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Osimhen To PL, Messi Wants Out, Arsenal Close In on Highly-Rated Midfielder, & Other Big Transfer News Of The Day

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2 years ago

January 25, 2023

InfoExpert24

Osimhen To PL, Messi Wants Out, Arsenal Close In on Highly-Rated Midfielder, & Other Big Transfer News Of The Day

Infoexpert24 rounds up the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip making rounds in the world of football today Wednesday 25th January 2023.

Lionel Messi changes his mind over PSG’s future

Lionel Messi is considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain and is reportedly unwilling to sign a contract extension in the French capital.

The 35-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and his future is uncertain. PSG were confident that Messi was planning to extend his contract before the World Cup, but Argentina’s triumph seems to be key to his decision.

Spanish media outlet Marca report: “Once he had achieved the feat of winning the World Cup, winning more titles in France or even another Champions League would not motivate him enough.

Barcelona are now considered as the main candidates to sign Messi. However, one of the conditions that would have to be met for his return to be possible would be for Messi to give up a large part of his salary in order to adapt to the current situation of the Catalan side and their wage bill.

“Other clubs such as Inter Miami, Newell’s Old Boys and even Al-Hilal are also interested in landing the 35-year-old star.”

Messi may yet return to Barcelona.https://t.co/YYtDMLZTdp
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) January 24, 2023

Arsenal close in on summer signing

Arsenal look set to beat Barcelona to the signing of highly-rated midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Barca had targeted the 23-year-old as a long-term replacement for the ageing Sergio Busquet, whose current contract is set to expire this summer, but cannot compete with the Gunners’ finances.

The transfer is expected to be completed at the end of the season and Arsenal will pay Zubimendi’s release clause.

According to The Mail report: “Arsenal reached an agreement with his club this month to pay his £52.5 million release clause but the player does not want to leave his hometown team in the middle of the season and the deal is more likely to happen at the end of the campaign.

READ ALSO: Man United Ready To Let Go of 2 First-Team Players – Details

The Spaniard “favours a move to England over staying in LaLiga and rejected Real Sociedad’s attempts to increase his release clause when his contract was last renewed.”

Barcelona are set to face Martin Zubimendi, the man they want to replace Sergio Busquets, but the midfielder has his heart set on Arsenal move | @petejenson https://t.co/s2SvbEXmwN
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 24, 2023
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Brighton slaps £100M asking price on Moises Caicedo

Brighton will demand £100 million for Moises Caicedo to depart in January amid serious interest from Chelsea. The Blues interest, driven by ex-Brighton boss Graham Potter, has already seen a bid rejected by the seaside club this month.

The Times report: “Chelsea made a formal offer for Caicedo of about half that amount last week, which was rejected without negotiation by Brighton. Tony Bloom, the owner, will not countenance another player departure in January.

“With Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all in the market for young, dynamic and technically able midfielders, Caicedo has been listed alongside Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernández and Declan Rice as a preferred option for the position.”

Brighton have placed a valuation of £100 million on Moisés Caicedo after Chelsea’s latest attempt to raid the south-coast club. However, owner Tony Bloom will not countenance a further January sale with his squad already depleted by player outgoings https://t.co/gSexTTu1lX
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) January 24, 2023

While Caicedo is on their radar, the midfielder at the top of Arsenal‘s wish list is Declan Rice, who could spurn interest from Real Madrid in order to join the Gunners.

Liverpool are believed to be leading the chase to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen.

Manchester United are willing to rival Real Madrid and Tottenham for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, though it could cost €140m to sign him this summer.

Tottenham have at long last agreed to pay Pedro Porro‘s €45m release clause and will communicate this in a meeting with Sporting CP on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe will instruct the PSG hierarchy to make a move for Bernardo Silva at the end of the season having previously played with him at Monaco. Barcelona have long held an interest in the Portugal star, too.

Juventus are open to letting Weston McKennie leave the club this window, with Arsenal and Leeds interested in a deal.

Anthony Gordon is nearing a move to Newcastle this month, with the Magpies pulling away from Chelsea in the race to sign the Everton winger. Eddie Howe’s men would also like to take Hakim Ziyech off the Blues’ hands.

However, Chelsea are likely to use Ziyech as a makeweight in one final attempt to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica before next week’s transfer deadline.

Bayern Munich will not allow Ryan Gravenberch to leave on loan this month. The Dutchman joined the club in the summer from Ajax, turning down the chance to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but has struggled for game time at the Allianz Arena.

Tottenham are set to complete the initial loan signing of Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal before the weekend after hijacking his move from Everton.