Transfer Talk: Real Madrid’s final play for Kylian Mbappé،
The January transfer window is opening soon across Europe, and moves are being made and plenty of gossip is swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Madrid's last game for Mbappe
Real Madrid prepare to take new approach to signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé in January, according to The Athletic.
There are just days left before the 25-year-old enters the final six months of his contract, when clubs outside of Ligue 1 will be able to sign him without a transfer fee on a pre-contract deal.
The Whites are set to make another attempt to sign him but, after nearly reaching a deal before signing new terms with PSG in the summer of 2022, they have given him a deadline of mid-January to decide whether to he wants to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
If Mbappe does not accept La Liga's offer, it is said they will withdraw their interest to focus on other options.
Mbappe has remained a key player in Ligue 1 this season, having contributed to 20 goals in 18 matches, although uncertainty continues to surround his future with no indication whether he intends to stay in France.
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Paper gossip
– Arsenal rejected investigation into striker Eddie Nketiah, reports the Daily Mail. Crystal Palace were reportedly interested in the 24-year-old as they sought reinforcements for their attack, but the Gunners have informed them there are no plans to part ways with him in the January transfer window.
– Manchester United placed VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy at the top of their transfer wishlist, Football Insider reveals. It appears that manager Erik ten Hag is keen to add a goalscorer to his squad and sees the 27-year-old as an ideal fit for his tactical system. Guirassy has a release clause in his contract which can be activated for £18 million.
– Plans to sign a new defender are being intensified by Tottenham Hotspur, reveals Fabrizio Romano. Spurs are reportedly looking to agree a deal for a new centre-back by next week, with Nice. Jean-Clair Todibo at the top of their shortlist, as they also field Genoa players Radu Dragousine as an alternative. Todibo, 23, has also been linked with Manchester United in recent times, while Dragusin, 21, has been in impressive form this season in Serie A.
– A decision for the Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is being considered by Juventus, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The 25-year-old, who is also on Napoli's radar, is seen as an ideal option due to his versatility, but the Bianconeri We are under no illusions that a rapprochement might be difficult to achieve in January with a domestic rival. Koopmeiners has contributed to six goals in 16 Serie A matches this season.
– Bayern Munich among teams interested in West Ham United central defender Thilo Kehrer, according to Foot Mercato. Manager Thomas Tuchel is said to be a fan of the 27-year-old, who is also attracting interest from AS Monaco, Rennes and Nice. Kehrer joined the Hammers from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2022, but he is yet to prove himself in the team, having not started in the Premier League this season.
