Friday's transfer roundup: Marko Arnautovic staying at West Ham as Crystal Palace deny Borussia Dortmund approach for Wilfried Zaha
All of Friday's news, gossip, rumours and done deals from the January window
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Marko Arnautovic put an end to “all the writing and speculation” as the Austrian took to Twitter to confirm he will stay at West Ham this season.
The striker had been subject to lucrative bids from China and appeared to wave goodbye to supporters before insisting today that his future was with the club.
The Hammers were reported to have Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez lined up as a replacement and remain in talks with the Spanish side.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Roy Hodgson denied that Crystal Palace had been approached by Borussia Dortmund over Wilfried Zaha while Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Tottenham are looking at new signings.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
Could Rafa Benitez leave Newcastle?
It never feels too far away with the Spaniard but, according to the Telegraph, unless the club the two signings he asked for this month he's off.
Monaco's Antonio Barreca and Atletico Madrid's Gelson Martins have been linked with Lazio's Jordan Lukaku, Romelu's brother, set to sign on loan imminently.
Watford have no interest in selling Abdoulaye Doucoure this month.
The in-form midfielder is catching the eye this season with Paris Saint-Germain particularly interested.
But the Evening Standard say the 26-year-old is staying put, for now at least.
To Spain where another Real Madrid star could be set to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus.
Marcelo is the latest player to be linked with a switch according to Marca who is reported to have told bosses at the Bernabeu "if they make an offer for me, you have to let me go".
Roma’s Monchi is one of the top names being considered for Arsenal’s technical director, and there is a growing feeling a deal can be done.
The London club are pressing ahead with restructuring of the technical staff, in moves that played a part in Sven Mislintat’s impending departure.
The outgoing head of recruitment had initially been seen as a candidate for technical director, but main target Monchi is probably one of the few football figures in Europe with a reputation equal to that of Mislintat for finding players, and would represent another coup.
Roma are said to be bracing themselves for the departure of the 50-year-old, who only joined from Sevilla in April 2017, signing a four-month contract.
It was at the Spanish club that Monchi - full name Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo - enjoyed a close relationship with current Arsenal manager Unai Emery.
Up to Manchester United where Eric Bailly won't be going anywhere.
Arsenal have been linked with the Ivorian centre back and a short-term loan-to-buy deal.
But the Mail report Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no intention of letting him go.
Over to France where PSG could be set to make the biggest splash of this winter window.
The French champions are set to complete a £88m move for Napoli midfielder Allan in the next few days.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is said to be in Paris, according to today's Gazzetta dello Sport, with a deal close.
Let's take a trip to the champions and a possible surprise loan move before the window.
Schalke's Sebastian Rudy is the target, according to the Sun, with Pep Guardiola apparently a fan of the German international.
Manchester United are ready to double Marcus Rashford's wages to close to £150,000 per week to keep him at Old Trafford.
That's according to the Mirror who say a host of Europe's top clubs are keen on the England international.
More on Leandro Paredes whose move to PSG looks set to be completed.
French media are now reporting a €45m deal is close with only a medical left to sort.
Chelsea were interested the French champs appear to have won the race.
Eden Hazard hopes that Gonzalo Higuain’s goals can make the difference for Chelsea now that he has completed his move from AC Milan, and that he can finally replace the penalty box ruthlessness of Diego Costa.
The Argentine striker was paraded before fans at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night and is set to make his debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Chelsea have struggled with their number 9 options ever since Diego Costa fell out with Antonio Conte two years ago, even before he went back to Atletico Madrid. So far this season Alvaro Morata has five league goals and Olivier Giroud just one. Hazard is their top league goalscorer with 10.
But Hazard cannot do it all himself and he is looking forward to partnering with someone who has led the line for Real Madrid, Juventus and Napoli over the years.
And who can give Chelsea that extra edge in the penalty area that they have been missing. He thinks Higuain can be just as good as Costa, the man whose strength and courage helped the team to the Premier League titles in 2014-15 and 2016-17.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments