As we head towards the festive season, transfer news starts to happen as many clubs across Europe are getting ready for the winter transfer window. In January, clubs in the Premier League and around the continent will be able to sign players once again and there are undoubtedly some clubs that will seek to take advantage of the opportunity.

Will Manchester City use the window to try and find a long-term replacement for Rodri? Will Real Madrid follow up their less-than-subtle coveting of Liverpool full back Trent Alexander-Arnold? Will new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim make a foray into the market to try and bring in the players he wants to help mould his tactics at the Red Devils?

With players out of contract in June 2025 able to sign deals with clubs, starting from the 1st July 2025, it is also a key time for the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, who could both be set to sign for a fresh team, on a Bosman transfer, in January.

You can check out the transfer specials available at bet365 Sport throughout the football season, but it especially pertinent in the transfer window.

So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest transfer and contract news both in the Premier League and around Europe.

Latest Transfer News Involving Premier League and Top European Clubs

The transfer rumour mill is buzzing with speculation about potential moves involving Premier League clubs and other top sides around Europe. Here are some of the latest rumours doing the rounds:

Manchester United’s Zirkzee Conundrum

Manchester United has been in the spotlight due to their potential transfer activities. The club’s decision to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer has not gone as planned.

The Dutch striker has struggled to make an impact, scoring only once in eleven Premier League appearances. New manager Rúben Amorim is believed to be strongly considering a change in the attacking lineup, with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres believed to be his preferred target.

It would be a disappointment for Zirkzee, who signed in the Summer for over £30m from Italian side Bologna. However, he is now seemingly very much second choice in attack behind the fit again Rasmus Hojlund and his time at the club has been disappointing.

However, Gyokeres form for club and country has not gone unnoticed at other clubs around Europe and the Premier League with a number of other top teams including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City believed to be interested in the Hungarian striker.

Gyokeres has played in England before, enjoying a successful spell with Coventry City before securing a big money move to Sporting Lisbon a couple of years ago.

Barcelona and Madrid’s Real Pursuit of Defensive Recruits

Barcelona is keen on signing speedy  left sided star Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich. The Canadian left-back has been a standout performer in the Bundesliga, attracting interest from several top clubs. With his contract set to expire in June 2025, Barcelona sees an opportunity to secure his services.

However, the Catalans could face severe competition for his signature. The full-back is believed to be a target also for Real Madrid, part of a couple of new full-backs that Real want to try and target in the window, with the other being right back Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, who is also out of contract in June.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti may also be looking to bolster his defence after Eder Militao joined Dani Carvajal on the long-term injury list. Bayer Leverkusen centre back Jonathan Tah is another name that the Spanish side have been linked with in January.

Barcelona are believed to be ready to offer their Polish striker Robert Lewandowski an extension to his deal for a further year, which would keep him at Barcelona for at least one more season.

Paul Pogba’s Uncertain Future

Paul Pogba finds himself at a crossroads in his career. The French midfielder is in advanced talks to terminate his contract with Juventus after his suspension from the game was cut on appeal. This development has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, who are exploring the possibility of bringing Pogba back to England.

However, the Frenchman is also believed to be on the wanted list of a number of French clubs with both Paris St. Germain and Marseille believed to be exploring the possibility of a deal for the former French international.

Pogba’s situation highlights the complexities of modern football transfers. His talent is undeniable, but finding the right fit for his skills and personality is essential for both the player and the club. Especially after he has been out of the game for a lengthy period.

Giant Killer Lille Star Attracting Lots Of Interest

Lille have been one of the most impressive teams in the Champions League this season. The French side have defeated Real Madrid and drawn with Juventus in the tournament so far and much of their success is down to top-scoring striker Jonathan David.

David, a Canadian international striker, tops the scoring charts in the Champions League this season with six goals. A hugely impressive return, and he has been in form in the French league too with seven goals in eleven games this season.

The striker is out of contract in June and that may tempt Lille to cash in on the player if a club makes an offer. Several teams in the Premier League and around Europe are believed to be interested in striking a deal with Lille including Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

Other Transfer News – The Titbits

• Tottenham are believed to be interested in a potential deal for Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish, who has been linked with a move away from the club.
• Young Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson of Sweden, is believed to be a target for both Liverpool and Arsenal. Both are keeping a watching brief on the talented 20-year-old.
• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be considering making a move for Bayer Leverkusen full back Jeremie Frimpong.

Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Transfer News Landscape

The Premier League transfer market is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Clubs are constantly evaluating their squads and seeking opportunities to strengthen their teams. The completed transfers and ongoing rumors reflect the strategic decisions made by clubs to achieve their goals.

As the transfer window progresses, fans can expect more exciting developments and potential surprises. The pursuit of top talent and the desire to build competitive squads will continue to drive the transfer market in the Premier League and beyond.