Transfer Rumors: Pochettino Plans USMNT Raid; Barcelona Make Major Araujo Decision
Manchester United’s reported January plans include two familiar faces for Mauricio Pochettino, while Barcelona are said to want Ronald Araújo’s Liverpool move made permanent.
Transfer rumors · Premier League & La Liga
Premier League
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly looking to bring Alex Freeman and Folarin Balogun to Manchester United in January. According to TEAMtalk, the Argentine, described in the report as United’s newly appointed manager, is already in talks over moves for two players from his U.S. men’s national team squad.
Balogun is said to be “somewhat” more interested in leaving AS Monaco for Old Trafford because he wants to continue working with Pochettino. Monaco are also reportedly open to doing business with United.
United’s interest extends to Malo Gusto. TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea are willing to let the defender leave in January and that Gusto himself is now open to the transfer.
Chelsea, in turn, are monitoring Barcelona’s Jules Koundé as a possible January replacement should Gusto depart. The same outlet says Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso values Koundé’s ability to play both center back and right back.
Bournemouth pair draw rival interest
Arsenal have initiated contact with Bournemouth to discuss the financial terms of a move for Alex Scott, Fichajes reports. Chelsea and Liverpool also remain in contention for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Bournemouth striker Evanilson is reportedly a major January target for both Manchester City and Arsenal. According to Ekrem Konur, the Cherries value him at €60 million ($66 million).
Brighton weigh incoming and outgoing moves
Brajan Gruda has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and other leading European clubs during his successful loan spell at RB Leipzig, according to TEAMtalk. Brighton anticipate a busy summer window and could sell him to help fund their transfer business.
Brighton are also targeting Atlético Mineiro’s 18-year-old center back Vitao, with Real Madrid and Barcelona providing competition. TEAMtalk reports that Mineiro want to retain the youngster until next summer.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
- Liverpool have repeatedly sent scouts to Germany to assess Stuttgart center back Finn Jeltsch, according to Fichajes. The 20-year-old is valued at around €50–60 million ($55–66 million).
- Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus have expressed interest in AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, who is on loan at Sevilla. Fichajes reports that Sevilla are also working to secure his longer-term future.
- Aston Villa, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton are monitoring AC Milan’s Alphadjo Cisse, according to Ekrem Konur.
- Everton and Nottingham Forest are both pursuing a January move for Grêmio’s 24-year-old center back Gustavo Martins, Konur reports.
La Liga
Barcelona want to make Ronald Araújo’s move to Liverpool permanent to create space in their squad for January arrivals, according to TEAMtalk.
Their search for defensive reinforcements does not extend to letting Hamza Abdelkarim leave. Fichajes reports that Barcelona will neither release nor loan out the young prospect to make room in the squad.
Atlético prioritize Yeremay Hernández
Yeremay Hernández has become a leading target for Atlético Madrid ahead of next summer, according to Fichajes. Atlético have tracked the 23-year-old Deportivo de A Coruña winger for years and view him as a potential eventual replacement for 29-year-old Ademola Lookman. Deportivo’s reported asking price is €50–60 million ($55–66 million).
At Real Madrid, Jacobo Ramón could return from his loan at Como. Fichajes reports that the parent club have been impressed by the 21-year-old defender’s performances this season.
