Top transfer round-up - January 30th: Manchester United scout European wonderkid
Here we round up the top transfer stories dominating the gossip columns on the penultimate day of the January transfer window for European clubs.
West Ham work on summer deal for Maxi Gomez
West Ham are close to agreeing a club-record £40m deal to sign Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez at the end of the season.
The Hammers wanted to sign Gomez this month and could yet attempt to accelerate a deal depending on the outcome of scan results on Marko Arnautovic’s foot injury.
Gomez has a £43m release clause in his existing Celta deal but by agreeing to a summer transfer, West Ham have managed to bring the price down marginally.
The 22-year-old has played a direct hand in 35 goals in 55 league games for Celta in the last 18 months.
Borussia Dortmund eye Hakim Ziyech
Borussia Dortmund want to bolster their chances of success in three competitions this season but signing Ajax star Hakim Ziyech.
Ziyech has finished each of the last two Eredivisie campaigns as the highest WhoScored rated player and is on course to achieve the feat again this term.
Since August 2016, Ziyech ranks top in the Eredivisie for key passes (321), goals and assists combined (63) and second for dribbles completed (208).
Manchester United scout Benfica teenager
Manchester United had scouts in attendance for Joao Felix’s latest dazzling display for Benfica in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over Boavista.
Felix has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe this season and been linked with moves to Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Of players to have made at least 10 appearances in Liga NOS this season, Felix requires the fewest minutes per goal or assist (every 71.3 minutes of action)
Joao Felix: Is having a direct hand in a goal more frequently (every 71.3 mins) than any other player in Liga NOS this season (10+ apps)
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 30, 2019
For more player stats -- https://t.co/Bu8FRGHQcU pic.twitter.com/DDHSxIzBiH
Martial agrees terms to a new Manchester United deal
Anthony Martial has agreed terms to a new four-and-a-half-year deal with Manchester United.
Martial’s existing deal is due to expire in 18 months but talks have progressed since Jose Mourinho was sacked before Christmas.
An official announcement is expected before the end of the week and United will then turn their attention to securing David de Gea’s long-term future.
PSG outcast Nkunku willing to wait for Arsenal move
The agent of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Christopher Nkunku has revealed his client is ready to wait until the summer to join Arsenal.
Unai Emery wants to reunite with the young Frenchman but PSG will only sanction a loan move this month if they can sign another central midfielder.
Nkunku is desperate to secure regular playing time elsewhere but wants to join Arsenal, even if that means waiting until the summer
Chelsea block Christensen’s exit
Chelsea have blocked moves from Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for Andreas Christensen in the last week.
Christensen has dropped completely out of favour under Maurizio Sarri this season but is still highly rated by the club.
Only Cesc Fabregas (552) has attempted more passes than Christensen (479) in the Europa League this season
Juventus have confirmed Sampdoria have signed Arsenal target Emil Audero in a deal worth €20m.
Audero was already on loan at Sampdoria but the Serie A side have made the move permanent amid talk of a summer move from Arsenal.
Only Samir Handanovic (11) has kept more clean sheets than Audero (7) in Serie A this season.
Borussia Dortmund block Weigl’s move to PSG
Julian Weigl has revealed he spoke to Borussia Dortmund about the idea of moving to Paris Saint-Germain but the Bundesliga leaders blocked it.
The Germany international has lost his place in the team at Dortmund this season and emerged as a January target for former BVB head coach Thomas Tuchel.
PSG have already signed Zenit midfielder Leandro Paredes this month but want one more midfield addition through the door before Thursday’s deadline.
Arsenal target former Atletico Madrid winger Carrasco
Arsenal have cooled their interest in Ivan Perisic and are now exploring a deal for Dalian Yifang winger Yannick Carrasco.
The Gunners can only afford loan signings this month and Inter are only willing to sell Perisic if there is a permanent deal involved.
Carrasco is unhappy in China and available to leave on loan this month, though Yifang want a replacement lined up.
The 25-year-old has spent the last 12 months in China and played a direct hand in 12 goals in 25 league appearances during his maiden campaign.
Leicester win race for Tielemans
Leicester have agreed a swap deal with Monaco for midfielder Youri Tielemans that will see Adrien Silva move in the opposite direction.
Tielemans was made available for loan by Monaco as soon as Leonardo Jardim was re-appointed manager last weekend.
After brief interest from Tottenham, Leicester have won the race to sign Tielemans on loan for the remainder of the season with no option to buy.
