Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard is actively working to convince Norway teammate and RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa to join him at Emirates Stadium, as European clubs deal with a congested January transfer market.
The Bottom Line
- Real Madrid striker Endrick is reportedly available for a January departure under José Mourinho, drawing permanent interest from Arsenal and loan inquiries from AC Milan and Manchester United.
- Barcelona is targeting Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martínez and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, though financial constraints complicate traditional deal structures.
- Aston Villa has set a €40 million ($45 million) price tag on left-back Alejandro Balde through his agent, while simultaneously pursuing Barcelona’s 16-year-old midfielder Ebrima Tunkara.
Arsenal Pursues Nusa and Forbs Amid Saka Absence
The race to secure squad depth intensifies as clubs approach the winter window. According to The Daily Briefing, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is pressing international teammate Antonio Nusa to consider a move to north London. Simultaneously, Fichajes reports that Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs has emerged as a primary January target for Arsenal to offset the prolonged absence of injured star Bukayo Saka. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Aston Villa is attempting to convince 16-year-old midfielder Ebrima Tunkara to leave Camp Nou for Villa Park, a move El Nacional notes that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is strongly resisting.
Madrid Strikers and Defensive Targets Draw Continental Attention
In Spain, squad management at elite clubs triggers widespread interest across domestic and international borders. Fichajes indicates that José Mourinho is prepared to let striker Endrick leave Real Madrid in January, prompting Arsenal to pursue a permanent transfer while AC Milan and Manchester United evaluate loan terms. Meanwhile, SPORT reports that Barcelona desires Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martínez but lacks the liquidity for a standard transfer fee, instead hoping the defender will accept an initial pay cut. The same outlet notes that Barcelona’s agent representation has informed Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Manchester United that left-back Alejandro Balde carries a valuation of €40 million ($45 million), though loan arrangements with obligatory purchase clauses remain under consideration.
| Player | Current Club | Interested Parties | Reported Valuation / Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alejandro Balde | Barcelona | Aston Villa, Liverpool, Man Utd | €40 million ($45 million) or loan with obligation |
| Estêvão | Chelsea | Bayern Munich | €80 million ($90 million) |
| Lisandro Martínez | Man Utd | Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Como, Inter Milan, Roma | Subject to proposed initial wage reduction by Barcelona |
Disclaimer: The Information Provi
Defensive and midfield assets generate significant cross-border friction as winter planning crystallizes. According to Calciomercato.it, Lisandro Martínez faces interest not only from Spanish suitors but also from Italian sides Como, Inter Milan, and Roma. In defense of younger assets, Football Insider reports that Tottenham Hotspur has abandoned plans to loan out 18-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett under manager Roberto De Zerbi, while the Daily Mail notes Newcastle United will retain midfielder Aladji Bamba despite limited minutes following his summer arrival.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
