Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Chelsea plotting huge €75m deal to sign 16-year-old Estevao Willian

Arsenal show interest in Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee

According to reports by The Express, Arsenal are eager to sign Joshua Zirkzee, a striker for Bologna, in January to increase their offensive capacity. The Gunners will have to fork up almost £15 million more than his £34.3 million release clause as it's been suggested that a more reasonable asking price of £50 million might be appropriate for the Serie A team.

Arsenal will find it tough to absorb this cost given their present FFP circumstances after a summer of extravagant expenditure. In addition, Bologna has no intention of moving the 22-year-old, who in 22 games this season has contributed four assists and eight goals.

USMNT and Dortmund's Gio Reyna linked with Real Sociedad

USMNT star Gio Reyna has been linked with a move to La Liga side Real Sociedad this January.

After signing with super agent Jorge Mendes earlier this week, Reyna is already drawing suitors for a January move away from Dortmund. The latest team showing interest is Real Sociedad, per Noticias de Gipuzkoa in Spain.

Hajduk Split want to sign Ivan Perisic from Spurs

🚨🔴🔵🇭🇷 EXCL: Hajduk Split are still dreaming of Ivan Perisić as top target.

Understand they will try again their best to make the deal happen in January.

Perisić recovery from ACL injury going well. A lot depends if doctors confirm that he’d be able to play before May 2024. pic.twitter.com/DddmRsjRWw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024

Stanis Muzambo joins Sevilla from Ajax

🔴⚪️🔏 Stanis Idumbo Muzambo has signed the contract as new Sevilla player — valid until June 2028.

Done deal with Ajax, confirmed. ✅ pic.twitter.com/bhEo0Xu0aQ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024

Chelsea willing to spend big on Estevao 'Messinho' Willian

Chelsea are willing to splash out a whopping €75 million (£64m/$82m) to sign 16-year-old wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, a report says.

The Blues are determined to land the rising star, dubbed Messinho (Little Lionel Messi), and Sport reports they have sent an official to open talks with Palmeiras. The Premier League side are willing to match his release clause which is worth a reported €60m (£52m/$66m), but once everything is all wrapped up, the deal could rise to as much as €75m.

No extension conversation between Thiago Silva and Chelsea

As Thiago Silva approaches the last six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated that there have been "no discussions" between Chelsea and the Brazilian over a contract extension.

"At the moment we are not talking with players," said Pochettino. "I don't believe the club is talking (with him). In my opinion, the moment now is to work all together, to perform and get the results we want. It will be between the player and the club to decide what is the best for both sides (Silva and Chelsea) and the future. At the moment I don't believe (any discussions have happened)."

Napoli bid for Bournemouth's Hamed Traore

🚨🔵 Napoli have presented an official bid to Bournemouth for Hamed Traoré loan deal today. Talks advancing.

Loan until the end of the season plus buy option clause.

🍒 Bournemouth asked for €25m buy option clause and salary covered.

Traoré told #AFCB he wants to join Napoli. pic.twitter.com/Ex9NknppMS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024

Mauricio Pochettino talks about Ian Maatsen's Dortmund move

🔵 Pochettino on Maatsen leaving on loan: “It’s good for the club, it is good for Maatsen, I hope he has the possibility to play more than here”.

“For all sides involved it is a good decision”. pic.twitter.com/szH8LYpxdl

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024

Arsenal looking to end Marquinhos' Nantes loan

According to L'Equipe, Arsenal is about to end Marquinhos' season-long loan at Nantes. Marquinhos has apparently failed to impress, as seen by his seven outings for the Ligue 1 team this season. Thus, before choosing their course of action, Arsenal plans to bring the 20-year-old striker back to the Emirates Stadium.

Unai Emery reveals Bertrand Traore and Callum Chambers are free to leave

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has declared that Bertrand Traore and Callum Chambers are free to depart Villa Park this month.

He said [via Express]: "We're going to face three competitions until the end of the season that are very difficult so we need the players to be ready. We have the players here. Some players can leave. Calum Chambers and Bertrand Traore can leave, and in that case we can think about adding some players, but not at the moment. I want to support the players we have now."