Transfer News

Lautaro Martinez has said he's settled at Inter Milan after reportedly being linked as a transfer target for Barcelona.

The Argentina international has credited the arrival of Antonio Conte last summer as the catalyst for change at the San Siro, saying the coach "lives for the game."

Speaking to Argentinian sports channel TyC Sports (h/t Football Italia), Martinez explained he feels appreciated at his club:

"Today, I defend the Inter shirt. I am very happy here, people love me. If there are these kinds of [transfer] rumours, it only means that I am doing well.

"I must continue down this path. It's the mentality I have when I go to sleep. I am very calm, very happy and feel comfortable at Inter."

Per Ignasi Oliva Gispert of Goal, Barca have considered the 22-year-old as a replacement for Luis Suarez after the Uruguay striker was recently injured, but the Spanish champions are reportedly more likely to make a summer move for Inter's rising star. The forward has a €111 million release clause that is only active for two weeks in July.

The former Racing Club striker, who moved to Inter two summers ago, also elaborated on the impact Conte has had on him and the team:

"A lot has changed, a new coach arrived, one who lives for the game in a very special way. He has given us so much from his first day here.

"He convinced all the players and the people who work here to give their all. And the results are evident.

"With this coach, I have grown a lot and that's why I enjoy this moment that I'm living right now."

The signing of Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United has presented Martinez with the perfect partner up front for the Nerazzurri, who are two points off Juventus atop Serie A.

He has benefited playing as the No. 10 behind Lukaku, and Conte has gotten the best out of his strike force. Martinez has netted 15 goals in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season and, in the process, has become one of the most exciting talents in Europe after scoring just seven times last term.

Signing Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen during the January transfer window would be a major coup for Inter Milan. Wrapping up both deals may seem like a tall order, but Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio says there is optimism at the club things can be done. 

Ausilio was asked about Inter's attempts to reinforce the squad this winter, per Sky Sports: "No important news, we have confidence in our work and not only for these two players."

His expression of confidence represents a stark contrast to the recent thoughts of Antonio Conte. The manager had said funds are lacking for new signings, per Goal's James Westwood.

A hefty transfer budget may not be needed to sign either Giroud or Eriksen, though. Both are on the outside looking in with their current clubs.

Eriksen has already been the subject of a bid from the team second in Serie A, but Spurs want twice the amount offered, per Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian:

Inter have offered Christian Eriksen a contract to join the club on a free transfer next summer and are exploring the possibility of making a bid to get him this window, according to @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/j7wrQkzvOL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2020

Meanwhile, Sky Italia (h/t Football.London's Robert Warlow and Joe Doyle) reported Giroud has agreed personal terms with Inter, but a fee hasn't been settled on with Chelsea.

Eriksen has been merely a bit-part player for the Lilywhites this season, after declaring his desire to leave the club last summer. The 27-year-old has made just 10 starts and eight appearances off the substitutes bench, but he's still scored two goals and provided as many assists.

He was on the pitch when Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday. As many noted, Eriksen's actions after the full-time whistle looked like a goodbye gesture to the Tottenham faithful:

I didn't see it but I've now had two different people tell me Christian Eriksen handed his shirt to someone in the South Stand, waved to the crowd and then instead of walking across the pitch to the tunnel, walked around the touchline waving to the fans along the way. A goodbye?

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) January 11, 2020

Here's the start of that post-match Christian Eriksen moment people have been talking about, captured by @RachelVMartin. pic.twitter.com/6621W50UdS

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) January 11, 2020

Conte knows how valuable Eriksen can be from his two seasons in charge of Chelsea. Eriksen would add a bit more guile and vision to a workmanlike Inter midfield underpinned by Marcelo Brozovic.

Yet letting Eriksen go this month would be a risky proposition for a Spurs squad dealing with a few injuries. The walking wounded includes midfield powerhouse Moussa Sissoko, who is set for a lengthy spell on the treatment table following knee surgery.

Tottenham's depleted numbers were supplemented on Wednesday by the arrival of Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal from Benfica, per the club's official website.

Fernandes will add athleticism and versatility to the engine room, but Eriksen's technique and eye for a pass would surely be missed. Letting him go would increase the burden on Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso to carry the creative load.

Giroud's value to Chelsea has become less obvious since Frank Lampard took charge last summer. Lampard has made youth the focus of his team, and in 22-year-old Tammy Abraham, he has a prolific attacking talisman with 15 goals to his credit in all competitions.

Abraham's most obvious deputy is Michy Batshuayi, who offers the pace Giroud lacks. Yet while the Frenchman appears surplus to requirements, he's proved his worth in the past.

Giroud's aerial power and ability to link with runners from midfield made him an instant hit with the Blues when he arrived from London rivals Arsenal in early 2018. His goals helped Conte's men win the FA Cup the same year, while he was also prolific en route to helping Chelsea lift last season's UEFA Europa League trophy:

Most goals and assists in European competition in 2018/19:

Lionel Messi
👕10 games
⚽️12 goals
🅰️3 assists

Olivier Giroud
👕14 games
⚽️11 goals
🅰️ 4 assists

But only one of them won a trophy at the end of it. 😉 pic.twitter.com/OkTGo2wHHQ

— William Hill (@WilliamHill) January 14, 2020

Signing Giroud would give Conte a natural backup for main frontman Romelu Lukaku. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez has helped the Nerazzurri becomes the main challengers to Juventus in the Italian top flight.

Bolstering depth up front, while adding more creativity to midfield, would boost Inter's chances of overcoming a two-point deficit and breaking Juve's grip on the title.

Donny van de Beek is reportedly set to join Real Madrid from Ajax at the end of the season for a fee in the region of €55 million.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (h/t Marca) on Wednesday, Los Blancos will finally sign the midfielder after showing interest in him last summer.

The 22-year-old impressed for the Dutch champions during their run to last season's UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a €55M fee with Ajax for the transfer of Donny Van de Beek in June 🇳🇱 (De Telegraaf) pic.twitter.com/OkuktN0vER

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 15, 2020

The Dutch international's passing style will excite fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Spanish giants reportedly beating Manchester United to the signing.

Van de Beek's versatility allows him to feature in both defensive and attacking roles in midfield, and he has eight goals in the Eredivisie and Europe this term after netting 12 last season.

However, it's the Dutchman's creativity that Zinedine Zidane will hope to harness. Van de Beek has 17 assists to his name since the start of the previous campaign.

The player is said to have been of interest to Real since impressing when Ajax eliminated them from the Champions League knockouts in 2018-19.

Real's midfield could soon be revamped, with the futures of Luka Modric and Isco in question, per Marca.

Van de Beek is ready to take the next step in his career, and a switch to a rebuilding Real will provide a suitable stage.

Zidane has re-established his team as title challengers this season. However, the long-term quality of the squad will be solidified by signings of Van de Beek's ability.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has made it clear the club will not entertain offers for star forward Moussa Dembele this month. 

The striker is one of the top goalscorers in French football and has been regularly linked with a move away from Lyon. Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been noted as possible suitors.

If Lyon were to lose the striker it would be a big blow to their campaign, but Aulas has said there's no chance of the Ligue 1 giants entertaining any offer for the former Celtic sharpshooter, per RMC (h/t Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror).

"We have not changed our minds. We already made this issue clear in August. Moussa is an excellent player. A player who we need. 

"We are taking explicit measures in our recruitment to not bring someone in who will compete for his position. It is not a question of money. Moussa will be with us."

According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea have already lodged an offer of £34 million for the striker in this window, although that bid was rejected by Lyon.

Sky Sports also reported that United want to sign a striker this month, and Dembele is on their list of targets. The Red Devils are said to be interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Raul Jimenez too.

The Lyon man has been one of the standout performers for an inconsistent team this term, netting 11 Ligue 1 goals, including two in his last two games. The most recent was this winner in the clash against Bordeaux:

Another Lyon goal for Moussa Dembele 🙌

This is why Tottenham and Chelsea are interested 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CPeiAxxwoi

— GOAL (@goal) January 13, 2020

Per OptaJean, the striker has settled well to life at Groupama Stadium:

10 - Moussa Dembélé is the first player to score at least 10 goals in each of his first 2 seasons with Lyon in Ligue 1 since Bafétimbi Gomis & Lisandro López in 2009/10 & 2010/11. Surgical. @OL_English pic.twitter.com/PP7T4eOLyz

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 23, 2019

Having shone at Celtic, Dembele moved to Lyon in the summer of 2018 and found the step up relatively straightforward.

Although there are still areas of his game where improvement is required, Dembele is a natural goalscorer, scoring 15 times in the top flight last term. 

Dembele comes alive when the ball is in the penalty area:

Moussa Dembele in Ligue 1 since joining Lyon:

🥇 Most penalties won
🥈 2nd-most goals scored
🥈 2nd-most shots inside the box

First in five of the six categories on the graphic? Kylian Mbappe. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/TZ5Prqv8tr

— William Hill (@WilliamHill) January 9, 2020

All indications are that he'll be at Lyon as he continues to make improvements, with Aulas adamant the France youth international won't be on the move. After selling the likes of Nabil Fekir and Tanguy Ndombele in the summer, they won't be under major pressure to cash in on any more assets.

Lyon would miss the striker's goalscoring instincts. They are currently down in seventh place in the French top flight but just four points back on Rennes in third.

Antonio Conte has said Inter Milan "must find cheap opportunities" in the January transfer window because "there is not much money" available for bolstering the squad. 

Speaking after the Nerazzurri's 4-1 Coppa Italia win over Cagliari, Conte hinted Inter are planning to do business in the winter window, but he played down the profile of the players they will target, per Goal's James Westwood:

"There is not much money, the director has been clear. We must be good at finding situations that can bring us benefits. We must find cheap opportunities, otherwise I see it being hard. The ideas are there. If there is the possibility, we will improve. What you can't get with money you have to get with intelligence and wit."

Inter have been strongly linked with Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen and have reportedly offered him a deal to sign in the summer when his contract in north London has expired:

Inter have offered Christian Eriksen a contract to join the club on a free transfer next summer and are exploring the possibility of making a bid to get him this window, according to @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/j7wrQkzvOL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2020

According to Westwood, Spurs are demanding £17 million from Inter if they want to sign him six months early.

Based on Conte's comments, it is unlikely Inter have that kind of cash available. They do need to bolster their squad, though.

The 50-year-old Italian has done an excellent job at the San Siro since joining in May 2019 as Luciano Spalletti's successor.

Under Conte in 2019-20, Inter have matched eight-time defending champions Juventus almost blow for blow and are in with a genuine chance of winning a first Scudetto since 2010:

#SerieATIM update after 19 matchdays. 📊⤵️#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/mjxpI9C4uf

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 13, 2020

However, squad depth could be a defining factor in the title race this term. Both Juve and Inter will be fighting for silverware on multiple fronts in the second half of the season, meaning both will need to rely on their full squads.

In that respect, the Old Lady have a definite edge because Maurizio Sarri has quality cover across the entire pitch.

Just look at £67.5 million signing Matthijs de Ligt, who has been warming the bench recently due to the excellent form of the now-injured Merih Demiral:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1208787479442132994

That depth will pay dividends for Juve when Sarri is able to rotate and rest key players at the business end of the campaign.

In order to match Juventus in that respect, Inter will need to make January additions, but a lack of funds will make it difficult for Conte to make impactful signings. 

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan, which includes an option to purchase before June 2021. 

Spurs announced their first January signing on the club's official Twitter account Wednesday: 

✍️ We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for the 18-month loan of Gedson Fernandes from Benfica with an option to make the transfer permanent.
#BemVindoGedson ⚪️ #COYS

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2020

🗣️ “It’s one big dream to come to this big Club.”

Gedson Fernandes on what it means to join Spurs.

#BemVindoGedson ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/8UExvKMBkn

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2020

Fernandes already has a lofty reputation, but he is aiming high and wants to take inspiration from fellow Portuguese and global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

When asked who he looks up to in the game, Fernandes said: "Cristiano. 

"He is a Portuguese player, and he can break all records. He tries to win day by day, so I have to try to follow the same thing."

Tottenham confirmed Fernandes will wear the No. 30 jersey in a statement on their website.

Fernandes, 21, made his senior debut for Benfica in August 2018 and has made 59 appearances for the defending Primeira Liga champions across all competitions.

Sky Sports reported the youngster completed his Tottenham medical on Monday, beating London rivals West Ham United to his signature.

The twice-capped Portugal international joins compatriot Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he'll reinforce a midfield that's recently been hampered by injuries.

Tottenham's record signing, Tanguy Ndombele, missed Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool due to a groin complaint, while Moussa Sissoko isn't scheduled to return from a knee injury until April.

The future of creative midfielder Christian Eriksen—who is out of contract at the end of the season—also remains in doubt. Mourinho, 56, recently told reporters it was understandable the Denmark international has dipped in form of late, nodding to rumours linking him with a January transfer to Inter Milan.

Fernandes—who can play right across the midfield—has had one direct goal involvement in 13 total appearances this season, assisting in a 4-0 Portuguese Cup third-round win over Cova Piedade on October 18.

He could make his Tottenham debut when they travel to Watford on Saturday, with Spurs hoping to climb from eighth in the Premier League.

Manchester United have reportedly made an offer for Sporting Lisbon playmaker Bruno Fernandes of €70 million (£60 million) plus a player on loan. 

Sport Witness relayed the report from Tuesday's edition of Portuguese newspaper A Bola:

Bruno Fernandes: ‘Agreement’ on €60m + €10m and loan – Andreas Pereira causing most excitement.

However, suggestion Sporting have 'strategy' to delay transfer and keep player for Benfica match.

‘Advancing at cruising speed’https://t.co/dK95mOiMSl #mufc pic.twitter.com/yBSw0OC1n7

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 14, 2020

The front page shows Andreas Pereira among the options of the players who could join Sporting on loan, while Joel Pereira, Marcos Rojo and Angel Gomes are also on the table.

It's said Sporting have agreed to a €60 million fee plus a further €10 million in add-ons, and they are now "slowing down the conclusion of the deal as they continue to examine the various possibilities placed on the table by the English [club] for possible loans."

Sporting face bitter rivals Benfica on Friday, so it is suggested they are taking their time to decide on which player to bring in on loan so they can retain their captain long enough for him to play in that crucial game.

The deal may not be resolved quickly:

If Sporting believe that delaying the deal to the last week of the window will increase the overall Bruno Fernandes fee, that's what they'll do. #MUFC won't get him quickly unless they meet all the demands, & we know Woodward rarely does this. It'll probably drag out.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) January 13, 2020

BBC Sport's Simon Stone reported on 5 Live Sport that Rojo would be Sporting's preferred choice, but there are complications with his potential return to the Portuguese club:

"There has been meetings... Fernandes would like to go"

🗣️ @sistoney67 thinks a deal between #MUFC and Sporting Lisbon for the Portuguese midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, is close.

Listen to the Monday Night Club 👇
📲⚽️: https://t.co/Z6gcKdrGYh#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/6lqfDAYTbw

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) January 13, 2020

According to Sport Witness, the centre-back's wages are a problem for Sporting. It's also said that 19-year-old Gomes' lack of first-team experience is an issue, while Joel Pereira's arrival could interfere with the development of their own young goalkeeper, Luis Maximiano.

As such, Andreas Pereira could be the most likely option. In terms of position the 24-year-old would be more or less a like-for-like replacement for Fernandes.

He wouldn't be in terms of his production, though. Pereira has just one goal and three assists to his name this season.

Fernandes has been much more impactful for Sporting:

Bruno Fernandes this season:

Liga NOS:

• 15 appearances
• 15 goal involvements (8⚽️ & 7️)

Europa League:

• 5 appearances
• 8 goal involvements (5⚽️ & 3️)

Directly involved in 23 goals in 20 appearances. 勞 pic.twitter.com/jDpDnUOQDj

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 13, 2020

The 25-year-old also has two goals and three assists in three Taca da Liga appearances, taking his overall return to 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

United have been outscored by each of the four teams above them in the Premier League this season while Tottenham Hotspur have netted the same number of goals, 36. If they're to finish in the UEFA Champions League places they need an injection of firepower and creativity, and Fernandes provides both.

Arsenal are interested in signing Athletico Paranaense midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and will make an offer near the end of the season, according to the club's president Mario Celso Petraglia. 

The 75-year-old told O Jogo (h/t Lucas Sposito at Sport Witness) that the Brazilian club have already received an offer from Benfica but expect Arsenal to make a move for the defensive midfielder:

"Yes it's true. Yesterday came the official offer from Benfica to sign Bruno Guimaraes. Let's study Benfica's offer. On Monday we will meet the club board to assess this situation. Arsenal are interested, but will only make an offer towards the end of the season."

Benfica have offered €20 million (£17 million) for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder who has a release clause in his contract of €40 million (£34 million), per Sposito.

The 22-year-old has already made a name for himself at Athletico Paranaense and is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Brazil:

Bruno Guimarães & Renan Lodi - two amazing youth products of Athletico Paranaense. 🔴⚫️

The future of Brazilian football. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/7EeLjC7H3L

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) January 5, 2020

His performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe where he has reportedly attracted the attention of a host of top clubs.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Benfica and are all interested in the youngster, according to Globo Esporte (h/t Sposito).

Guimaraes said in December that he would be interested in a move to Atletico Madrid, per Marca (h/t Football Espana):

"Atletico Madrid are my preference for my transfer, but I also have other proposals. I don't know what can happen, but what I can say is that I did my part on the pitch. Now I have to put my future in the hands of those who run the business side."

However, Petragilia has told O Jogo (h/t Sposito) that Diego Simeone's side have "already informed that they are not interested."

Arsenal are expected to do business in the January transfer window and are targeting a box-to-box midfielder and a defender, according to Sam Dean at the Daily Telegraph. However, they are expected to "pursue loan deals" rather than permanent transfers.

The Gunners invested heavily in summer 2019 bringing in players such as Nicolas Pepe, Kieran Tierney, David Luiz and Gabriel Martinelli, and manager Mikel Arteta has said he is not expecting a busy January transfer window:

"I'm not expecting big things"

Mikel Arteta has an update on Arsenal's January transfer plans

More: https://t.co/Nz6WixV2OY pic.twitter.com/ES9ZSyILrY

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 9, 2020

Arteta may have to wait until the summer to make significant changes to his squad but is likely to face plenty of competition if he does want to bring Guimaraes to the Premier League.

Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo said they are in advanced talks to sign Inter Milan loanee Gabriel Barbosa.

The player known as Gabigol has been a huge success since arriving at the Brazilian giants 12 months ago.

According to Football Italia, the Scarlet-Black have hinted a permanent transfer for the striker could soon be completed.

"We had an excellent meeting yesterday," team vice-president Marcos Braz said. "We took steps forward, and I think we should have a happy ending by the end of next week. At least, I hope we do."

However, Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) reported Flamengo have not met Inter's asking price, and they could be short of the money the Italian club are demanding to sell the rejuvenated forward.

The Sao Paulo native was named 2019 South American Footballer of the Year after firing Flamengo to the Brazilian league title and Copa glory.

The forward scored 34 goals in 43 appearances, helping Jorge Jesus' team to that unique double and the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, where it lost 1-0 in extra time to Liverpool in Qatar.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), Flamengo have offered €18 million and 20 per cent of any future transfer fee. However, Antonio Conte's club want €22 million to complete the switch.

In today's spiralling market, the player's fee appears dwarfed by the huge transfer deals across world football, and his potential availability could tempt others.

Mundo Deportivo (h/t Will Griffee for MailOnline) reported Barcelona could make a move for the player to replace the injured Luis Suarez, who has been ruled out for four months. Inter are reportedly interested in Barca midfielder Arturo Vidal, opening up the possibility of a swap deal between the parties.

At 23, Gabigol has plenty of development left in him, and a move to the Camp Nou to be Suarez's long-term heir would be appealing. The opportunity to play with Lionel Messi would be a huge draw.

The Mirror (h/t Lloyd Johnson of the Daily Express) reported Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho could swoop for Gabigol after losing Harry Kane until April due to a hamstring injury. Chelsea and West Ham United could also reportedly be destinations for the in-demand goalscorer during January.

AC Milan agreed a six-month loan swoop on Monday for Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. 

The club's official website confirmed the stopper's San Siro arrival from the Premier League side, with Milan's Pepe Reina beginning a second spell in England after a loan move to Aston Villa.

Begovic tweeted he's delighted about moving to the Serie A giants:

Very happy to be joining this great club. I can’t wait to get started with my teammates and help this club be successful. Forza Milan! 🔴⚫️ @acmilan pic.twitter.com/hKKwkBzPQD

— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) January 13, 2020

The 32-year-old was part of Chelsea's 2016-17 Premier League winning squad, operating as Thibaut Courtois' deputy.

Begovic left Stamford Bridge in 2017 to become the Cherries' No. 1, but the keeper fell out of favour with manager Eddie Howe.

The player was on loan with Azerbaijan Premier League champions Qarabag, but had recently returned to his parent club in England.

Per Sky Sports, Howe said he was happy with how Begovic was training after he arrived back in Bournemouth, but admitted his stay with the squad might be short.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international will now remain with Milan until the summer as Gianluigi Donnarumma's back-up, and could be in line for a quick debut.

Football Italia reported Donnarumma is a doubt for Wednesday's Coppa Italia match against Serie A bottom side SPAL because of a thigh injury.