Chelsea, Wigan, Arsenal, and Everton are the talk of the papers today.
All the latest transfer news and gossip you need to know from the last 24 hours…
Chelsea are reported to be close to tying up a deal for Serbian wonderkid Lazar Markovic, according to sources in the player’s homeland. The midfielder is already an international at the age of 18, and has six goals in 12 games for his club Partizan Belgrade this season. Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan are all interested in the playmaker, claim the Mail. A deal would likely start at £8 million rising to £14 million on incentives, although Chelsea are unlikely to make any progress on transfer targets until after they return from the Club World Cup in Japan.
Arsenal want to trade Andrei Arshavin for another out of favour player, Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Igor Denisov says Russia Today. The centre-midfielder is the Russian international captain, and was the captain of Zenit until September. He caused a stir by speaking out against the high wages given to new signings Hulk and Axel Witsel and was promptly dropped from the side, and the 28-year-old is expected to be moved on this January.
French newspaper l’Equipe claimed yesterday that Arsenal have all but sealed a deal for Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The Schalke striker is out of contract in the summer and has been regularly linked with Arsenal, scoring against them in the Champions League earlier this season. Liverpool are also monitoring the forward, who could be available for just £4 million. However Schalke’s sporting director last month claimed Arsenal could not afford the forward. Was that just a bluff to throw everybody off the trail?
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has also spoken of his fear that he could lose midfielder James McArthur in next month’s transfer window. The Scot scored twice in the Latics 2-2 draw with QPR, and has previously been linked with Manchester United. Martinez speaking at the weekend also said Wigan would like to keep him as long as possible but the club will not stand in his way if the right offer comes in.
Chelsea have been linked with a shock move for Sergio Busquets, claim The People. The paper report that Chelsea have sent a scout to watch him in action, in the belief the midfielder could be ready to leave for a new challenge at the end of the season. However Barcelona value the 24-year-old at £30 million, which could scupper any potential deal.
Marouane Fellaini has reassured Everton fans that he has no intention of leaving the club in January. The Belgian midfielder said prior to yesterday’s win over Spurs, “My head is exclusively with Everton,” adding that he wants to play in the Champions League for the Toffees and help them qualify. The 25-year-old had been suggested as a potential target for both Manchester United and Chelsea.
image: © jorge-11
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