Arsenal bids for Watkins as Rashford eyes Barcelona loan move.©(@Soccer_Laduma )
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a second bid to secure the signing of Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins. The 29-year-old, who has long supported the Gunners, remains a priority target for Arsenal as they look to bolster their attacking options. The North London club’s initial approach was rejected, but an improved offer is expected to be submitted soon, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have initiated tentative discussions with Barcelona over a potential loan move for England forward Marcus Rashford. The 27-year-old could head to Spain before Monday’s transfer deadline, though concerns remain about Barcelona’s ability to complete the deal due to financial constraints. This potential move could depend on Barcelona freeing up squad space, with Ajax expressing interest in signing their Spanish midfielder Ansu Fati. De Telegraaf said the 22-year-old’s exit could facilitate Rashford’s arrival.
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In Germany, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the ethnicity to sign Southampton’s highly-rated 18-year-old winger Tyler Dibling. The Sun reports that competition for the English youngster intensifies as the January transfer window edges closer to its conclusion.
Colombian striker Jhon Duran is poised to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed €77m (£64m) move, including add-ons, from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. The Athletic reported that the deal represents a significant outlay for the Saudi Pro League club.
Arsenal’s ambitions in the transfer market extend beyond Watkins. The Gunners are reportedly training an offer for Bayern Munich’s French Under-21 forward Mathys Tel. According to sources including Football Transfers and the Independent, the 19-year-old attacker has also drawn interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, while Tottenham are exploring a loan deal. Arsenal and Chelsea are keen to secure Tel before the window closes, highlighting the player’s growing reputation.
Elsewhere, Napoli have rejected a €65m (£54.5m) bid from Galatasaray to make Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen’s loan move permanent. The 26-year-old remains a pivotal figure for the Serie A side, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Newcastle United appear close to securing the signature of Republic of Ireland youth international Kyle Fitzgerald from Galway United. The 18-year-old winger is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, but Newcastle are reportedly in pole position to finalize the deal, as reported by Football Insider.
Napoli are also monitoring Manchester United’s 20-year-old Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Italian club would be open to reuniting its interest in Garnacho if Manchester United lowers its player valuation.
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In other developments, Steven Gerrard has reportedly requested to leave Al Ettifaq after 18 months in charge of the Saudi Pro League side, according to reports from The Mirror. The former Liverpool legend’s future in management appears uncertain, and speculation is growing about his next move.
Finally, Torino leads the race to sign Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei. The 22-year-old has attracted interest from Lazio, but reports from Gianluca Di Marzio suggest that Torino is now a favorite to secure the player’s signature before the transfer window closes.