The January window may have just shut, but Transfer Talk still has the updates on all the latest rumours and done deals.
Arsenal already looking to summer window
They may have only just completed a £56 million club-record deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Arsenal aren’t planning to put their wallet away yet.
According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners are eyeing two more big-money signings in the summer, with Bordeaux winger Malcom joined by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak on the club’s shortlist.
The report also suggests that Arsenal will return for West Brom defender Jonny Evans, who could be available for as little as £3m if the Baggies suffer relegation.
Arsenal have plenty of work to do themselves before the end of the season, with their top targets unlikely to move to the Emirates Stadium unless Champions League football is secured.
Meyer attracting interest
Another player whose name has come up in connection with Arsenal is Schalke midfielder Max Meyer.
The talented 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and could follow teammate Leon Goretzka, who recently signed a pre-contract agreement with Bayern Munich, out of the exit door.
Barcelona are also monitoring Meyer’s situation, according to the Daily Star, as the Germany international continues to impress in Schalke’s quest to attain a Champions League place.
Schalke are still hopeful of extending Meyer’s contract, despite their frustrations at already losing Goretzka.
Alisson a wanted man
Liverpool face stiff competition to sign Roma’s Alisson after Real Madrid expressed an interest in the goalkeeper, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The La Liga giants are desperate to find a long-term replacement for Keylor Navas, but have been given little encouragement in moves for David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois.
The Premier League duo appear set to sign new contracts in the near future, while Madrid also missed out on Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga after he committed his future to the Basque club.
That has led them to Brazilian keeper Alisson, who has been in fine form for Roma this season and is tipped to start for his country at the World Cup ahead of Man City’s Ederson.
The news comes as a blow to Liverpool, who had been hoping to bring in the 25-year-old as an upgrade on Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.
Hammers botch Slimani bid
According to the Guardian, West Ham missed out on a deadline-day deal for Islam Slimani because Leicester’s owners were offended by a newspaper article written by Karren Brady last year.
In her column for The Sun, the Hammers vice-chairman wrote following Claudio Ranieri’s dismissal: “A fellow Premier League director reports that last night he bumped into the Leicester chairman at London’s most expensive wine shop. The Leicester owner told him they’d sacked Claudio Ranieri.
“He then casually settled his bill for wine and champagne. Since the sum was close to £500,000 I guess the compensation to his old manager is pocket change. At least the owner can drown his sorrows in style!”
It’s now reported that the comments backfired spectacularly as the Foxes owners refused to discuss a deal for Slimani, who ended up at Newcastle.
Tap-ins
– Riyad Mahrez will be slapped with a £200,000 fine for missing Leicester training, claims the Daily Mirror. It looks as though this saga could drag on and on, with the Algeria international devastated at missing out on a transfer to Man City.
– Spurs have set their sights on a pair of talented Championship stars, according to the Evening Standard. Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon and Norwich’s James Maddison have both been linked with moves to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
– Crystal Palace were knocked back in a late bid to sign Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, reports the Scottish Sun. The 21-year-old fired Brendan Rodgers’ side to the title last year but has struggled to repeat his best form this season.
Matthew Stanger covers European football for ESPN and is the editor of The Set Pieces. Twitter: @MatthewStanger