Football transfer rumours: Arsenal & Liverpool want Raphinha; Man Utd’s preferred Rashford replacement

As the January transfer window approaches, clubs across Europe are making moves to reinforce their squads, with Arsenal and Liverpool both keen on Barcelona winger Raphinha. Meanwhile, Manchester United are already eyeing a long-term successor for Marcus Rashford as speculation over his future continues.

Arsenal have been in contact with intermediaries in an attempt to negotiate a deal for Raphinha, a player they have admired since his Leeds United days. However, they are not alone in their pursuit, as Liverpool and Manchester City have also expressed strong interest. Barcelona, facing financial constraints, might be tempted to cash in if the right offer arrives.

Liverpool’s transfer plans are not limited to Raphinha. The Reds have been monitoring Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, viewing him as an alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. However, Torino’s £50m asking price could pose a problem for Jürgen Klopp’s side, who are also exploring other midfield reinforcements.

Additionally, Liverpool are reportedly ready to place a £50m bid for Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere at the end of the season. The Belgian, who struggled at AC Milan before rediscovering his form in Bergamo, is seen as a potential long-term attacking option for Klopp.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are preparing for life after Marcus Rashford. Reports suggest that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson has emerged as their preferred choice to replace the England international, whose inconsistent performances this season have raised concerns at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old striker has already demonstrated his potential in the Premier League and would command a hefty transfer fee.

United’s striker search does not end with Ferguson, as they have also reignited contact with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward has been linked with a move away from Serie A, and while Chelsea have long been considered favorites, United are keen to hijack the deal. Osimhen’s release clause, reportedly in the region of €120m, makes him one of the most expensive targets on the market.

Tottenham Hotspur are also in the market for reinforcements and are set to rival Manchester United in the pursuit of Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor. Spurs see him as a potential long-term successor to Guglielmo Vicario, while United are scouting for an option to compete with André Onana.

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid have been monitoring their right-back situation but have decided not to make a signing in January. Instead, Los Blancos are focused on securing a summer move for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract situation remains unresolved. Madrid are eager to bring in a world-class right-back, and Alexander-Arnold’s ball-playing ability makes him an ideal fit for their system.

Newcastle United, on the other hand, are looking to make sales rather than purchases. The Magpies are prepared to offload right-back Kieran Trippier and winger Miguel Almirón in an effort to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Trippier has attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, while Almirón could still find suitors within the Premier League.

Aston Villa are pushing to strengthen their defense and have set their sights on Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio. The Villans are competing with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest for the young Spanish center-back, who is highly rated within Madrid’s academy setup. However, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will sanction his departure, given their preference for nurturing young talents.

AC Milan, meanwhile, are working to put an end to speculation over the futures of key players. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders are both close to signing new contracts, which would provide a significant boost to the Rossoneri’s squad stability. Maignan, in particular, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but Milan are determined to keep hold of their number one.

Real Betis are also planning to be active in January and are reportedly keen on signing Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei and West Ham United’s Guido Rodríguez. Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini is eager to bolster his midfield, and both players could be available for the right price. Chelsea might be open to letting Casadei leave on loan, while Rodríguez’s contract situation at West Ham could make him an attractive target.

With the transfer window edging closer, these rumours are set to intensify, with clubs across Europe preparing to make their final moves. Arsenal and Liverpool’s interest in Raphinha could turn into a bidding war, while Manchester United’s search for a Rashford replacement will be one of the biggest talking points in the coming months.

The evolving situations of Alexander-Arnold, Osimhen, and Maignan will also keep fans on edge, as elite clubs position themselves for what promises to be a highly competitive transfer window. Whether Newcastle can navigate their financial issues and whether Aston Villa can pull off a coup for a Real Madrid talent remain key narratives to watch.

For now, speculation continues to dominate the headlines, but soon, clubs will be forced to show their hands as the January window officially opens.