Arsenal are targeting an Algerian star drawing comparisons to Riyad Mahrez as part of four major deals, a young Man Utd player will use the World Cup as an audition to secure his exit, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims Chelsea have made a Juventus star their No 1 January target.
FARES CHAIBI WANTED BY ARSENAL
Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Toulouse star Fares Chaibi, according to reports in France.
The 19-year-old has emerged as a player of genuine quality for the Ligue 1 this season, where he operates in an attacking midfield role. Indeed, he already has two goals and four assists to his name for Philippe Montanier’s side.
They currently sit 12th in the French top flight, with Chaibi their undoubted star.
The Gunners are not alone in their admiration for the player though. He is also being tracked by Sevilla, with the 6ft tall star often compared to Riyad Mahrez in his homeland.
Like Mahrez, Chaibi was also born in France and is of Algerian parentage.
And while a fee is not mentioned, Foot Mercato claims the Gunners are ‘salivating’ over the star and will do all they can to sign him.
Three other Arsenal signings to follow
The potential arrival of Chaibi will be part of what is likely to be a very busy period at Arsenal.
First up, the Gunners plan to confirm a new deal for Bukayo Saka. The club are reportedly advancing with talks for the player and his extension could be announced within days of the World Cup ending.
His current arrangement is due to expire in summer 2024 and his new deal will see the 21-year-old double his wages.
Per reports, Saka will sign a five-year deal worth a staggering £52m.
Once a deal for Saka is confirmed, Arsenal will then turn their focus to Chaibi and two other January additions.
Next up – and likely to be their biggest signing – is Mykhaylo Mudryk. And despite Shakhtar Donetsk seemingly upping his asking price to a staggering £87m, there remains a belief Arsenal can get the deal done.
Per reports, he will be joined at Emirates Stadium by Evan Ndicka. The Eintracht Frankfurt star is out of contract next summer and is likely to be on the move for a cut-price fee in January. Reports claim he will cost the Gunners a bargain £7m to strengthen their central defensive options.
FACUNDO PELLISTRI SET TO LEAVE MAN UTD
Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri is set to leave Old Trafford in January having never played a game for Manchester United.
The 20-year-old cost the club a fee of around £7.4m in summer 2020, arriving from Penarol following a recommendation from Diego Forlan.
However, he is yet to make his debut for the club and has been allowed to twice join Alaves on loan. But in 35 appearances for the Spanish side, Pellistri failed to score a single goal.
Back at Old Trafford this season, United coaches have taken a closer look at him in their Under-23s.
However, he seems no nearer making the breakthrough with Alejandro Garnacho soaring past him in the club’s eyes.
As such, the winger will be allowed to depart in January, with United reportedly seeking their money back.
Despite his lack of activity at United, Pellistri is now in Qatar as part of Uruguay’s World Cup squad.
Speaking to El Observador, his agent claims he will hopefully use the World Cup to secure his next move.
His agent also insists there are no regrets at signing for Manchester United as they ‘recognised his potential’.
And now his representative adds: “Facundo is going to be one of the best players in the world. I do not have doubts. He has enormous conditions.”
CHELSEA GO HARD IN ADRIEN RABIOT TRANSFER PUSH
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has made Adrien Rabiot his No 1 target for the Blues in January, according to a report.
The Blues boss has concerns over N’Golo Kante and Jorginho – both of whom look set to quit as free agents next summer. In the case of Kante, a surprise move across London is reportedly edging closer.
The exit of both players, though, will leave Potter with two enormous holes to fill in his side.
As such, the search for new midfielders is already well underway. Now, as per reports in Spain, Chelsea are ready to go big in pursuit of Rabiot.
Like Kante and Jorginho, the France midfielder is also out of contract next summer. Talks over an extension at Juventus have failed to see an agreement reached – and it now seems he will make the Premier League his next destination.
Manchester United explored a potential deal for Rabiot over the summer, only to find his mother and agent, Veronique, a tough customer to deal with. As a result, the talks broke down and United instead turned their focus to Casemiro.
However, Todd Boehly hopes to succeed where United failed and is now working hard on a deal. His signing will likely set Chelsea back around £12m – but it is a fee they are willing to spend.
Furthermore, they will also reportedly offer him a lucrative three and a half year deal worth in excess of £100,000 per week.
World Cup Predictions: More England heartbreak; fitting farewell for a legend; surprise Golden Boot winner; new Three Lions hero emerges