Chelsea join Enzo Fernandez transfer battle

Chelsea have entered the race for Enzo Fernandez, according to the latest reports.

Liverpool had generally been considered as the frontrunners to secure the signature of the World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament from Qatar after his impressive exploits with champions Argentina.

However, a number of other clubs have been linked with Fernandez, who only joined Benfica from River Plate in the summer but already looks nailed on for a big-money move elsewhere.

According to Portuguese publication Record, Chelsea are now showing an interest in Fernandez, but will have to pay his €120m release clause in full.

Cristiano Ronaldo to decide on Saudi Arabia move

Another update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future now.

It seems that the Portuguese superstar is edging closer to that high-profile, big-money move to Saudi Arabia following an acrimonious early exit from Manchester United last month.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Al Nassr are now pushing to get Ronaldo signed up in the coming days.

They are said to have offered him a €200m-a-season contract through June 2025.

It’s all waiting on Ronaldo’s final decision.

Liverpool handed Jude Bellingham blow

Liverpool may have been handed a sizable blow in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham.

The Reds are long-time admirers of the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who enjoyed a fantastic World Cup with England and is now one of European football’s hottest transfer properties.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with Bellingham, along with the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Spanish publication AS, the former Birmingham City prodigy is not keen to return home at this stage and could instead prefer a move to Spain.

That would seem a major boost for Real if accurate!

Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘maximise’ January window

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal cannot afford to rest on their laurels and must take full advantage of the January transfer window, writes Simon Collings.

The Gunners are currently sat top of the Premier League and five points clear of Manchester City ahead of their Boxing Day clash with West Ham.

Manager Arteta, however, has urged Arsenal to kick on and says they will be “active” in January to bolster their squad.

Arsenal are currently in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over a deal for winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, while they also want a midfielder and a left-sided centre-back.

“We are going to be active and active means we are looking to strengthen the team,” said Arteta. “This squad still doesn’t have the luxury of not maximising every single window. We have to do that because it’s really important.

“But then we have to get the right profile, it has to be the right player to take us to the next level. We will be in the market always active and we will assess the biggest opportunities that we have.”

Read the article in full here

Bennacer mulls options

Ismael Bennacer is reportedly considering his AC Milan future, amid interest from Liverpool.

The Reds’ desire to add a central midfielder to their ranks is no secret, and Tuttosport report that Bennacer is one of those they are interested in.

It’s claimed that his agent Enzo Raiola met with Milan and received an offer to renew the Algerian’s current deal, with Bennacer now left to decide whether to accept that or to push for a move to Liverpool.

Marsch coy on Leeds plans

Jesse Marsch wants to stay quiet on Leeds’ plans for the January window.

Asked about the club’s transfer targets at his press conference, the Leeds boss was not in particularly talkative mood.

He did, however, encourage Mateusz Klich to stay at the club and turn down DC United’s approach.

“Obviously we are being active and Victor and Andrea are hard at work behind the scenes,” Marsch said. But I want to avoid talking about it because it becomes a lightning rod and everybody wants to draw attention to that.”

He added: “There has been an enquiry for Matheus but from all sides we’re still cautious about thinking it might be time for him to leave. He’s still been really important here.

“He’s played the fifth-most matches since I’ve been here, 25 games from 28. I’m not sure it is the time for him to leave.”

Arsenal enter Mudryk talks

Arsenal are in talks with Mykhailo Mudryk’s representatives over a January move.

The Shakhtar Donetsk winger continues to be linked with a transfer to the Gunners, with both parties evidently very keen to complete a deal.

CBS’ Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal and Edu have made an initial approach with the player and his team, but expect the negotiations with Shakhtar to be far more difficult.

Arsenal hold interest in Youri Tielemans and Evan Ndicka

Mikel Arteta is prioritising a new winger, and Arsenal are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over a deal for Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk, writes Simon Collings.

The Gunners also want to sign a left-sided centre-back and midfielder in the summer, but they could be tempted to accelerate those plans as they target their first title since 2003-04.

Arsenal hold a long-term interest in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka and Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, who are both out of contract at the end of the season. They also watched Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister during the World Cup.

Fulham keen on Abdoulaye Doucouré

Fulham have impressed since returning to the Premier League and are targeting Janaury signings to ensure they don’t get dragged into a relegation scrap.

Cedric Soares of Arsenal is a target, while another English-based player is reportedly on their radar.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré is of interest.

A busy day for Chelsea!

Chelsea look to be securing two signings before January 1st.

While links with both David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos are nothing new, both moves reportedly took a step closer to completion today.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are now set to sign both after verbal agreements.

Project 2030 is underway!