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Manchester United target Wolves duo Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha in double swoop - Paper Round
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Updated 18/01/2025 at 22:12 GMT
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Manchester United are eyeing up Wolverhampton Wanderers duo Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha, while Arsenal may bring their planned move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko forward to January. Elsewhere, former Tottenham and Everton midfielder Dele Alli is close to joining Serie A outfit Como, and Ansu Fati may leave Barcelona on loan in search of regular football.
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United target Ait-Nouri and Cunha
Manchester United are interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers duo Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha.
Ait-Nouri is a versatile defender and Cunha is an in-form forward, both problem positions for Ruben Amorim.
The Independent writes: "Manchester United are looking at Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri as an alternative at left-back.
"Ruben Amorim has made the position a priority this January as he seeks tactical balance for his team. Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes is the top choice, having worked with Amorim before, but United are currently a significant distance from matching his €60m asking price and vast wages.
"United also have an interest in Wolves teammate Matheus Cunha, but face considerable opposition there for a forward considered one of the revelations of the season. Arsenal are among those looking at the Brazilian, but Wolves are intent on keeping him this January amid a battle to stay up."
Arsenal could move for Sesko
Arsenal are considering a move for Benjamin Sesko this month, earlier than they had anticipated.
Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have added to the urgency, and the RB Leipzig man may be the subject of a permanent or loan bid.
The Sun reports: "Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to bring forward their summer transfer plans and get a deal done this month.
"The Gunners are desperate for added firepower in this window following serious injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
"RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 21, has been heavily linked with an Emirates switch for the past 12 months.
"Sesko is expected to leave the German outfit this summer.
"But Arsenal are weighing up whether to make a ÂŁ70 million move for the Slovenian now or land a short-term loan deal."
Alli set for Como deal
Serie A side Como are poised to give Dele Alli a contract after his departure from Premier League side Everton.
The attacking midfielder has struggled with injuries and other issues in recent years, but could now be playing again, this time in Italy.
The Mirror explains: "Dele Alli is set to sign an 18-month contract with Italian side Como as he bids to kickstart his career once again.
"Dele has been dogged by injuries over the past few years and, remarkably, has not played a competitive match since February 26, 2023, when he turned out for Besiktas in a 0-0 draw against Antalyaspor. The 28-year-old midfielder joined Everton from Tottenham in January 2022 but made just 13 appearances for his new club, who released him last summer.
"He stayed on at Finch Farm to train with Everton before being handed a fresh start with Como, who invited him to train with them in December. The Italian side are managed by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who has now decided to formalise the relationship with a contract."
Fati may leave on loan
Barcelona forward Ansu Fati may have to leave the club on a loan to get more minutes on the pitch.
Fati has struggled for appearances under Hansi Flick, which may force his decision.
The Athletic claims: "As the winter transfer window approached, the player wanted to know where he stood within the squad and how much game time he could expect for the rest of the season.
"According to dressing-room sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, Flick was clear, saying he does not envisage many opportunities for Fati to play, given the form of Barca’s starting forward line as well as the options he has from the bench, including Ferran Torres or Fermin Lopez, who have been more consistent.
"Flick’s decisions over the last weeks may be a prelude to Barcelona showing Fati the door permanently, or at least making him accept that leaving on another loan could be a good option for him.
"As of now though, a sale seems impossible. Fati signed his current contract in 2021, a six-year deal understood to be paying him around €7 million (£5.9m/$7.2m) in net salary per season. Those figures make any move very difficult in the current market."
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