Arsenal scouting Talisca; Hamburg to purchase Holtby

Arsenal scouting Talisca

Premier League giants Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Benfica attacker Talisca, O Jogo can reveal.

The Brazilian forward only joined the Eagles this summer, but has already managed to catch the eye of Europe’s top sides, with Jose Mourinho confirming interest in the player.

According to O Jogo, Arsenal are in the mix as well, having sent their scouts to make a check on the 20-year-old footballer.

The Gunners are being linked with a January bid for the forward’s services, but they will have to delve deep into their pockets if they want to sign the Brazilian.

Talisca has been in stunning form this season playing in a second striker role, notching 6 goals in 7 league appearances.

His suitors Arsenal play host to Hull City after the international break, and they are 4/11 to return to winning ways.

Hamburg to purchase Holtby

Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV are obliged to purchase the contract of Germany midfielder Lewis Holtby, according to Bild.

The Red Shorts signed the attacking midfielder on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, believing they had the option to turn the loan deal into permanent move at the end of the season for €6.5 million.

However, the club officials seem to have made a mistake when drawing up a contract, meaning that HSV are now obliged to purchase the player for said amount in 2015 with certain requirements having been met.

This is unlikely to be a costly mistake seeing as how the 24-year-old has already nailed down a regular starting berth at Imtech Arena, but it will serve as a reminder for future deals.

Holtby joined Hamburg in an attempt to get his career back on track following two and half difficult years in England, and he has since started 5 games, making one assist in the process.

The 24-year-old also hopes to return into the international reckoning, having last played for Germany in November 2012.

West Brom eyeing bargain move for Rolando

Daily Mirror has learned that West Bromwich are weighing up a January bid for FC Porto defender Rolando.

The Baggies are eyeing defensive reinforcements and they have been alerted of the Portuguese player’s availability.

Given that the defender will be out of contract in the summer and that he is not in the first team plans of Porto boss Julen Lopetegui, the Dragons are ready to cash in on him for mere £1 million in January.

West Brom are set to make a move on Rolando as soon as the winter transfer window opens, but they could face stiff competition from Inter Milan and Galatasaray.

Rolando has spent last two seasons on loan at Napoli and Inter, and he impressed during the spell at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, making 29 Serie A appearances and scoring 4 goals.

But, with Porto asking £4 million for his services in the summer transfer window, the Nerazzurri opted against turning his loan deal into permanent move.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2014/15 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.