Arsenal are ready for late window fireworks with a club-record midfield signing on the cards, Aston Villa are keen to sign an unhappy Chelsea star, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims a Leeds and Luton have agreed on a deal over a player.
MOISES CAICEDO TIPPED FOR LATE WINDOW MOVE TO ARSENAL
Arsenal are looking into a late January transfer splurge for Moises Caicedo that could set them back a club-record fee.
The Gunners have already made two signings this month, securing the signings of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.
But Mikel Arteta still wants Arsenal to strengthen their squad further with a deal for a new midfielder. And while Thomas Partey and Grant Xhaka are performing at the top of their games, they do lack quality cover for the duo.
Furthermore, Artete has revealed that one his squad men, Mohamed Elneny, is currently suffering with injury.
And with Arsenal hoping to end their 19-year title wait this season, the need for a new midfield signing has never been more acute.
They are being linked with moves for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi – though both deals will need to wait until the summer.
Indeed, rather enticingly, Rice has seemingly given Arsenal his word over a summer move to Emirates.
However, they could have more joy now in pursuing a deal for Brighton star Caicedo.
The midfielder colossus has established himself as one of the leading players in the Premier League in his position. And that form has seen him strongly linked with moves to both Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, the Daily Telegraph claims Arsenal are ready to make their move for the Ecuadorian before the window closes.
Brighton are placing a prohibitive £100m price tag on the star to try and dissuade his suitors.
However, the Telegraph reckons the Seagulls would buckle if an offer worth £75m was tabled. That would represent a club-record deal for the Gunners were they to land him.
Fabrizio Romano also suggests Arsenal are keen. He tweeted: “Three clubs are exploring Caicedo deal after new agents statement: Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are informed on the situation, as revealed on Monday.
“Brighton, not intentioned to sell unless they receive really huge proposal.”
VILLA KEEN ON DEAL FOR CHELSEA STRIKER AUBAMEYANG
Aston Villa are ready to explore a deal to sign Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – though any deal must wait until the summer.
The former Arsenal striker finds himself at a major career crossroads after his Chelsea move went sour.
Having moved there in the summer from Barcelona, he now finds himself struggling for a regular shirt under Graham Potter.
And speculation has emerged suggesting the 33-year-old is so unhappy that he wants to return to Barcelona.
That move does look unlikely, but, having played for both the Blaugrana and Chelsea this season, FIFA rules block him playing for another side until next season.
Now, according to The Athletic, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is keen on reuniting with Aubameyang in the summer.
Villa are on the look out for a new No 9, having allowed Danny Ings to leave for West Ham.
Moussa Dembele of Lyon is another name in the frame, though interest in Memphis Depay and Marcus Thuram has since gone cold.
However, Aubameyang could wind up at Villa Park in the summer if the situation still suit all parties.
The Gabon striker thrived under Emery’s management while the two were both at Arsenal. As such, the experienced striker is reportedly open to the idea of linking up with his former boss once again.
LEEDS EXIT ON THE CARDS AS LEEDS MAKE CODY DRAMEH DECISION
Leeds United are ready to let right-back Cody Drameh depart Elland Road on Thursday – and make a move to Luton Town.
The 21-year-old star is desperate to play regular football having never claimed a regular shirt at Leeds. The Whites do rate Drameh highly – but the problem for the player is that both Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen both stand in front of him in the pecking order.
As it stands, Drameh has made just three appearances for Leeds so far this season.
With a number of clubs looking into a potential deal, Sky Sports can now reveal that the player has agreed to sign for Luton Town.
He will move to Kenilworth Road on a loan deal until the end of the season. With a medical booked in for Thursday, Leeds can expect to wave goodbye to Drameh in the next few hours.
His deal at Elland Road is due to expire in summer 2024. As such, Leeds will make a permanent decision on his long-term future once the season ends.
Much will depend on what division Leeds find themselves in. Another moving part in the equation is Ayling.
The 31-year-old has been with Leeds since 2016 and played a leading role in their promotion to the Premier League. However, his deal is due to expire on July 1 – and Leeds remain unsure whether to hand him an extension.
