TEAMtalk

Tottenham are ready to make a move for one of the best young playmakers in Europe, with a report suggesting that Newcastle United could decide to pull out of the race as the Magpies aim to beat Spurs to a Southampton star.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has consistently reported that despite Tottenham’s woeful form in the Premier League this season, chairman Daniel Levy is ready to back head coach Ange Postecoglou with new signings in the January transfer window. With Spurs closer to the bottom three than the top four, the north London club need to make new additions to their squad for the second half of the campaign.

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are keen on a deal for Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki in the final days of the January window.

With Lyon in financial turmoil, the French club are ready to cash in on the 21-year-old, who can also play as a winger and has been described by Eurosport France journalist Martin Mosnier as “an exceptional dribbler£ who “can seemingly utilise both feet equally well”.

The report has claimed that Tottenham are “tempted to offer the 21-year-old a route out of his current surroundings” in the January transfer window, with there having been “admiring glances” at Cherki from the Spurs chiefs.

Newcastle United are also interested in Cherki, according to GiveMeSport, but there are reservations at St James’ Park over the 21-year-old Frenchman, who has scored five goals and given eight assists in 24 matches in all competitions for Lyon this season.

There are concerns at Newcastle over whether “Cherki is the right fit for the squad and Howe not being particularly keen on pouncing”, although the club’s Sporting Director Paul Mitchell has “some degree of interest” in the youngster.

Liverpool have also been linked with Cherki. A report in Spain this month claimed that the Premier League leaders are ready to pay £18.6m for the youngster.

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Newcastle want to beat Tottenham to Tyler Dibling signing

While Newcastle are not overly fussed if Cherki moves to Tottenham, GiveMeSport has reported that the Magpies are determined to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of Tyler Dibling.

Dibling has emerged as one of the finest young midfielders in the Premier League this season. With Southampton likely to get relegated to the Championship, the Saints will have to cash in on the 18-year-old at some point.

While Newcastle are keen on Dibling, they are unable to cough up the £55m transfer fee that Southampton want for him in January.

The Magpies are willing to wait until the summer of 2025, but they are aware of Tottenham’s interest in the midfielder and are fearful of a bid from the north London club in the final days of the January transfer window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Dibling is open to a move to Spurs, who have already started talks over a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Latest Tottenham news: Nico Williams offer, Igamane interest

Cherki and Dibling are just two of the players Tottenham could reportedly bid in the January transfer window.

There’s speculation in the Spanish media that Spurs could also trigger the £49m release clause in Nico Williams’s contract at Athletic Bilbao.

Williams is one of the best young wingers in the world, and it is not a surprise at all that Tottenham are keen on securing his services.

Worryingly for Spurs, though, north London rivals Arsenal are also interested in Williams and could offer £49m for him.

Hamza Igamane is also a player on Tottenham’s radar. TEAMtalk understands that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Rangers player in action.

Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Everton have watched the Rangers forward in action too and have been impressed with him.

Another player that Spurs want to sign is Angel Gomes, with a report claiming that that the Lille star prefers a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to a transfer to Manchester United of West Ham United.

All the latest rumours, transfer talks, medicals, agreements and done deals in one place – follow along with Tuesday’s live blog below.

It’s bound to be another busy day and we’ll be right across anything we hear for transfers in progress in the final full week of the window but it slams shut on February 3.

Stick with us for all the latest updates throughout the day.

Tottenham have opened negotiations over a deal to sign Tyler Dibling as they look to beat Manchester United to his signature – while the minimum price to land the Southampton teenager and TWO other deals Spurs could pull off before the window shuts have also come to light.

It’s been a difficult season so far for the north London club, who have lost six of their last seven Premier League games and find themselves just eight points clear of the relegation zone – form which has seen pressure building on Ange Postecoglou’s position. But while trusted reporter Ben Jacobs has told us that Tottenham have ‘no intention’ of axing the Aussie any time soon, the club have now begun preparations for what they hope will be a busy end to the transfer window.

With injuries taking a heavy toll on the Spurs squad, Postecoglou has now been given the licence to bring some much-needed reinforcements in – and a move for Dibling could well be the first off the rank.

The teenage star has enjoyed an impressive breakout season, despite Southampton’s struggles at the foot of the Premier League table. With four goals and two assists to his name from 24 outings, the 18-year-old has certainly caught the eye, with his form alerting Manchester United, among others to his very obvious talents.

Despite interest from United, the Daily Telegraph reports that Tottenham have held initial talks over a deal for the player and have been encouraged by Southampton’s stance.

And while a deal looks unlikely this month as Saints cling on to any small shred of survival they can, journalist Matt Law believes a deal could be lined up for the summer window in a move that could set Spurs back a minimum £55m (€65.6m, $68.4m).

With sources also confirming to us last week that Dibling is open to the move, Tottenham hope to have the transfer in place in the coming days in a pre-agreement that will see Dibling move to north London in July and in a move that not only be their second biggest of all time – after Dominic Solanke – but will also immediately end Man Utd’s prospects of a transfer hijack.

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Spurs want two other signings this month after Dibling

While the capture of Dibling will boost Tottenham’s squad next season, it does not help Postecoglou in the here and now as he looks to navigate his way through the club’s crippling injury issues.

As a result, the club are also looking to secure the signing of Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who has given Tottenham encouragement that he is open to a return to the Premier League with the north London side.

The England midfielder will enter free-agent status this summer and is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement to move to an overseas side of his choosing.

And with reports revealing that Spurs are now right at the front of that queue, he could be the second player they agree to sign this month and ahead of the summer window.

His side Lille, while powerless to prevent his move, could yet be open to his sale this month if a price can be agreed deemed as suitable, though a summer move appears far more likely with the Ligue 1 side pushing again to secure a Champions League place and still very much alive in this season’s competition.

Spurs are also in the market for a new striker and they are also being linked with a loan move to bring in Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, though competition is tough for the Irishman.

However, with the Seagulls open to his exit this month, Spurs are likely to be among those pushing to get a deal done for the 20-year-old, who has fallen down the pecking order at the AMEX Stadium this season.

Postecoglou recently lost Dominic Solanke to a knee injury which is due to keep him sidelined for another five weeks. And while Richarlison returned to action at the weekend, scoring their goal in their 2-1 home defeat to Leicester, he is not altogether favoured by Postecoglou and Ferguson could be seen as a candidate to come in to boost their attack.

Rangers links knocked back; Nico Williams claims debunked

Tottenham, meanwhile, are one of two Premier League sides to have expressed an interest in Rangers star Hamza Igaman.

The Moroccan has 13 goals in 27 games after moving to Ibrox last summer in a bargain £2.5m deal from FAR Rabat. And having lit up the Scottish Premiership, our sources have revealed that scouts from both Everton and Tottenham have been in attendance to check on the 22-year-old’s progress in recent weeks.

However, while a tempting offer could tempt Rangers to cash in later this year, we can reveal that Spurs have learned that a January deal for Igaman has been shut down with the Glasgow giants insistent on keeping their star man at Ibrox this month.

Spurs are also being linked with an unlikely move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, reports in Spain have claimed.

The Euro 2024 winner is one of LaLiga’s brightest talents and has a €55m (£46.1m, $57.3m) exit deal in his contract. As a result, it’s reported that both Spurs are Arsenal are willing to trigger that deal this month to bring the 22-year-old to England this month.

However, given the terms of that clause would entitle Bilbao to claim the entirety of that exit fee up front, it seems highly improbable at best to suggest a move to Spurs could be on the cards.

Tottenham are in talks to sign a highly-rated Premier League winger and an England international as part of a triple coup, while multiple sources have confirmed the club’s decision on whether to sack Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham’s Premier League form can only be described as dire at present, with the 2-1 defeat to Leicester on Sunday their sixth league loss in the last seven matches.

Tottenham are just eight points clear of the relegation zone with over half of the season played. It’s a significant sample size and manager Ange Postecoglou is at his lowest ebb since arriving from Celtic.

However, trusted reporter Ben Jacobs has told TEAMtalk that the Australian is not in immediate danger of losing his job.

Instead, the club are understanding of the monumental injury crisis that has ravaged Postecoglou’s squad and as such, their focus is on how to back their manager in the market as opposed to swinging the axe.

A subsequent update from The Telegraph has echoed Jacobs’ claims. They also claimed part of the reason why Postecoglou isn’t expected to lose his job any time soon is such a decision would be ‘hugely embarrassing’ for the club and chairman Daniel Levy.

The report stated: ‘the prospect of having to finish a third season with Ryan Mason in caretaker charge would be hugely embarrassing and provoke more criticism towards Levy.’

Accordingly, The Telegraph stated Postecoglou will be ‘backed’ in the final week of the transfer window and an outfield player is expected to arrive before the February 3 deadline.

Furthermore, Spurs have ‘held talks’ over two other signings, though they may not arrive until the summer…

Tottenham want three signings

Per the report, ‘Southampton winger Tyler Dibling and Lille midfielder Angel Gomes are two players Spurs have held talks over as they attempt to set up deals for the summer window, and they are also trying to secure at least one new outfield signing this month.’

Gomes, 24, is out of contract at season’s end and having entered the final six months of his deal, non-French clubs are free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the player right now.

Gomes has developed into an all-purpose central midfielder during his time in France. He’s also thrust himself into the mix for England having racked up four caps for his country in 2024.

Encouragingly for Tottenham, a recent report from GiveMeSport claimed Gomes favours signing for Spurs ahead of fellow interested sides Manchester United and West Ham. That’s despite Gomes spending 15 years on Man Utd’s books as a youth player between 2006-20.

Southampton’s Dibling, 18, has caught the eye with a series of dazzling displays on the south coast this season.

Sky Sports recently claimed Southampton have slapped a hefty £55m valuation on the player, though Spurs have shown they’ll spend big on young English talent after forking out £40m to sign Archie Gray from Leeds United last summer.

Competition for Dibling’s signature comes by way of Man Utd, Chelsea and Aston Villa. As such, The Telegraph reported Tottenham are keen to secure some form of agreement with Southampton and Dibling right now that either results in a January switch or sets up a summer arrival.

The report stated: ‘Spurs would ideally like to sign Dibling in January but if that proves beyond them the club are also discussing trying to get an agreement in place for him to move at the end of the season.’

Of more immediate concern to Postecoglou is the addition of an outfield player who’ll arrive before the February 3 deadline. Tottenham’s only signing of the window so far – Antonin Kinsky – is a goalkeeper.

Brighton’s Evan Ferguson was mentioned and the striker is available via the loan route. However, it was suggested Ferguson may be reluctant to join Spurs given Richarlison is fit once again and Dominic Solanke is only facing around a five more weeks out with his knee injury.

The inference there is Ferguson wants to join a club where he’s guaranteed to play and his minutes cannot be assured at Spurs.

Ajax’s Brian Brobbey and Liam Delap of Ipswich Town are alternative forwards coming under consideration in north London.

Tottenham’s situation under Ange Postecoglou worsened again after their weekend defeat to Leicester City at home and there can be little argument that injuries have been a huge factor in the club’s struggles.

Tottenham remain 15th in the Premier League table after the 2-1 defeat to the Foxes which initially saw them take the lead before squandering it in just four second-half minutes.

It has been a dramatic collapse in terms of form and results, with six defeats and one draw in their last seven league games.

One reason for Tottenham’s dramatic collapse in recent weeks is their lengthy injury list which currently has up to 10 absences, including several key first-team starters – particularly in defence.

Pressure is mounting on manager Postecoglou, who has lost 13 games in the league already, which is a feat only beaten by Leicester, Wolves and Southampton.

But with key players poised to return to action soon, could the Tottenham boss finally be set for some respite as TT looks at the current players sidelined and when they should be back.

Guglielmo Vicario

The 28-year-old keeper has been sidelined since November with an ankle injury sustained against Manchester City and his absence has resulted in three different keepers being used.

The trio of Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin and Antonin Kinsky have all been given the chance to stake their claim.

Thankfully for Spurs, Vicario has taken to Instagram in the last few days to share when he might return to action with a tease of ‘not long now’. While it was previously quoted that the end of February would be a likely return date.

Destiny Udogie

Defence has been a real concern but losing the energetic left-back Udogie has been a big blow. A hamstring injury has seen him miss the last seven games, previously featuring in the home draw with Wolves on December 29.

In his absence, Djed Spence has deputized there before his injury, while Archie Gray has now stepped up after Ben Davies returned to fill in alongside Radu Dragusin at centre-back.

As for Udogie, originally set for 10 weeks out, the hope is that he should be back by mid-February.

Cristian Romero

Another key figure at the back, Romero’s experience and toughness adds a level of steel to Spurs which has simply been missing in his absence. His return would allow Archie Gray to play in his natural position and give the side far more balance overall.

Romero’s return is seemingly imminent having been involved in training and he should return very soon, perhaps in their next few games. ‘He’s training, but he’s not travelled. He’s not playing. Probably another week to 10 days for him.’ Postecoglou said on January 22.

Micky Van de Ven

One player who is absolutely fundament to ‘Ange-Ball’ is the Dutch centre-back. His incredible athleticism is needed for his high line and, when fit, Spurs are a far better side with him in it. He previously was rushed back for the clash with Chelsea in December but it proved to be an awful decision, as he has been out of action ever since.

Postecoglou revealed that a return to action shouldn’t be too far away, having already missed 18 games with this injury. ‘[Romero] and Micky are the next cabs off the rank in terms of the long-term ones. They’ve still got a bit to do in terms of getting some training into them with the team. Micky’s not too far away’.

James Maddison

Having missed out in the defeat to his former club Leicester Club, his absence was reportedly down to fatigue. The 28-year-old hasn’t always been a favourite of Postecoglou’s, but he has still managed to start 15 games in the league, recording nine goals and six assists in all competitions.

Although, it looks like he should return this week. ‘He was still a bit sore from the other night [vs Hoffenheim]; it took a fair bit out of the group. He wasn’t 100 per cent, so yeah, he misses out today. Hopefully, he should be alright for next week.

Djed Spence

Similar to Maddison, fatigue was the key factor who his absence. Recent weeks have seen him covering across multiple positions to help the team out, featuring at left-back in the absence of Udogie.

Before the Leicester win, Postecoglou said in the build-up last week as to why he wouldn’t be available. ‘Djed is still sore from [Everton] and is a doubt for this weekend as he got a knock.’

Brennan Johnson

The flying winger suffered a strain during the North London derby defeat against Arsenal and could be out for most of February. Johnson, 23, has enjoyed a fruitful season in front of goal outscoring Solanke with 12 in all competitions.

In terms of a return date, it was revealed that he will be out for at least three to four weeks, resulting in a potential return around mid-February. “He did it in the second half against Arsenal the other night. So yeah, we’re looking at three to four weeks,” added Postecoglou last week.

Timo Werner

Having suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup win over Tamworth, Werner’s return date is unclear. After hearing the results of the scan, it was revealed that he is set to be out for three to four weeks while he recovers.

The loanee hasn’t been a key figure with just one goal in 26 proving that he has struggled to emulate anything near his top level that we saw in the past at RB Leipzig and only in very short spells at Chelsea.

Wilson Odobert

A thigh injury suffered early in the season required surgery and the Burnley signing has managed just one goal in six appearances since joining.

‘We can confirm that Wilson underwent surgery to his right hamstring yesterday. The 19-year-old will continue to be monitored by our medical team to determine when he can return to training.’

He is expected back in training in early February and if all goes well, Odobert could be back in competitive action by March.

Dominic Solanke

Solanke’s absence is certainly frustrating given he suffered his knee injury during training. Postecoglou has welcomed back Richarlison in recent games which has helped to fill the void left by Solanke who has netted 11 in 29 games.

Postecoglou commented on the situation last week after their Europa League win over Hoffenheim: “All the information now is kind of we’re looking at around the six-week mark for him,” Postecoglou told reporters in Germany. “No surgery but maybe we can get him back a little bit earlier, we’ll just see how he progresses, but at this stage, it’s only around six weeks.”

Rangers forward Hamza Igamane is having a fantastic season and several Premier League sides including Tottenham and Everton have sent scouts to watch him in action, TEAMtalk understands.

Rangers have had an up and down season, they’re performing excellently in Europe but find themselves well behind Celtic in the race for the league title.

Igamane, 22, joined Rangers from Moroccan side FAR Rabat for just £2.5million last summer and has gone on to become one of the finest talents in the Scottish Premiership.

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Sources have stated that ‘everyone’ has scouted Igamane this season, with Tottenham, Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Nice understood to be among his admirers.

However, luring the young forward away from Ibrox this month highly unlikely as sources close to Rangers have indicated that the club have zero intention to sell.

Igamane is valued extremely highly by the club and they don’t want to lose him mid-season but there is also an acceptance that he has the quality to play at the highest level.

There could be a different picture in the summer as Rangers will have the opportunity to sell Igamane for a huge profit.

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Rangers’ model means Igamane could leave in the summer

Rangers’ plan is to buy talents for a low price and sell them for a significant profit and a big sale of Igamane at the end of this season would represent the first signs of the plan coming together.

Igamane is not alone in being a sellable asset, although it’s clear that he is the player with the highest value as things stand.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has come under severe scrutiny for results on the pitch, but a number of the players brought in alongside sporting director Nils Koppen are showing much promise.

Mohammed Diomande, Clinton Nsiala and Jefte are other players who have been signed for cut-price fees and hold potential to be sold on for a profit.

Rangers have secured their place in the second round of the Europa League and the overwhelming message from sources is that Igamane will stay at the club until the summer at least.

Igamane has made 27 appearances across all competitions for Rangers so far this season, scoring 13 goals and making three assists in the process.

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Tottenham have lost their last four Premier League matches and there is growing pressure on Ange Postecoglou, but sources maintain that the Spurs manager is not in immediate danger of being sacked.

Spurs’ 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City on Sunday has left them 15th in the table, only eight points outside the relegation zone.

Tottenham’s position this season has been consistent, that they back Postecoglou and that they will review his performance as part of pre-planned evaluation of everything about the season in the summer.

Sources deny the idea that Tottenham are now looking at Postecoglou position on a game-by-game basis even though, as with Gary O’Neil at Wolves, results can quickly change the picture.

Spurs are more focused currently on how to best support Postecoglou in the final few days of the window.

Ryan Mason could replace Ange Postecoglou if results don’t change

Tottenham don’t want to make a knee-jerk decision on Postecoglou. Another factor to consider is that the manager’s they may want to replace him are unlikely to be available mid-season.

There is also an acceptance at Spurs that Postecoglou has been very unlucky in terms of important players getting injured, with over ten senior players now sidelined, several of whom are starters.

Tottenham’s stance on Postecoglou hasn’t changed after the Leicester defeat. Despite their league position they are still fighting for the League Cup and Europa League titles.

However, if Spurs’ form doesn’t turn around, it is likely Spurs would turn again to Ryan Mason – currently Postecoglou’s assistant – given there are limited managers who would take the Spurs job mid-season.

Beyond normal succession planning there hasn’t been any consideration yet to other candidates, which shows the support Postecoglou still has. Although true, Spurs appreciate Andoni Iraola, no contact, even informal, has been made to date with the Bournemouth boss.

Tottenham’s preference is clear: for Postecoglou to turn things around, to collaboratively review the season in the summer and build the project with the Aussie still in charge.

Tottenham face Elfsborg at home in the Europa League next before playing Brentford away on Sunday, that is followed by a crucial League Cup semi-final second-leg against Liverpool at Anfield, which they lead 1-0 on aggregate.

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Tottenham XI of currently injured players*

*Yves Bissouma was left on the bench against Leicester as it was deemed too much of a risk to bring him on.

A former Manchester United manager has emerged as a potential candidate for Tottenham, with a report claiming that his extensive experience and ability to rebuild teams and be successful are attractive to the north London club, who have also made a decision on the immediate future of head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham are in turmoil at the moment, with the team’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four all but gone. Spurs have lost five of their six league games and are only eight points above their relegation zone.

Spurs’ latest defeat in the Premier League came on Sunday when they lost 2-1 to Leicester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. There were chants against Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, with fans also frustrated with Postecoglou.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has been reporting for a while now that although Spurs are not planning to immediately sack Postecoglou, they are looking at potential candidates, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola featuring on the shortlist.

Thomas Frank of Brentford is also under consideration, and now Fichajes has thrown another name into the mix.

It has been reported that Spurs are considering former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag as a potential replacement for Postecoglou.

The 54-year-old was sacked by Man Utd in October 2024 after a run of poor results, and, shockingly, Tottenham are ready to give him another chance in the Premier League and bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fichajes has claimed that Tottenham have informed Postecoglou that his position as the head coach is in danger, with the report adding that the former Celtic boss is “on the ropes”.

What Tottenham like about Ten Hag is his “experience and ability to rebuild teams”. While the Dutchman could not guide Man Utd to Premier League success, he won the FA Cup and the EFL Cup with the Red Devils and also led Ajax to the Eredivisie title thrice.

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Tottenham stance on Ange Postecoglou future

While certain sections of the Tottenham fans want Postecoglou gone, it seems that Levy is keeping faith in him for the time being.

According to talkSPORT, despite Tottenham’s defeat to Leicester at home in the Premier League on Sunday, the north London club have not changed their stance on Postecoglou.

The Tottenham board are behind Postecoglou at the moment, but there is always the possibility that things could change.

If Spurs do sack Postecoglou, then Ryan Mason could step up as the interim manager and guide the team.

Mason took interim charge of the Tottenham first team when Jose Mourinho was sacked in April 2021.

The 33-year-old former Spurs midfielder was given the managerial role on a temporary basis again after Cristian Stellini left following Antonio Conte’s exit in Match 2023.

Latest Tottenham news: Williams offer, Gimenez blow

While the future of Postecoglou is wrapped up in uncertainty, Tottenham are pressing ahead with their plans to bring in new players in the January transfer window.

A Spanish report has claimed that Tottenham are ready to pay the release clause in Nico Williams’s contract at Athletic Bilbao.

Williams is one of the best young wingers in Europe, and Spurs are willing to pay £49million for him now.

The problem for Tottenham is that Arsenal are also ready to trigger the release clause, with manager Mikel Arteta having been hugely impressed with him.

Tottenham also have their eyes on Tyler Dibling, but they are facing competition from Man Utd for the signature of the Southampton midfielder.

Dibling has been one of Southampton’s best players this season. With the Saints likely to get relegated to the Championship, there is a distinct possibility that the midfielder could leave either in the January transfer window or in the summer of 2025.

Man Utd could try to sign Dibling if they lose Alejandro Garnacho, but Southampton want £55m for the 18-year-old England Under-21 international midfielder.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could struggle to secure the services of Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord in the January transfer window.

Spurs are keen on the 23-year-old forward and are willing to pay £30m for the Mexico international. With AC Milan also in the race for the youngster. Feyenoord could raise their asking price to £40m, which would be beyond what Tottenham could offer now.

Arsenal are ready to make a big move for one of Europe’s best and most promising young wingers, with a report claiming that Tottenham are also keen on securing his services as the two north London clubs go head-to-head for yet another attacking player.

The Gunners are on the hunt for a new striker following the injury to Gabriel Jesus, but manager Mikel Arteta is also looking to sign a new winger. With the north London club aiming to beat Liverpool to the Premier League title this season, they want to have a strong and competitive squad for the second half of the campaign.

With Bukayo Saka on the sidelines until March at least, Arsenal have been looking at signing another winger, and Nico Williams is on their radar.

Although Williams has predominately played on the left wing this season, the 22-year-old Spain international can operate on the right as well.

The youngster has scored three goals and given five assists in 29 matches in all competitions this season, while during the 2023-24 campaign, he found the back of the net eight times and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances.

Fichajes has reported that Arsenal are ready to pay Williams’s release clause of €58million (£49m / $61m) in his contract and bring him to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window.

Blessed with speed and ability to dribble, Williams is a very dynamic young player who has impressed Arsenal manager Arteta.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has also spoken highly of him in the past, with the former England international comparing Williams to Cristiano Ronaldo.

On the eve of the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain, Rooney wrote in The Times: “Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young.

“He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions. He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations and scores goals as well. England need to be really careful with him.”

Arsenal, though, are facing stiff competition for Williams from their north London rivals Tottenham.

Fichajes has noted that, like Arsenal, Spurs too are ready to pay the release clause in the young winger’s contract at Bilbao.

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Arsenal and Tottenham battle for Matheus Cunha

Williams is not the only attacking player that Arsenal and Tottenham are fighting over to sign in the January transfer window.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is a player who has attracted interest from Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal and Spurs are also keen on Cunha, with a report last week claiming that the Brazil international would prefer a move to the Emirates.

Cunha is ready to leave Wolves for a club challenging for the Premier League title, and Arsenal would be his preferred destination.

It could be a similar situation with Williams. With Tottenham closer to the Premier League bottom three than the top four, he could prefer Arsenal to Spurs if both the north London clubs trigger his release clause.

Latest Arsenal news: Nypan talks, Zinchenko exit

Arsenal are keen on a deal for Sverre Nypan, but the Gunners are facing competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the most promising youngsters around, and both the Gunners and the Cityzens are keen on a deal.

Compared to Arsenal and Norway international attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard, Nypan and his entourage will sit down with Arsenal chiefs this week to discuss a potential move to the Gunners.

While Arsenal have two of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, they are keen on strengthening that area.

A report has claimed that the Gunners are interested in Valencia youngster Yarek Gasiorowski. Real Madrid are also interested in him.

Gasiorowski is a very good centre-back who has established himself in the Valencia first team. Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are also interested in him.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko could be on his way out of Arsenal in the final days of the January transfer window.

LaLiga club Atletico are in talks over a deal for the Ukraine international, who is willing to leave the Gunners.

All the latest rumours, transfer talks, medicals, agreements and done deals in one place – follow along with Monday’s live blog below.

It’s bound to be another busy day and we’ll be right across anything we hear for transfers in progress in the final full week of the window but it slams shut on February 3.

Stick with us for all the latest updates throughout the day.