CHELSEA have completed the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
The former Benfica man will spend the rest of the season at Stamford Bridge before returning to La Liga in the summer.
Chelsea rivals Tottenham, however, are interested in their own star who plays in Portugal Pedro Porro of Sporting Lisbon.
Elsewhere, Inter Miami are still hoping to sign Lionel Messi despite rumours regarding a contract extension at PSG.
The MLS side were said to be on the verge of agreeing a sensational deal to sign the PSG ace back in November but he now looks set to stay in France, despite Miami's hopes.
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- Joshua Mbu
Pastore heads to the Middle East
Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore has joined Qatar Sport Club.
Pastore, 33, joins on a free transfer from Spanish side Elche.
The Argentine made 269 appearances for the Parisians between 2011-2018.
He scored 45 goals and assisted 61, winning five Ligue 1 titles.
- Joshua Mbu
Chelsea COMPLETE Joao Felix loan
Chelsea have completed the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
The Blues have bolstered their forward line by bringing in the Portuguese international on a temporary deal until the end of the season.
Graham Potter's side have agreed to pay a £10million loan fee to take Felix until the end of the season.
They will also cover the entirety of Felix's wages for the rest of the campaign.
The deal will NOT include an option for Chelsea to make the move permanent, with Atletico having extended his contract by a year to 2027.
Felix, 23, also attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal this month – but opted to snub both for the Blues.
- Joshua Mbu
Hammers keen on Lorient striker
West Ham are exploring a move for Lorient striker Terem Moffi after being snubbed by Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri.
David Moyes is hopeful of adding more attacking talent this month after a poor start to the season.
The Hammers revived long-term interest in En-Nesyri, but the Morocco international is not keen on a move to the London Stadium.
Sevilla, who West Ham knocked out of the Europa League last season, are currently 17th in LaLiga.
En-Nesyri, 25, said: "I want to focus only on Sevilla.
"It's not a matter of money. I want to help the team in the worst moments."
- Joshua Mbu
Guendouzi holds Villa transfer talks
Unai Emery has told his Aston Villa transfer team to land Marseille's France international midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Emery signed the 23-year-old for Arsenal for a bargain £7million from Lorient in 2018 while he was in charge of the Emirates club.
Now reports in France say the Villa boss has already spoken to his former player who is valued at £27million and is keen to reunite with the Spaniard at Villa Park.
Guendouzi made 48 appearances for Emery in his debut season at Arsenal but fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta and was sent out on loan to Hertha Berlin, then Marseille.
Arteta was left unimpressed when Guendouzi grabbed Neil Maupay's throat in June 2020 and allegedly taunted Brighton's players about their salaries.
- Joshua Mbu
Saha on Mendy
Saha told Football Odds and Betting: “Man United should take a punt on Edouard Mendy if De Gea leaves.
“De Gea is still right at the top level, but of course making mistakes like he did against Everton is never good.
“Over the years, De Gea has done tremendous performances to save the team and he deserves the time and credit for that.
“If De Gea doesn’t sign a new contract then a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy would make perfect sense.
“He has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world the last few years and I’m not sure what happened.”
United do have the option to extend De Gea’s deal by a further year, but are alleged to have opted against triggering the clause.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd tipped to seal Mendy transfer
Louis Saha has claimed signing Edouard Mendy “would make perfect sense” for Manchester United if David De Gea doesn’t sign a new Old Trafford deal.
Spanish stopper De Gea, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.
He is reportedly facing a huge pay-cut to his current £375,000-a-week deal in order to stay at the club.
Although De Gea himself recently claimed he wants to finish his career at Old Trafford amid reports of contract talks.
But Saha, 44, who spent four years at United, has urged the Red Devils to “take a punt” on Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy if De Gea does leave.
The Stamford Bridge goalie, 30, has fallen out of favour to Kepa Arrizabalaga in recent months.
- Joshua Mbu
Arsenal could line up with Hazard & Mudryk
Arsenal’s hunt for extra firepower in January has seen them linked with a number of targets.
Mykhailo Mudryk has been the primary target of the Gunners so far this month, but a sensational report suggests Chelsea legend Eden Hazard could soon don the Gunners colours.
Hazard is said to be looking for a path to end his Real Madrid nightmare, with Mikel Arteta‘s side under consideration.
And it could lead to the North London club adding Mudryk and Hazard to their ranks.
Both Mudryk and Hazard are able to operate on both wings, but the Belgian has experience through the centre as a false nine.
This could give Arteta an alternative option through the centre of the Gunners attack, with Mudryk and Bukayo Saka in support on the wings.
- Joshua Mbu
Arsenal ‘considering shock Hazard transfer’
Arsenal are considering a shock move for Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, according to reports.
The former Chelsea winger is supposedly holding showdown talks over his future with the LaLiga side open to letting him leave.
And he could have a surprise offer from the Gunners as they look to bolster their squad for the title race.
Outlet Mediafoot claims that Hazard could go to Arsenal if their proposed transfer for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk doesn’t materialise amid competition from Chelsea.
Reports suggest that initial contact between Mikel Arteta’s side and representatives in the Spanish capital has been made.
Hazard’s contract expires at the end of the next season and there has supposedly been interest from MLS teams, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr.
- Joshua Mbu
Fernandez ends Chelsea transfer speculation
Enzo Fernandez appeared to end any Chelsea transfer speculation after passionately celebrating in his return to Benfica.
The Argentine World Cup winner has been subject to heavy interest from the Blues, following his breakout performances in Qatar.
Fernandez, 21, was even left out of Benfica's 1-0 win over Portimonense last Friday amid Chelsea's pursuit of the player.
But the midfielder returned in a cup match against Varzim, scoring on 78 minutes as the game ended 2-0.
And Fernandez gave the biggest hint yet that he is not leaving after pointing to the Benfica badge and ground, insinuating he is staying put.
Chelsea were at loggerheads with Benfica as they refused to pay the playmaker's £105million release clause and failed in their bid to negotiate.
Enzo Fernandez appeared to suggest he is staying at BenficaCredit: Twitter
- Joshua Mbu
Gunners captain to be offered new deal
Arsenal are looking to tie club captain Martin Odegaard down to a new deal, reports say.
The Norway ace, 24, has helped steer the Gunners to the top of the Premier League.
And according to Fichajes, Arsenal are looking to tie Odegaard down to a new deal, increasing his salary from £5.3million to around £8.8m, making him one of the highest-paid players in Arsenal’s squad.
- Joshua Mbu
West Ham En-Nesryi offer 'acceptable'
West Ham's loan offer for Youssef En-Nesyri with an option to buy was deemed acceptable by Sevilla, according to reports.
The Hammers have been big admirers of the Moroccan for a number of seasons, but were either priced out of a move, or the player didn't fancy it.
And according to AS, the Hammers returned for En-Nesyri with an acceptable offer, but the player turned the move down.
Morocco's World Cup hero would like to stay and help Sevilla stay in LaLiga, with the Europa League Kings sat in 17th.
En-Nesyri said on Instagram: "I thank all the clubs who've contacted my agent. Right now I want to focus on Sevilla.
"It isn't about money. It's a sporting matter, wanting to help the team in the worst moments…
"I had the chance to leave at other times and said no too."
Credit: Getty - Joshua Mbu
Ten Hag: Pellestri has Man Utd future
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted that youngster Facundo Pellistri has a future at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old finally, who was seemingly on his way out of United, made his first-team debut for the Red Devils on Tuesday evening.
Pellistri featured as a late substitute in the 3-0 EFL Cup quarter-final win over Charlton.
And he even got an assist.
Ten Hag said after the game: “I see a future in him. He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him]. He is progressing. Against Everton [in a behind-closed doors friendly], I was really happy with his performance.
“I was happy with his performance at the World Cup so his progress is really good and now he is coming on and has an effect. So that’s the next step that I say: ‘well done Pelli, keep going’.
“I mentioned already Pellistri came on and it was a debut. It was not long but he was really lively, some good actions and also the assist on the second goal.”
- Joshua Mbu
Sanson linked with return to France
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson has been linked with a return to France.
Sanson scored his first Villa goal in the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Stevenage.
According to Jeunes Footeux, Sanson's former club, Montpellier, would like to sign him.
Montpellier recently loaned out youngster Sacha Delaye to third-tier French side Puy Foot 43, and so they want the 28-year-old, who is keen to leave Villa Park.
- Joshua Mbu
McCoist warns Gerrard on international job
Ally McCoist has warned Steven Gerrard off from international management, insisting he is "too young" with Poland said to be keen.
The Gers great told talkSPORT: "No, I don't think so. Scott Parker just went to Brugge, didn't he?
"I said when Frank Lampard left Chelsea that I wouldn't have minded if he had gone to a European club. I think Steven could do the same somewhere in Europe.
"I don't know if this is an ageist thing to say but I think he is too young to do an international job.
"I know Roberto Martinez did it and now he's away to Portugal, he's relatively young.
"I just think Steven would want to get back into the day to day."
- Joshua Mbu
Antonio wanted by Wolves
West Ham striker Michail Antonio is on Wolves' January transfer radar.
According to talkSPORT, Antonio alongside Craig Dawson, are attracting solid interest from West Ham's relegation rival.
Wolves take on West Ham on Saturday and trail the Hammers by a point.
Credit: Getty
- Joshua Mbu
Aubameyang back to Spain?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be heading back to Spain for the second time in the last year.
The 33-year-old joined Barcelona last January, but left in the summer for Chelsea.
He hasn't had great fortune in front of goal for the Stamford Bridge club this season either, and with the imminent arrival of Joao Felix, the striker may find himself on the way out.
According to the Daily Mail, several LaLiga clubs are keen on Aubameyang.
- Jack Figg
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Felix and Wout in brink
Joao Felix and Wout Weghorst are close to Prem arrivals – but the Mykhailo Mudryk saga continues.
Portugal wideman Felix is poised to complete his Chelsea loan move after Manchester United and Arsenal rejected Atletico Madrid's demands.
But the Red Devils are expected to tie up a temporary deal for Burnley striker Weghorst, who's currently a loan star for Besiktas.
And Arsenal are back in pole position for main target Mudryk, despite Chelsea sniffing around the Shakhtar Donetsk winger.
The Gunners and Tottenham are being linked with Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard.
And it's thought Barcelona could be lining up a fire sale of top talent.Spain youngster Ansu Fati, who's been linked to Old Trafford, is the most suprising name who could be available.
Former Leeds hero Raphinha and ex-Manchester City winger Ferran Torres are also on the list of possible departures.
Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi could reunite with ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery at Aston Villa.
And Villa, plus Everton, are said to be monitoring Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma.
Finally, Chelsea might try to hijack Tottenham’s move for Sporting Lisbon right-back Pedro Porro.
- Ian Tuckey
Felix deal ‘absolute madness’
Chelsea paying £10million to borrow Joao Felix for the rest of the season is “absolute madness”.
That’s the verdict of Ally McCoist after the Blues seemingly beat off Arsenal and Manchester United to the Atletico Madrid wideman.
Ex-Scotland striker McCoist “can’t believe” Chelsea are paying such a sum – plus the Portugal star’s wages.
The Gunners baulked at Atletico’s demands as they are more keen on Shakhtar Donetsk’ss Mykhailo Mudryk.
And McCoist told talkSPORT: “I’ve got to say I can’t believe we’re paying £10m for a loan now – absolute madness.
“I like Joao Felix [but] I don’t think he’s the answer to Chelsea’s problems.
“They need a centre-forward. Plus, I don’t think he’s consistent enough.
“I watched him closely at the World Cup and I thought he did some brilliant things. I thought he had one or two good games.
“But he’s one of those players, for me, he just leaves you wanting a little bit more.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ex-Gunner Auba could face Chelsea exit
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly attracting interest from Spain.
The Gabon and ex-Arsenal striker, 33, joined from Barcelona in the summer but has failed to hit peak form.
Aubameyang has played nine times in the Premier League, scoring just once following 13 goals in 18 games for Barca.
And his pathway to more starts could be further blocked if Chelsea complete the loan signing of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
Aubameyang missed Sunday’s 4-0 FA Cup loss at Manchester City with a back problem.
But he’s expected to be fit for Saturday’s home Prem clash with Crystal Palace.
- Ian Tuckey
Azeez reunites with Betsy
Arsenal starlet Miguel Azeez has joined Championship strugglers Wigan on loan for the rest of the campaign.
The midfielder, 20, was borrowed by Portsmouth last season.
And he’s reunited with Latics’ assistant manager Kevin Betsy, who oversaw him with England youths and as an Arsenal kid.
- Ian Tuckey
Magpies want Moukoko
Newcastle will bid to tempt German rising star Youssoufa Moukoko into a summer move on a free.
But Barcelona believe they are favourites to land the 18-year-old forward, who became his country’s youngest ever World Cup player in Qatar.
Borussia Dortmund want Moukoko to sign a new deal but for £60,000 a week — compared to £85,000 he could get at Newcastle or Barca.
Toon have not spoken directly to the youngster but boss Eddie Howe wants him on board.
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “We would like a decision quite promptly. It is important for all parties to have clarity.”
The teenager has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as well as Barcelona.
Man City, PSG and Real Madrid have also monitored him in the past.
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo 'negative effect on Marcus, Sancho'
Cristiano Ronaldo had a "negative effect" on Manchester United's England frontmen Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
So says ex-Three Lions' winger John Barnes as legend Ronaldo awaits his debut for new club Al Nassr.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “You have Sancho who is still yet to come back also.
"I would like to see Sancho given an opportunity to revive his career. I think Ronaldo had a very negative effect on the players whilst he was there. Just his presence.”
“A lot of the players went backwards because of him and the influence he had.
"I’m glad Rashford and Sancho will now be given an opportunity to show what they can do. When you go to a club and don’t start well, it's tough. Especially at £80m.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners focus on Mykhailo
Arsenal ducked out of a loan bidding war for Joao Felix to focus on Mykhailo Mudryk.
That's the claim of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano as Chelsea close on a deal for Atletico Madrid winger Felix.
Romano insists the Gunners' January transfer priority has always been Shakhtar Donetsk wideman Mudryk.
That helped Chelsea fend off Arsenal and Manchester United for Felix as Atletico wanted a large loan fee plus his wages paid in full.
Romano told his YouTube channel: "They (Arsenal) had conversations with Joao Felix.
"But they don’t want to spend around €15-16m plus taxes for the Joao Felix loan deal, so the focus is on Mykhailo Mudryk.”
- Ian Tuckey
Emery 'eyes Guendouzi reunion'
Matteo Guendouzi could reunite with ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
It's thought Aston Villa chief Emery is in for the Marseille midfielder.
French outlet L’Equipe believe a Premier League club has already made an approach for the France ace this month
And that team could well be Villa.
Guendouzi, 23, only move to Marseille from the Emirates last July for £9.7million.
- Ian Tuckey
Everton and Villa linked to Danjuma
Villarreal will reluctantly consider selling striker Arnaut Danjuma – amid interest from Everton and Aston Villa.
The Spaniards would love to keep the six-cap Dutchman, 25.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says it's possible the former Bournemouth man could leave this month.
Romano posted: "Villarreal will now listen to offers but no rush as Danjuma is a valued asset.
"Player's representatives are in talks with clubs across Europe whilst future is being considered. More than one club keen on signing him."
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