Manchester have made a bid for shock player to replace Marcus Rashford at Old TraffordThis is ruthless from Ruben Amorim!
With the January transfer window approaching, clubs across Europe are actively strategizing to strengthen their squads. Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen on securing Barcelona winger Raphinha, while Manchester United have started considering a potential long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Arsenal have been in contact with intermediaries to explore a possible deal for Raphinha, a player they have admired since his Leeds United days. However, they face competition from Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom have expressed strong interest in the Brazilian. With Barcelona facing financial difficulties, the Catalan giants might be willing to part ways with the winger if the right offer comes in.
Liverpool’s transfer plans extend beyond Raphinha, as they are also keeping a close watch on Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci. The Italian is seen as a viable alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, though Torino’s £50 million valuation may prove to be a stumbling block. The Reds are also considering other midfield options as they seek to bolster their squad. Additionally, Liverpool are reportedly planning a £50 million bid for Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere at the end of the season. The Belgian forward, who struggled at AC Milan before reviving his form in Bergamo, has caught Jürgen Klopp’s attention as a long-term attacking option.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are preparing for life beyond Marcus Rashford, whose inconsistent performances have raised concerns at Old Trafford. Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has emerged as a leading candidate to eventually succeed Rashford, with the 19-year-old already showcasing his potential in the Premier League. However, the Red Devils are not limiting their search to just Ferguson, as they have also reopened discussions about Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has long been linked with a move away from Serie A, and although Chelsea are still seen as front-runners, United are eager to challenge them for his signature. Osimhen’s release clause, reportedly set at around €120 million, makes him one of the most expensive targets currently available.
Tottenham Hotspur are also in the market for reinforcements, particularly in the goalkeeping department. Spurs are set to rival Manchester United for Botafogo’s John Victor, a goalkeeper identified as a potential long-term replacement for Guglielmo Vicario. United, on the other hand, are exploring options to provide competition for André Onana.
At Real Madrid, the club has been monitoring the right-back position but has opted against making an addition in January. Instead, Los Blancos are setting their sights on a summer move for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract situation remains unresolved. Madrid view the England international as an ideal fit for their system due to his exceptional ball-playing ability.
Newcastle United, however, are prioritizing player sales over new signings in an effort to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The Magpies are open to selling right-back Kieran Trippier and winger Miguel Almirón. Trippier has attracted interest from Saudi clubs, while Almirón may still find Premier League suitors.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa are working on strengthening their defense and have identified Real Madrid prospect Raúl Asencio as a potential signing. They face competition from Newcastle and Nottingham Forest for the young center-back, who is highly rated within Madrid’s academy setup. However, it remains uncertain whether Real Madrid will sanction his departure, given their emphasis on developing young talents.
AC Milan, meanwhile, are focused on securing the futures of key players, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders both close to signing new contracts. Maignan, in particular, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but Milan are determined to retain their first-choice shot-stopper.
Real Betis are also looking to be active in the market and have shown interest in Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei and West Ham United’s Guido Rodríguez. Manager Manuel Pellegrini is eager to add depth to his midfield, and both players could be available for the right price. Chelsea may allow Casadei to leave on loan, while Rodríguez’s contract situation at West Ham makes him an attractive target.
As the transfer window draws closer, these rumors are expected to intensify. Arsenal and Liverpool’s pursuit of Raphinha could turn into a fierce competition, while Manchester United’s search for a Rashford replacement remains a major talking point. The futures of Alexander-Arnold, Osimhen, and Maignan will also be closely watched as elite clubs position themselves for what promises to be a highly competitive transfer market. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s financial maneuvering and Aston Villa’s potential move for a Real Madrid talent add further intrigue to what is shaping up to be an eventful window.
