While all of Europe’s elite might mark their return from November’s international break this weekend, clubs from across the continent will all have one eye on January’s transfer window.
Expecting what could be a record-breaking January spend from the likes of La Liga and the Premier League, rumours and speculation have really started to heat up.
With the January transfer window fast approaching on the horizon, we have taken a look at some of the biggest transfer stories from the past week.
Arsenal set to make Raya’s move a permanent basis
While David Raya might have come under some scrutiny during the early tenure of his time with Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has been filled with praise for the Spanish shot-stopper and has made it abundantly clear that their summer recruit is his number-one choice this season.
Firmly dethroning Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks and starting in each of Arsenal’s eight Premier League appearances prior to November’s international break, the 28-year-old now appears set to make his stay in north London a permanent one.
Although many might be surprised to see Arsenal make such an early decision on Raya’s long-term future at the Emirates, the Gunners are reportedly overjoyed by Raya’s start to life with the Premier League title contenders.
Originally arriving at the Emirates on a season-long loan switch, there was a £27million option included in that deal should Arsenal want to make Raya’s stay a permanent one.
🚨 Understand Arsenal have decided to seal David Raya deal in 2024 — it’s all guaranteed as buy option clause will be triggered for £27m.
Raya already signed potential long-term contract as #AFC player for June 2024 — all done. 🔴⚪️
Brentford accepted this structure due to FFP. pic.twitter.com/59eBNip3iK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2023
AC Milan have their sights set on Badiashile swoop
Watching England international Fikayo Tomori make an immediate impact since arriving at AC Milan back in the summer of 2021, it appears that the Italian heavyweights have their eyes focused on another Chelsea defender.
While Benoit Badiashile might have only arrived at Stamford Bridge back in January following a £35million move from Monaco, it has been suggested that the 22-year-old could already be on his way out of SW6.
Along with suffering from a long-term injury blow earlier in the season, Badiashile has struggled to break into Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team picture in west London.
Yet to make a single Premier League appearance since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the French defender could be kick-starting his career away from England’s elite.
Despite spending £35million on Badiashile under a year ago, AC Milan are reportedly keen on completing a January swoop.
🚨 AC Milan have added Benoît Badiashile to the list of centre-back target for the January transfer window.
{Gazetta dello Sport} pic.twitter.com/5tRFtXTAZ3
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) November 17, 2023
Tottenham keen on Guehi January move
With summer recruit Mickey van de Ven sustaining a long-term hamstring injury prior to November’s international and not expected to feature again until the New Year, Tottenham are dealing with a major defensive crisis.
Unable to call upon the suspended Cristian Romero for their next two Premier League appearances, Ange Postecoglou is demanding defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Once again featuring for England over the past fortnight and earning a 9th senior cap, former Chelsea schoolboy Marc Guehi appears a certain pick for Gareth Southgate’s EURO 24 squad.
While Crystal Palace have reportedly made it clear that they have not intention of cashing in on their defensive talisman, Spurs are reportedly keen on testing Hodgson’s resolve.
Transforming into one of the Premier League’s hottest young prospects, Guehi appears to be Postecoglou’s top January target.
Tottenham are considering a January move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi or Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite 👀
✍️ @HenryWAClark https://t.co/EGNYlVNClB
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) November 23, 2023
Real Madrid have Kvaratskhelia at the top of their wishlist
With the record-breaking Jude Bellingham only continuing on a famous La Liga flurry since completing his £100million move from Borussia Dortmund over the summer, it appears that Real Madrid are lining up another January statement.
Playing a crucial role as Italian icons Napoli got their hands on a first Serie A crown since 1990 last season, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is regarded as one of Europe’s budding superstars.
Notching three strikes in his two EURO 24 qualifying appearances with Georgia during November’s international break, the 22-year-old is certainly a real fan favourite around Naples.
Despite previous interest from the likes of Arsenal, Kvaratskhelia has another European giant cashing his signature.
With Ancelotti looking to take Los Blancos in a more youthful direction following Bellingham’s stunning immediate impact in the Spanish capital, Kvaratskhelia could be the next starlet heading for the Bernabeu.
Georgia National Team coach Willy Sagnol about Kvicha #Kvaratskhelia’s future: “#Barça, #BayernMunich and #RealMadrid are interested in him”. #transfers 🇬🇪
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) November 19, 2023
West Ham planning another Broja bid
Hit with a double blow during November’s international break as both Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio sustained their own respective knee injuries, West Ham have a new striking star at the top of their January wishlist.
With it appearing that one-time Liverpool striker Danny Ings could already be heading for the London Stadium exit during the January transfer window, David Moyes is certainly short on attacking options over the next few weeks.
However, while West Ham might have eventually failed in their bid to lure Armanda Broja away from Stamford Bridge last summer, it appears that the Hammers are keen on reigniting their interest.
While the Albania international might once again be struggling with another injury setback, it has been suggested that Moyes feels Broja is a perfect long-term target for the reigning Europa Conference League champions.
West Ham planning another Broja bid
💥EXCLUSIVE!💥
✨ West Ham United could move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja in January
🤕 The Hammers are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after injuries to Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen pic.twitter.com/kXATQKnIo3
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) November 21, 2023
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