of €222m, with Vinícius’ release clause set at €1 billion, but he will have options to stay in Europe if he desires.
– AC Milan forward Rafael Leão is beginning to think about leaving the club, according to Calciomercato. The 25-year-old is believed to be struggling with adapting to the system of new manager Paulo Fonseca, compounded by form that has seen him score just once in nine appearances this season. Barcelona as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia are reported to be in the running for the Portugal international’s signature, but, with Leão contracted at the San Siro until the summer of 2028, the Rossoneri may hold out for his €175m release clause to be met.
– Botafogo are interested in a move for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá, reports the Sun. The 27-year-old is believed to have emerged as an option that could be included in a swap deal, with the Hammers keen on striker Igor Jesus. It is reported that club owner John Textor has been a long-time admirer of Paquetá, having previously lined him up as a potential transfer when previously showing interest in acquiring ownership of Everton.
– Tottenham Hotspur are set to activate the one-year extension clause in the contract of forward Son Heung-min, reports the Telegraph. Son, 32, has been a key player for Spurs this season with three goals and three assists in seven league matches, and it looks as though he is now set to extend his stay in north London to over a decade after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. The South Korea international signed his initial four-year deal worth £7.5m-per-season back in 2021.
– Manchester United are considering moving on forward Marcus Rashford, according to Football Insider. New manager Rúben Amorim is believed to be preparing to assess the 27-year-old’s performances before making a decision, with concerns growing among the club’s hierarchy. He has scored just one goal in 10 Premier League appearances so far this season.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN editor and VAR expert Dale Johnson looks at why Arsenal are keen on Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham might be suffering a slow start to the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, but Mohammed Kudus is excelling.
Kudus, who is in the middle of a suspension after a red card at Spurs, is the king of taking on an opponent. Since moving from Ajax at the start of last season, he’s attempted 295 take-ons — 66 more than the second player on the list in the Premier League: Jérémy Doku of Manchester City
Across Europe’s top five leagues, only one player can better his 295. Savinho clocked up most of his 298 take-ons while with Girona last season, before moving to Man City in the summer.
Kudus in exalted company, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams of Athletic Club within the top seven. And he had the best success rate of any of the players in the top 10, getting past his man on 51.3% of attempts. Vinícius, for example, can only boast a success rate of 33.5%.
OTHER RUMORS
– Brazilian giants Santos want Neymar to return to the club if he decides to leave Al Hilal. The Brazil forward, 32, has a contract which expires next summer. (AS)
– Real Madrid have made Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold their top priority target for the summer. (AS)
– Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is top of Newcastle United’s shortlist at around £50m. (Football Insider)
– Talks between Crystal Palace and forward Jean-Philippe Mateta over a £90,000-per-week new contract are stalling. The Eagles are reluctant to meet his demands, and it is reported that they have begun to explore a move for 20-year-old Reims and Ivory Coast international forward Oumar Diakité as a potential replacement. (The Sun).
– Several big clubs in Europe, including Man United and Paris Saint-Germain are tracking 17-year-old Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda. (Foot Mercato)
– Colombia star James Rodriguez, 33, could be set to leave Rayo Vallecano and Lazio want him if he does. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Tottenham want a new midfielder in the January transfer window, with AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders linked. (Football Insider)
– PSG are open to a loan move for striker Randal Kolo Muani in January. (Sky Germany)
– Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu has caught the eye of a number of top clubs in recent months and now Manchester United and Chelsea have joined Tottenham in the race to sign him. (Football Insider)
– AS Roma are considering an approach for free agent manager Frank Lampard as uncertainty continues regarding the future of current boss Ivan Jurić. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Arsenal are interested in a move for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus. (Mirror)
– An approach for a possible loan move for Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel has been made by Nottingham Forest. (Sky Germany)
– Manchester United have joined the race for Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, but they could face competition from Manchester City, Liverpool, and Juventus. (Team Talk)
– Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is tempted by a move to Bayer Leverkusen amid hopes of garnering more regular first-team football. (Football Insider)
– Atalanta have emerged as potential suitors for Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi, who is being linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window. (Calciomercato)
– Bayern Munich is exploring a move for Burnley winger Luca Koleosho. (Sky Germany)
– Talks are ongoing between Lyon and Vasco de Gama over a move for 18-year-old Brazil Under-20 international Rayan. (Globo)
