The time is ticking in the January window as clubs battle to do last minute business. Here, we take a closer look at some of the latest transfer news today.
One of the biggest stories of the day comes from the Emirates after Arsenal were handed a big boost in their pursuit of a striker.
Elsewhere, West Ham have seen two players depart in a blow to their Premier League survival hopes.
Here are the biggest headlines of the day…
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Julian Alvarez ‘unhappy’ at Atletico amid Arsenal links
There is a cloud of uncertainty around the future of Julian Alvarez after former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker revealed that the current Atletico Madrid striker is not happy in the Spanish capital.
Arsenal, who are still looking to bolster their attacking options, are expected to chase a striker in the next transfer window, and Lineker has backed the player to thrive at the Emirates, saying on the Rest is Football podcast: “Julian is the type of player you know can handle big games: he is a World Cup winner. A player like that at Arsenal would be game over.”
A recent report by The Standard revealed that Atletico would only be willing to sell the player for around £87m – a figure that exceeds his fee from Manchester City which stood at £82.5m.
On top of the potentially hefty cheque, Arsenal would also have to battle for his signature with Barcelona, who are looking for new attacking options due to Robert Lewandowski’s uncertain future.
West Ham lose duo on dark day in the capital
West Ham United’s Premier League survival hopes appear to have taken a major blow after the club lost James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta on the same day.
Ward-Prowse, who has over 400 Premier League games under his belt, has joined survival-chasing rivals Burnley on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Elsewhere, the long-lasting transfer saga surrounding Lucas Paqueta is finally over after the 28-year-old confirmed his return to Brazilian outfit Flamengo in a blockbuster £36.5m deal.
The champions of Brazil and South America appear to have turned football on its head after signing a Brazilian international from a Premier League club – a scenario which normally happens the other way around.
Raheem Sterling dealt Napoli blow in latest transfer news
Raheem Sterling’s ambition of moving to Napoli appears unrealistic according to the club’s sporting director Giovanni Manna, who provided some key updates in an interview with Sky in Italy.
The former England international is currently a free agent after agreeing with Chelsea to terminate his contract, and he is reportedly willing to leave the Premier League in order to find playing opportunities.
Napoli were linked with the player, though Manna recently told Sky: “We spoke with him during the summer but I see it as difficult right now, he has significant financial expectations.”
The 31-year-old forward was earning £325,000 per week at Stamford Bridge – a sum which Napoli simply can’t match in the financially-challenged Serie A.
