A lack of recent game time for a Manchester City star has clubs across Europe on red alert and Arsenal have reportedly agreed a fee for their main transfer target.
Manchester United’s move for a towering Dutch striker is also nearing completion.
Catch up on the biggest whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!
Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Aussies among shortlist for Fifa honours | 01:36
MORE COVERAGE
‘A lot of talent there’: Hearts boss delighted as Kuol’s next move made official
Aussie duo nominated for major FIFA awards as Messi, Mbappe set to battle for top prize
$196m flop sent off in horror debut as ex-Chelsea star haunts old club in stunning win
CITY STAR’S BENCH SPELL HAS EUROPE’S BEST ON RED ALERT
Last year, Manchester City star Joao Cancelo made the PFA team of the year as a left-back, which is somewhat remarkable considering it’s not even his natural position.
The Portuguese star enjoyed a decent 2022/23 campaign for City with four goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
However, since returning to action after the World Cup break, Cancelo has found life in Pep Guardiola’s side a little tougher.
He has started just one game in the run of games since which came in a 1-0 win over Chelsea, but the goal came in the second half after Cancelo had been subbed off at the interval for 18-year-old sensation Rico Lewis.
With his recent spell on the bench, The Telegraph reports it has put clubs across Europe on red alert over his potential availability.
A move in the January window may not be likely and could be one for big clubs to revisit in the summer, although the situation could very easily change should Cancelo return to form and get back in Guardiola’s starting team.
GUNNERS GIVE IN TO SHAKHTAR’S DEMANDS FOR 21YO STAR?
It’s no secret Arsenal’s main target in the January window is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Gunners have already had two bids turned down by the Ukrainian side, who have slapped a reported price tag of $AUD154 million on the 22-year-old.
However, it appears a case of the third time being the charm as Sportitalia journalist Rudy Galetti claims talks between the two clubs “are entering in the final stage” with both clubs agreeing on a fee between $132 million and $140 million for Mudryk.
It is unclear how much of that figure may involve potential add-ons, but it still represents an almighty splash from Arsenal on a player who is yet to score for his country.
Although it’s a large outlay, Mudryk could be the final piece of the puzzle for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta as he looks to continue leading his side’s unlikely title push in the second half of the season.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have been the main men on the wings for Arsenal this season, although there has been somewhat of an over-reliance on the duo given they have started every league match this season.
UNITED’S RONALDO REPLACEMENT IMMINENT
After scoring just two goals in 20 Premier League appearances for Burnley, chances are that Wout Weghorst didn’t envisage a move to Manchester United happening at any stage.
However, an impressive scoring run whilst on loan at Besiktas as well as strong displays at the World Cup for the Netherlands have him poised to move to Old Trafford.
According to Sky Sports, Weghorst visited Besiktas’ offices to sign off on various papers to confirm his loan agreement at the Turkish giants had been officially terminated as he now travels to Manchester to link up with the Red Devils.
The report states United will pay a loan fee to Burnley and cover Weghorst’s wages in full, with the total financial package set to cost the club an estimated $7 million.
The arrival of the Dutchman brings a temporary end to United boss Erik ten Hag’s search for attacking reinforcements after Cristiano Ronaldo’s tumultuous departure last year.
Weghorst arrives at the club having scored nine goals and provided four assists in 18 games for Besiktas and will provide cover for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial up top.
Should all go to plan, United hope to have Weghorst registered in time for the mouth-watering Manchester derby on Saturday night (AEDT).
