Latest transfer news today: Chelsea eye two new strikers as West Ham lead race for Man Utd outcast

Latest transfer news today: Chelsea eye two new strikers as West Ham lead race for Man Utd outcast
Photo by IMAGO/ IPS, Alberto Gardin, AOP.Press

Another round of midweek European football is in the bank, and we are beginning to get a clearer picture of which teams will be competing for the top honours at the end of the season.

One thing that could blow all of our early-season predictions wide open is the January transfer window. Are there any blockbuster transfers in the works this winter?

Discover the latest headlines via our transfer roundup below.

Chelsea are in a two-striker dilemma

Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic will leave Juventus at some point in the next nine months – Photo by IMAGO/ Alberto Gardin

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly still dissatisfied with his options at the top of the pitch, and the club could make a move for a new striker this January.

The two names that are being most heavily linked with the club at present are Dusan Vlahovic and Samu Aghehowa; however, the price gap between the two players is astronomical.

Vlahovic, whose contract at Juventus expires in the summer, will be available for next-to-nothing in January, while Aghehowa has a release clause of £85m in his Porto contract.

According to TEAM Talk, the Blues are high on both players and won't be put off by Aghehowa's price if they feel he is more suited to their needs than Vlahovic.

West Ham in pole position for Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee need minutes to make the Dutch World Cup squad – Photo by IMAGO/ Pro Sports Images

If Chelsea need a new striker, then West Ham are utterly desperate for one, with the only two recognised forwards currently in their squad being an injured Niclas Fullkrug and a 33-year-old Callum Wilson.

As such, the Hammers are almost certainly going to pursue a striker this January, and according to a report in the Mirror, at the top of their list is Joshua Zirkzee.

The Man Utd striker has been starved of minutes this season, and finds himself well down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The Dutchman will reportedly hand in a transfer request this winter but is keen to stay in the Premier League.

To maximise his chances of making the Dutch World Cup squad, Zirkzee is going to need guaranteed playing time, and West Ham are only one of a few clubs that can offer him that.

Mateo Kovacic is attracting transfer interest

Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic – Photo by IMAGO/ Every Second Media

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly attracting plenty of interest this winter and could be in line for a surprise move away from the Etihad Stadium.

The Croatian midfielder has struggled to get into the Man City starting XI this season, and according to a report in Caught Offside, the club are open to offers.

The report states that AC Milan, Aston Villa and West Ham are all interested in signing Kovacic, who will want more playing time in the build-up to the World Cup in the summer.

The 31-year-old's current deal at the Etihad Stadium expires next summer, so whoever does buy him in January will be able to get him at a discounted price.


Andy is a freelance Sports Journalist with ten years of experience covering football in the United Kingdom and abroad for various publications including the Manchester Evening News, UtdReport and Football Whispers. Andy also has a keen interest in basketball, cricket, golf and tennis and has covered major sporting events such as the Masters in Augusta.