Spurs go toe-to-toe with Man United, Newcastle eye Bundesliga ace, Arsenal look to tie down defensive star & More: The Essential Transfer Round Up – 01/12/23

Werner on the Old Trafford radar

Suffering another Champions League collapse away at Galatasaray on Wednesday evening, Manchester United have found themselves at the heart of real scrutiny this season.

While Erik ten Hag’s might have once again broken the bank over the summer, it has been suggested that the Premier League heavyweights could be set for another hectic January transfer window.

With former Atalanta marksman Rasmus Hojlund still waiting to open his Premier League account, it appears that Manchester United are seeking attacking reinforcements when the window opened up.

However, while Timo Werner might have struggled to find his feet since making a return to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig last year, it has been suggested that the Germany international could be handed a shock lifeline in January.

With Leipzig reportedly willing to allow the ex-Chelsea striker to leave the Red Bull Arena on a loan basis in the New Year, the Old Trafford hierarchy are keen on completing a shock swoop in January.

BREAKING: Man Utd have made enquiries about RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner and the player is a potential target in January, according to Sky 🇩🇪 🔴 pic.twitter.com/r41kVJWgzR

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 27, 2023

Arsenal looking to tie Tomiyasu down

While it might have been suggested that Arsenal will be active during January’s transfer window, it appears that the Gunners are keen on tying down one of their first-team stars.

Arriving from Italian outfit Bologna in the summer of 2021, Takehiro Tomiyasu has quickly become a real fan favourite around the red half of north London.

Featuring in 11 of Arsenal’s first 13 Premier League appearances this season, the Japan international has received a string of praise from Mikel Arteta and has become a key part of the Gunners’ defence.

Although it might have been reported that German giants Bayern Munich are eyeing a potential January swoop, Arsenal are close to agreeing on a contract extension that would run until 2025.

Enjoying life in north London and gaining a reputation for his versatility, Tomiyasu is soon to enter the final 12 months of his current deal and Arsenal are looking to fend off any potential suitors.

🚨 Arsenal in negotiations with Takehiro Tomiyasu over new long-term contract. Offer to 25yo has been made + expectation is agreement will be reached in due course. Would extend & improve current deal (2025 + option for extra 12 months) @TheAthleticFC #AFC https://t.co/KAhLiCc5V7

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) November 30, 2023

Tottenham ready to battle United for Todibo

While Tottenham might have come flying out of the traps when they appointed Ange Postecoglou over the summer, Spurs are dealing with a public injury crisis in north London.

Along with England international James Maddison sustaining a long-term ankle injury last month, the former Celtic boss is also unable to call upon defensive talisman Mickey van de Ven until the New Year.

With the ex-Wolfsburg defender making an immediate impact prior to his hamstring blow, Tottenham are desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window.

Although Spurs might face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, it appears that Postecoglou has identified Jean-Clair Todibo has his key target.

Quickly blossoming into one of Europe’s most promising central defenders, it has been reported that Nice have already accepted that they will be unable to keep hold of the 23-year-old if an acceptable bid comes in.

🚨 Tottenham have joined the race for Jean-Clair Todibo, who is also targeted by Manchester United and Liverpool. Defenders are top of the agenda for Ange Postecoglou. https://t.co/UwG5r5YyDv

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 28, 2023

Newcastle eye Bundesliga ace

Although Newcastle might find their Champions League knockout dreams hanging by a thread, the Magpies have only continued on a famous fairytale under Eddie Howe’s guidance.

However, in the midst of a major injury crisis at St. James’ Park and unable to call upon a long list of first-team stars, it is no secret that the Magpies are expected to be busy during the January transfer window.

While ex-Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak might have impressed since arriving in the north east last year, the former Bournemouth boss is keen on adding so more firepower next month.

Enjoying what has become a record-breaking romp with German outfit Stuttgart this season and already bagging 15 Bundesliga strikes in his first 10 appearances, Serhou Guirassy appears to have plenty of admirers around St. James.

Reportedly sat on a staggering £17.5million release clause with Stuttgart, Newcastle could be able to complete what would be a real bargain signing when the window reopens.

🚨📃 #Newcastle are still considering Serhou #Guirassy one of the preferred strikers to strengthen their attack.

📌 The 🇬🇳 player – 15 goals in 10 appearances in Bundesliga so far – has a contract with #Stuttgart until 2026 with release clause. 🐓⚽ #Transfers pic.twitter.com/i37Q7J3jc1

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) November 29, 2023

Premier League trio battling it out for Ekitike

While PSG might have already accepted that Kylian Mbappe will finally be allowed to leave the French capital next summer, it appears that another striking star will be heading for the exit much sooner.

Although there might have been much excitement in PSG’s camp last year as Hugo Ekitike completed a £30.6million permanent move from Reims, the 21-year-old currently finds himself in the midst of a Paris nightmare.

Clearly not part of Luis Enrique’s plans this season, reports have continued to suggest that the French youth international will be pushed out of the door next month.

Surplus to requirements and not making a single appearance since the opening weekend, PSG are desperate to get Ekitike off their books and are open to a loan deal.

However, along with speculation that Everton are eyeing up a potential January swoop, it has been reported that the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace are also monitoring proceedings closely.

🚨↩️ Hugo #Ekitike could leave #PSG in Jan with a suitable offer.

👀 The 🇫🇷 ST is followed by #WestHam – that are concretely looking for a new forward – and #CrystalPalace.

📉 To date, #Everton don’t consider him a priority: #EFC could make a new attempt for #Gnonto instead. pic.twitter.com/6oA0OHlnEr

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) November 28, 2023