Transfer News: Man Utd's four targets, Chelsea lead race, Arsenal to 'break the bank'

It may be Christmas Day, but that will not be stopping Premier League and football teams around the world from putting the final touches to transfer deals.

Posted Monday, December 26, 2022 by Express.co.uk

Big money bids are already being readied, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea among those who have hinted they are ready to splurge on key personnel.

Jurgen Klopp has already welcomed major investment, while Graham Potter wants firepower at Chelsea and Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will be replaced mid-season.

Some deals have already been rubber-stamped, with two youngsters arriving at Stamford Bridge and, over in Spain, Real Madrid splashing out £50m for Brazilian sensation Endrick.

Suarez to sign two-year deal

Luis Suarez appears to be edging closer to joining Gremio on a free transfer.

A video has found its way onto social media of what appears to be 'Suarez 9' being printed on the back of Gremio's home and away jerseys.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker is expected to sign a two-year deal.

Saudi Arabia side want Ronaldo and Kante

Cristiano Ronaldo may not be the only superstar heading to Saudi Arabia in the new year as Al Nassr also want to bring in Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, according to Foot Mercato.

The Frenchman's current contract expires at the end of the season and he can sign a pre-agreement with a foreign club in January.

Kante has been plagued by injuries over the past few years and he is currently sidelined with a long-term hamstring issue.

The 31-year-old will still be in hot demand next summer but Al Nassr want to build a side around him and Ronaldo.

Wolves confirm Cunha loan

Wolves have confirmed the loan signing of Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid.

The new forward said: "I’m really excited to be part of this group and to be part of this club – it’s a big club. I’m excited to play in the Premier League, to play in Wolverhampton, and I think the most important point is that I’m happy like a kid."

And on working with head coach Julen Lopetegui he added: "I know him as we’ve played against each other three or four times, and he’s a big coach, he has a big mentality.

"He told me about him joining Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton having a big project and I took to the project, I believe in it a lot, and I believe in him. I also believe in the players, and I believe in the club."

Man Utd and Liverpool may spend in January

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has told Express Sport that Man Utd and Liverpool may still spend money in the January transfer window even though both sets of owners are trying to sell their respective clubs.

He said: "I think both FSG and the Glazers would be inclined to deal with it. Both sets of owners will want to maximise the sales value of the club by leaving it in as good a position as possible and that means qualifying for the Champions League next season."

Spurs warned of Conte risk

Antonio Conte deserves a new contract to extend his stay as Tottenham head coach but the club should be wary of backing him in the January transfer market before he signs an extension, according to Glenn Hoddle.

"The key to it all is, does he deserve a new contract? Of course yes, but does he want to sign it? That's the conundrum. So why would you say 'let's go and get three players and give him £200m'," Betfair ambassador Hoddle told Express Sport.

"At the end of the season, he might be going and you have to get a new manager. This is a little maze, the two of them go together.

"If he signs an extension, I'm sure Tottenham will back him. The squad isn't a finished article, it needs a bit more tweaking and yes, it will cost a bit of money.

"But from where we were under Nuno, compared to where we are now, it's chalk and cheese."