Transfer talk: Jadon Sancho seals return to Borussia Dortmund
As the second week of the January transfer window comes to a close, activity is rising among Premier League clubs in the search for winter reinforcements. Overall, it has been a quiet month so far, as the cost of heavy summer investment takes its toll.
Thank you for joining us today on the Express Sport transfer news live blog. We hope to see you all again tomorrow for more breaking transfer news as it happens.
Zirkzee asking price a potential stumbling block for Arsenal
Arsenal are reportedly keen on acquiring Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee's services in January to help boost their attacking numbers. However, the Gunners will have to pay roughly £15million more than his £34.3m release clause with suggestions that £50m is a more realistic asking price for the Serie A side.
This will be a difficult fee for Arsenal to stomach considering their current FFP situation following a summer of heavy spending. Furthermore, Bologna have no interest in selling the 22-year-old, who has scored eight goals and laid on four assists in 22 appearances this season.
Chelsea are reportedly chasing the signature of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao 'Messinho' Willian. SPORT claim the Blues are prepared to trigger the £51.5m release clause in the 16-year-old's Palmeiras contract. Willian can play on both wings and as a central attacking midfielder and recently made his Brazilian Serie A debut for his boyhood club.
Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that there have been "no discussions" between Chelsea and Thiago Silva over a contract extension as the Brazilian enters into the final six months of his deal at Stamford Bridge.
"At the moment we are not talking with players," said Pochettino. "I don’t believe the club is talking (with him).
“In my opinion, the moment now is to work all together, to perform and get the results we want. It will be between the player and the club to decide what is the best for both sides (Silva and Chelsea) and the future.
“At the moment I don’t believe (any discussions have happened).”
Speaking during his press conference earlier today, Erik ten Hag spoke for the first time about Jadon Sancho since the wantaway winger completed his move to Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season.
"I hope he's going to do well, so I wish him the best of good luck," Ten Hag said. "That's it. I hope he's doing well and he'll be a success."
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed that Callum Chambers and Bertrand Traore are free to leave Villa Park this month.
He said: “We’re going to face three competitions until the end of the season that are very difficult so we ned the players to be ready.
“We have the players here. Some players can leave.
“Calum Chambers and Bertrand Traore can leave, and in that case we can think about adding some players, but not at the moment. I want to support the players we have now.”
Liverpool defender Luke Chambers has joined Wigan Athletic on loan until the summer.
The 19-year-old has featured four times for Jurgen Klopp's first team this term after making 16 appearances on loan at Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock last season.
He will now gain more senior experience with the Latics in League One.
Friday has arrived, and January transfer business in the Premier League is stepping up.
Join us for regular updates throughout the day...
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