The transfer window might be shut across Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on turning. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals.
TOP STORY: Arsenal join race for Wirtz
Arsenal have joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to Bild.
It is reported that the Gunners are set to compete with Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich for the 21-year-old’s signature, but any move for him could require an offer worth €150million.
Wirtz is said to be looking to join a team that could win the Champions League if he leaves Leverkusen, while he also wants the opportunity to compete for the Ballon d’Or. Arsenal are believed to have “closely observed” him during his time as a youth player in Cologne, and they are now “fully committed” to making an attempt to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Manager Xabi Alonso has handed Wirtz a leading role since he helped his side to the Bundesliga title last season, and he has made an impressive start to the new campaign with six goals in the opening five matches across all competitions.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
– Scouts from Liverpool have added Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi to their shortlist, reports TeamTalk. The Reds are reported to be planning to “revamp” their forward line next season amid belief that they could be without Mohamed Salah when his contract expires. The 22-year-old is one of the first names alongside Real Sociedad‘s Takefusa Kubo, 23, that are being lined up as potential replacements.
– Manchester City are exploring a move for Torino defensive midfielder Samuele Ricci, according to the Guardian. The Citizens are reported to be keen to land a replacement for Rodri after he was ruled out for the season, and there is belief that the 23-year-old, who is available to be signed for a fee in the region of £30million, could play a long-term part in the club’s project rather than join as a stop-gap option.
– Multiple clubs are keeping close tabs on Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, reports the Telegraph. The 24-year-old, who made his senior international debut for England earlier this month, is said to be on the radar of clubs in the Premier League as well as Europe, having continued his impressive form in Ligue 1 this season, and it is reported that Les Dogues are already bracing themselves to receive offers for him in January.
– Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres is on the radar of Arsenal, says Nicolo Schira. The Gunners have been reported to be searching the transfer market for a forward of late, and it looks as though the 26-year-old remains an option for manager Mikel Arteta. After contributing to 39 goals in 33 league games last season, the Sweden international has made a swift start to the new Portuguese Primeira Liga campaign, having scored 10 goals in his first seven appearances.
– Juventus have made a contract offer to striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Ekrem Konur. The Bianconeri are reported to be close to reaching full agreement with the 24-year-old, with the proposal believed to be a deal that would secure his future at the club until the summer of 2029. Vlahovic has scored two goals in five Serie A matches so far this season.