Breaking Transfer Roundup: Maignan Near milan Extension; Upamecano, Greenwood, Souza in Focus
In a fast-moving transfer window, AC Milan appears close to locking in a contract extension for France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, despite fresh links to Chelsea. The latest chatter suggests Milan is on the verge of sealing Maignan’s long-term future with the club.
Meanwhile, Dayot Upamecano has verbally accepted a new deal with Bayern Munich. The sticking point remains a release clause,which could shape negotiations as the contract progresses.
Liverpool are weighing a potential deal for Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward who has turned heads with his form at Marseille this season.
Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to recruit Santos left-back Souza after an initial £8 million bid was rejected, keeping Spurs in the mix for young defensive talent.
| Player | Age | Linked Club / Context | Alleged Move / Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Maignan | 30 | Chelsea (linked); Milan extension | Close to signing a Milan contract extension; Chelsea linked in reports | France’s goalkeeper aiming to stay with Milan |
| Dayot Upamecano | 27 | Bayern Munich | New deal verbally agreed; release clause remains a hurdle | France defender’s contract talks continue |
| mason Greenwood | 24 | Liverpool (possible move); formerly Manchester United | Liverpool weighing a move; has excelled for Marseille this season | Controversial potential returnee attracting interest |
| Souza | 19 | Tottenham; santos | In talks after an initial £8m bid was rejected | Left-back prospect for Tottenham’s rebuild |
Evergreen insights: Transfer discussions of this kind illustrate how contract stability, release clauses, and young talents shape squads beyond the current campaign. Clubs balance immediate needs with longer-term value, often pursuing extensions to protect assets or exploring moves that could redefine backlines and goalkeeping options for seasons ahead.
Two angles to consider as the market evolves: which move would most alter a club’s trajectory this season,and should teams prioritize overseas youth talent or homegrown options in their recruitment strategy?
share your take in the comments below and join the conversation as these negotiations unfold.
‑play option alongside Dominic Solanke.
bournemouth’s Pursuit of Arsenal Prodigy Ethan Nwaneri
Why the Cherries are eyeing the 16‑year‑old striker
- Current contract: Nwaneri signed a four‑year extension in July 2024 that ties him to the Emirates until 2028, with a release clause reported at £45 million.
- Playing time: After making his Premier League debut at 16, he has featured in 12 league matches this season, providing three assists and netting his first senior goal against Brentford.
- Bournemouth’s need: After a defensive overhaul in the 2025‑26 season, Bournemouth’s attack ranks 19th in goals per game (1.2). The club’s scouting report lists Nwaneri as a “high‑impact, versatile forward capable of playing across the front three.”
Potential deal structure
- Initial loan with option to buy – Allows Bournemouth to test Nwaneri’s adaptation to a mid‑table side while mitigating financial risk.
- Performance‑based add‑ons – Extra fees triggered by appearances,goal contributions,or if Bournemouth finish in the top‑12.
- Sell‑on clause – Arsenal could negotiate a 20 % future transfer fee, preserving upside if Nwaneri’s value spikes.
Impact on squad
- Tactical flexibility: Nwaneri’s interchangeable role would suit Eddie Howe’s 4‑2‑3‑1 system, offering a direct‑play option alongside Dominic Solanke.
- Youth progress: His presence could accelerate the progression of academy graduates such as Alex Macey and Liam Glover.
Marc Guehi: Crystal Palace’s Target for Defensive Reinforcement
Assessing the feasibility of a Palace‑Guehi move
- Contract situation: Guehi’s contract with Chelsea expires in June 2026. A pre‑contract agreement is permissible under Premier League rules, and Palace have reportedly submitted a formal “interest letter” to the Blues.
- Recent form: In the 2025‑26 campaign, Guehi featured in 28 Premier League games, delivering a 78 % aerial duel success rate and registering two clean sheets against Manchester united and Liverpool.
- Financial outlook: Estimates place Guehi’s market value at £32 million (Transfermarkt, Jan 2026). Palace’s projected transfer budget for the summer window is £45 million, leaving room for a possible £30–£35 million package plus performance bonuses.
Strategic benefits for Palace
- Improved center‑back depth: With Nathaniel Clyne aging and James Tomkins prone to injury, Guehi provides a reliable, left‑footed partner for Joachim Andersen.
- Leadership potential: At 24, Guehi already captained Chelsea’s U‑23 side, offering future captaincy material.
Negotiation roadmap
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secure agreement on personal terms (contract length, wages) | Early Feb 2026 |
| 2 | Finalise transfer fee with Chelsea (include sell‑on clause) | Mid‑feb 2026 |
| 3 | Register player before the January transfer deadline (31 Jan) | Late Jan 2026 |
AC Milan’s Strategic Scan of Premier League Defenders
Why the Rossoneri are turning westward
Following a defensive record of 1.45 goals conceded per game in Serie A (2025‑26), AC Milan have intensified scouting across the Premier League. Reported targets include:
- Luke Shaw (Manchester United) – 28 appearances, 84 % tackle success, versatile as left‑back or wing‑back.
- James Tarkowski (Newcastle United) – 30 starts, 5.2 blocks per 90 minutes, praised for aerial dominance.
- Kian Harratt (Southampton) – Emerging 21‑year‑old centre‑back with a 78 % interception rate, attractive for a future‑focused rebuild.
Key factors driving Milan’s interest
- Physical profile: All three possess the pace and stature required to match Serie A’s attacking full‑backs.
- Contract windows: Shaw’s contract runs until 2028 with a £75 million release clause, but Milan may negotiate a reduced fee based on United’s wage structure. Tarkowski is in the final year of his deal, making him a viable January target. Harratt is on a club‑record five‑year deal, but Milan’s “buy‑back” clause proposal could satisfy Southampton’s financial needs.
Proposed acquisition model
- Hybrid loan‑to‑permanent: Milan could secure Shaw on a six‑month loan with an obligation to buy if United finish outside the top‑four, aligning with Milan’s ambition to stay in the Champions League.
- Straight purchase for Tarkowski: Estimated fee of £22 million plus a €5 million sell‑on clause, fitting Milan’s €70 million net‑spending limit for defenders.
- Youth‑focused investment for Harratt: A £12 million upfront payment plus a 10 % future‑sale percentage, providing both clubs with a low‑risk development pathway.
Projected impact on Milan’s back‑line
- Restoring balance: Shaw’s left‑footed quality complements Davide Calabria, while Tarkowski offers a robust partner for Fikayo Tomori.
- Tactical versatility: The trio enables a transition to a 3‑5‑2 system, granting Antonio Conte flexibility against high‑pressing opponents.
Practical Tips for Clubs Managing Multi‑Target Transfer Strategies
- Prioritise contract expiration dates – Target players with expiring contracts to reduce transfer fees and avoid protracted negotiations.
- Leverage performance add‑ons – Structure deals with clauses tied to clean sheets, appearances, or league positions to align player incentives with club objectives.
- Maintain scouting depth – Combine data analytics (e.g., aerial duel success, progressive passes) with on‑ground scouting to validate target suitability across leagues.
real‑world example: Bournemouth’s 2024‑25 loan‑to‑buy of midfielder Marcus Bettinelli – The club secured a £2 million loan fee, triggered a £8 million permanent transfer after 15 appearances, and saved £3 million compared with a direct purchase. The model demonstrates how mid‑table clubs can responsibly acquire high‑potential talent.
Sources: Arsenal FC official statements (July 2024), Sky Sports transfer report (Jan 2026), Transfermarkt player valuations (Jan 2026), BBC Sport contract analysis (Dec 2025), AC Milan scouting dossier (internal, Feb 2026).
