Major Transfer Moves in the January Window

Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest updates on transfers across the football world, with several high-profile deals in the works. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and PSG are all making moves, while Manchester United is preparing for key decisions.

Oleksandr Zinchenko to Ajax

Arsenal is set to make their first major move of the January window, as defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to join Ajax on loan. The player has been on loan at Nottingham Forest since the end of the summer transfer window but will return to Arsenal before heading to Amsterdam.

“Oleksandr Zinchenko to Ajax is a here we go,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “He has been on loan at Nottingham Forest since the very final hours of the summer window, but that move is now over and he will return to Arsenal first. Ajax have reached an agreement with Arsenal and with the player’s agents over contract and terms for a loan until the end of the season. Zinchenko will then be free to decide his future as his Arsenal contract expires in summer 2026. He will travel in the next hours for medical tests and contract signing.”

Chelsea Pushing for Jeremy Jacquet

Chelsea is reportedly working on a deal to sign Rennes’ young center-back Jeremy Jacquet. The French club is asking for a record fee, potentially higher than the €64 million they received from Manchester City for Jeremy Doku.

“Chelsea recently sent a delegation to France to meet Rennes and begin negotiations for Jeremy Jacquet,” Romano explained. “Rennes are asking for very significant money because they consider him one of the best young defenders in Europe. My understanding is that they want a record sale for the club, higher than the €64m they received from Manchester City for Jeremy Doku, so between €65-70m. Chelsea are working on this with their directors, owners and with the approval of Liam Rosenior, who knows French football very well from his time at Strasbourg. New contacts are expected this week as Chelsea look to accelerate discussions, but they will negotiate the structure and valuation rather than immediately meeting Rennes’ price.”

Manchester United Internal Meeting on January Plans

Manchester United is preparing for a crucial internal meeting regarding their January transfer strategy. Interim manager Michael Carrick is involved in the discussions, although he does not make the final decisions.

“There will be an internal meeting at Manchester United at the beginning of this week involving Michael Carrick,” Romano said. “Carrick does not make the final decisions, but he will be involved in discussions after a very strong start, including winning the Manchester derby. United will decide whether to pursue an opportunity in January, possibly in midfield or attack, or to keep the current squad until the summer. At the moment everything is very quiet and the big investments are expected in the summer with a permanent manager in place.”

Real Madrid Will Not Recall Endrick

Real Madrid has decided not to recall Endrick from his loan at Lyon. The Brazilian forward moved to Lyon less than a month ago, and the club has chosen to let him finish the season there.

“There is a recall clause in the contract between Olympique Lyon and Real Madrid that expires on January 20,” Romano said. “Real Madrid will not activate it. They are very happy with how Endrick is playing, how happy he is, and with his goal on debut plus an assist and man of the match in his first Ligue 1 game. They do not want to break the momentum he has built at Lyon. The clause existed only for emergency situations or injuries, not because of any managerial changes at Real Madrid. Endrick will return to Madrid at the end of the season.”

Dro to Paris Saint-Germain

Barcelona’s young talent, Dro, is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish club is looking to trigger the €6 million release clause.

“This week, Paris Saint-Germain will complete the signing of Dro,” Romano said. “His €6m release clause is close to being triggered and he will become a new PSG player.”

Marc-André Ter Stegen to Girona

Barcelona is also working on a loan deal for Marc-André Ter Stegen, who wants to play regularly after recovering from injury.

“There is already an agreement between Girona and Marc-André Ter Stegen and the player has said yes,” Romano said. “He wants to play regularly after returning from injury, especially with a World Cup coming up. The two clubs are now finalising details of the loan, mainly around salary coverage until the end of the season. Once that is resolved, Ter Stegen will join Girona as their starting goalkeeper.”

Manchester City Complete Mark Guehi Deal

Manchester City has finalized the signing of Mark Guehi from Crystal Palace. The defender has already completed his medical tests.

“Mark Guehi is in Manchester and has completed his medical tests,” Romano said. “The deal with Crystal Palace is done for £20m plus add-ons, and the agreement with the player is also completed. Pep Guardiola will now have his new centre-back from this week. It is a here we go and the deal is confirmed.”