Arsenal is preparing to put an end to the speculation surrounding Takehiro Tomiyasu’s future by agreeing on a contract extension, according to reliable sources. The 25-year-old defender had been rumored to leave the club on loan, with several Italian clubs expressing interest, including Napoli. However, it appears that both player and club are in advanced negotiations for a new and improved deal that will keep Tomiyasu at the Emirates Stadium. After recently returning to full fitness, Tomiyasu featured in Arsenal’s recent defeat to Fulham and is expected to play in their upcoming FA Cup clash against Liverpool. Nonetheless, his absence will be felt while he is on international duty for the Asia Cup, where Japan is considered the favorites. With Arsenal having suffered recent defeats, the versatility that Tomiyasu brings to the team will be sorely missed during his absence.
In an effort to tie down their star forward, Ivan Toney, Brentford is reportedly close to reaching an agreement on a new contract that includes a clause allowing him to leave at the end of the season. The talented 27-year-old striker has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea, with Arsenal being heavily linked with the England international. Toney himself appears to be interested in a potential switch across London. However, Brentford is determined to retain their talisman and has agreed to include a release clause or a clause that would allow Toney to leave in the summer if he commits to the club until June. It is worth noting that Tottenham Hotspur has also shown interest in Toney but has been put off by the asking price rumored to be around £80 million.
Real Madrid is closely monitoring the situation of Uruguayan goalkeeper Randall Rodriguez as they consider him an ideal candidate to act as a backup to Thibaut Courtois. Currently playing for Peñarol and a U20 world champion with Uruguay, the 20-year-old shot-stopper has impressed during the World Cup with an impressive clean sheet record. Real Madrid may pursue a permanent transfer for Rodriguez or consider a loan arrangement with an option to purchase. This move is prompted by the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Madrid’s current backup goalkeepers Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Rumors suggest that Arsenal has set their sights on Ousmane Diomande, a 20-year-old central defender playing for Sporting Lisbon. Diomande, an Ivory Coast international, has been in excellent form this season, making 21 appearances across all competitions. While the defender is under contract with Sporting Lisbon until 2027, his release clause is believed to be around £70 million. Arsenal is just one of many clubs monitoring Diomande’s progress with a potential summer deal on the horizon.
As Real Madrid enters the new year, contract discussions with several players remain unresolved, potentially leading to their departure in 2024. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, two pivotal midfielders for the club, are keen to stay and could be offered one-year extensions. Nacho, despite his lifelong association with the club, might also consider leaving. Additionally, Lucas Vázquez is likely to be replaced, Kepa Arrizabalaga faces an uncertain future, and Madrid is yet to decide on activating Joselu’s purchase option from Espanyol.
Galatasaray is reportedly interested in Roma and Italy left-back Leonardo Spinazzola and aims to commence negotiations in January. However, they face competition from Saudi Pro League teams who are also vying for his signature. Spinazzola, who stood out as one of Italy’s best players in Euro 2020 but experienced a decline in form after tearing his Achilles tendon, becomes a free agent at the end of the current season. Consequently, he is struggling to secure a consistent starting place in the team.
As the January transfer window opens across Europe, numerous clubs are actively engaged in negotiating deals, securing contract extensions, or exploring potential arrivals. The football world eagerly awaits to see which transfers will materialize and how they will reshape the landscape of European football.