Transfer News RECAP: Arsenal continue pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Manchester City close in on defender Aymeric Laporte

  • Arsenal are stepping up their move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 
  • The Gunners have also reopened talks with West Brom for Jonny Evans
  • Manchester City are looking to complete £57m move for Aymeric Laporte

Arsenal are continuing their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's controversial striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his attack.

The Gunners have also re-opened talks with West Brom over a move for £25m-rated defender Jonny Evans whilst Manchester City are looking to complete £57m move for Aymeric Laporte. 

Scroll down through our live feed for all the top transfer stories of the day. 


If you are viewing this live blog on our MailOnline app, click here for full coverage. 

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19:49
That's all we've got time for today

Thank you for joining us today and be sure to tune in tomorrow as we continue to bring you the latest transfer news from these shores and across Europe.

19:35
Arthur Masuaku's agent denies client is moving to Roma

West Ham's Arthur Masuaku’s agent has denied his client is about to move to Roma.

'So far no, there has been no offer, just a few requests for information. There’s nothing concrete at the moment,' Francesco Lingenti told LaRoma24 

19:10
Dzeko starts for Roma despite closing in on Chelsea move

Edin Dzeko has been picked to start up front for Roma in tonight's clash with Sampdoria. 

The Bosnian will play in the Serie A game despite closing in on a move to Chelsea. He turns 32 in March and the Italian club are keen to cash in on their highest earner while they can. 

18:41
Arsenal's new man at the Emirates to watch tonight's game

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been pictured pitchside at the Emirates ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.

Mkhitaryan, who joined the Gunners from Manchester United as part of a swap deal with Alexis Sancehez going the other way, is Cup-tied for Wednesday night's clash.

But that hasn't stopped him from being in north London for the match against Antonio Conte's Blues.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

18:21
Coutinho to wear Cruyff's famous No 14 at Barca

Barcelona have finally revealed that Philippe Coutinho will wear the No 14.

Coutinho, who joined Barcelona from Liverpool for £145million, will follow former stars such as Jordi Cruyff and Thierry Henry in wearing the number.

The 25-year-old inherits the shirt from Javier Mascherano following the Argentina midfielder's departure from the club.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

17:33
West Ham move step closer to securing Joao Mario

SIMON JONES: West Ham have taken a step closer to convincing Joao Mario to join from Inter Milan after productive talks between the clubs today.

The Italian side have agreed to loan the Portugal international to West Ham for around £1million and now it is up to the 25-year-old to agree on the move to the London Stadium and link up with David Moyes.

Mario has over 30 caps for Portugal and cost Inter £36million when he moved from Sporting Lisbon in 2016.

16:19
Preston deny agreement with Hamilton for Mikey Devlin

Reports had claimed Preston had beat Aberdeen in the race to sign the Hamilton defender.

16:03
Stoke defender Souttar joins Ross County on loan

Harry Souttar has joined Scottish outfit Ross Country on loan after signing a new four-and-a-half year deal with Stoke City.

16:01
Newcastle reject Brighton bid for Mitrovic

Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Brighton & Hove Albion for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The bid was worth around £8million, while Newcastle value the 23-year-old at £15m.

Newcastle are also said to be reluctant to sell to a direct rival. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Brighton & Hove Albion for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic
15:14
Konsa set to stay at Charlton

MATT BARLOW: Ezri Konsa appears set to stay at Charlton for the rest of the season with both Liverpool and Everton unwilling to match the League One club’s £5million valuation for the highly-rated young defender.

Konsa, an England Under-20 international, has been heavily scouted by Premier League clubs with the Merseyside pair at the forefront of those interested.

Everton swooped to sign striker Ademola Lookman from Charlton for £11m in January last year and Liverpool paid them £3.5m for Joe Gomez in 2015.

Konsa, who came through the ranks at the Valley, is under contract until June 2020. The £6,000-a-week deal he signed in March last year makes the 20-year-old among the top earners at the League One club.

Charlton are in the midst of takeover talks but hoped the sale of Konsa this month might generate funds to invest in Karl Robinson’s squad and help the push for promotion.

15:01
Barca stars pay tribute to Mascherano, Rafinha and Turan

Javier Mascherano has been one of Barcelona's most dependable players in his seven-and-a-half trophy-laden years at the club - but that time has come to an end.

Mascherano is leaving the Nou Camp after securing a transfer to Hebei China Fortune and was a popular figure at the club, as proved by the tributes and messages left by team mates on social media.

These were led by Lionel Messi, who posted a combined goodbye message on Instagram to Mascherano and to Arda Turan and Rafinha, who have also left the club in recent days. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Barca players posted tributes on Instagram, including this one from Lionel Messi
Ivan Rakitic said farewell to Mascherano, as well as to ex-team mates Arda Turan and Rafinha
14:47
Colchester sign Paul Rooney

Paul Rooney has joined Colchester United on a permanent deal from Millwall, signing a contract until 2019.

14:42
From Portsmouth to PSG: Lassana Diarra's journey

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Another year, another head-spinning move in the career of Lassana Diarra, that picture of stability in any midfield and yet a man whose wanderings are nigh on impossible to predict.

It is one thing that he has just joined PSG when his last employment was with Al Jazira Club. It is quite another that it might only rank as the third most surprising move of his career.

This of course being the player who switched from Portsmouth to Real Madrid and from Real to Anzhi Makhachkala when he was in his prime at 27 and Russia was one of the most appallingly racist environments for a footballer in Europe.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PIECE

Lassana Diarra poses with the Paris Saint-Germain shirt after agreeing an 18-month contract
14:35
Barnsley set to sign Amiens winger Manzala

SIMON JONES: Barnsley are signing Amiens winger Harrison Manzala for around £800,000.

The 23-year-old, who has represented Congo at U20 level, has agreed to a three and a half year contract and will undergo a medical tomorrow.

14:26
Aubameyang could play for Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Stoger has praised Arsenal target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and says the forward could still feature against Freiburg on Saturday.

'Today is Wednesday and everything is fine by me,' he said. 'If I had the impression that he would disturb the team then I would react differently.

'If I get the impression nearer to Saturday that it’s disturbing the team then I won’t select him for the squad.'

Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Stoger says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could play at the weekend
14:17
Boro striker Braithwaite wanted by Bordeaux

SIMON JONES: Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite is wanted by Gus Poyet at Bordeaux.

The French side, who have also asked about Diafra Sakho at West Ham, have suggested a loan deal with a £7million option to buy.

The 26-year-old has scored six goals this season.

14:10
Stoke interested in Hertha Berlin striker Davie Selke

SIMON JONES: Stoke City are among the clubs showing an interest in Hertha Berlin striker Davie Selke.

Club scouts watched him score in Hertha's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

Selke, a 6ft 3ins striker who models himself on Mario Gomez, was part of Germany's Olympic squad in 2016 and joined Hertha last summer for £7.5m from Red Bull Leipzig.

13:54
Southampton hope to complete Carrillo deal

SIMON JONES: Southampton are hopeful of concluding a deal for Monaco striker Guido Carrillo after increasing their offer to £19million.

The 26-year-old Argentine striker is keen to link up with Mauricio Pellegrino who also wants to bring in Quincy Promes from Spartak Moscow.

Monaco have rejected a £39million offer from Napoli for Keita Balde and hold an interest in Leicester City's Islam Slimani.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

outhampton are hopeful of concluding a deal for Monaco striker Guido Carrillo
13:52
Newcastle told to improve Jorgensen offer

SIMON JONES: Newcastle have been told to improve their £14million offer for Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen.

Rafa Benitez has targeted the Denmark international after Leicester City insisted on at least £20m for one of their other options Islam Slimani.

Jorgensen, who has 28 caps, has scored nine goals this season.

13:00
Barcelona hoping to sign Brazilian ace Arthur

Barcelona are reportedly looking to add another star South American to their squad in the form of 21-year-old Gremio midfielder Arthur Melo.

The Catalan giants — who already have the likes of Luis Suarez, Paulinho, Lionel Messi and £145million man Philippe Coutinho at the Nou Camp — have scouted Arthur and sent Barca official Andre Cury to speak to him and his family last year.

Arthur has a release clause worth €50m (£43.73m) but, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are hopeful of signing him for half that figure and are said to be willing to allow him to return to Gremio on a one-year loan.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Barcelona are reportedly willing to spend €25m (£21.87m) to sign Gremio midfielder Arthur
12:25
Inter want Sturridge to fill Eder gap

SIMON JONES: Crystal Palace's move for Inter Milan striker Eder may pave the way for Daniel Sturridge to replace him in Italy.

Talks are continuing between Inter and Palace over a loan deal with view to an £8million permanent move for 31-year-old Italy international Eder.

And Inter want Liverpool striker Sturridge to fill the gap Eder leaves in their squad.

Sturridge is desperate to play regular football and Inter have offered a £2million loan fee with the prospect of a £25million permanent deal in the summer, as reported in Sportsmail.

Inter want Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge (centre) to replace Eder if he leaves in January
12:19
'Moura can leave PSG'

PSG boss Unai Emery has told Tottenham and Arsenal target Lucas Moura to look for another club.

The Brazilian winger has not started a single game this season and Emery admits that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

'I spoke with Lucas,' he is quoted as saying by Marca. 'With all respect towards him, but I think that he has no other options here and should look for another club, because he’s a great player.'

12:00
West Brom ready to bring in defender Ali Gabr

LAURIE WHITWELL: West Brom have lined up a deal to sign centre-back Ali Gabr on loan from Egyptian side Zamalek.

Alan Pardew has moved with Jonny Evans' future uncertain, although it is believed Gabr will join even if the Northern Ireland international stays.

Zamalek president Mortada Mansour has revealed West Brom will pay a £438,000 loan fee to cover the next six months with an option to buy the 29-year-old for £1.1million in the summer. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

11:47
United fans send open letter to Mkhitaryan

While his spell at Manchester United may never be considered a true success, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is held in high regard for his effort and attitude at Old Trafford. 

This has been encapsulated in a heartfelt letter sent by a United fans' group after Mkhitaryan moved to Arsenal in the swap deal which saw Alexis Sanchez go north. 

Sent by MUSC Red Flag, the official United supporters club of Belgium, it thanks the attacking midfielder for his services to the team.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is held in high regard for his effort and attitude at Old Trafford
11:38
Rodwell goes on trial

SIMON JONES: Jack Rodwell has gone on trial at Vitesse Arnhem. 

The England international has no future at Sunderland after they held discussions about ripping up his contract. 

Rodwell, who has been training on his own, earns £70,000 per week in the Championship and has 18 months left on his five year contract.

11:26
Barcelona say farewell to Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has been honoured with a special farewell ceremony by Barcelona after it was announced the defender had completed his move to China.  

Barcelona held the ceremony on Wednesday morning after confirming the defender would move to Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.  

Mascherano was visibly moved by Barcelona's gesture and the defender appeared to be fighting back tears as Lionel Messi and Co watched on.

READ PETE JENSON'S TRIBUTE TO 'THE LITTLE BOSS'

Javier Mascherano was honoured with a special farewell ceremony on Wednesday
(R-L) Ernesto Valverde, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique watch on
The 33-year-old was visibly moved by the gesture and appeared to be holding back tears
11:23
PL clubs watching Dundee youngster Jack Hendry

SIMON JONES: Bournemouth, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs who will watch Dundee defender Jack Hendry against Hibernian on Wednesday night.

Rangers and Celtic, who have already posted interest in the stylish 22-year-old, are also due to attend.

Celtic have had a £500,000 bid rejected for Hendry who only joined Dundee last summer after a spell with Wigan Athletic.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

11:14
Swansea want Gaitan

Swansea City have stepped up their shock loan pursuit of Nicolas Gaitan and will offer the Atletico Madrid man £120,000 a week. 

The Premier League's basement side are desperate to avoid relegation and recently had a managerial change, with Carlos Carvalhal replacing Paul Clement last month.

And, according to The Sun, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins is also keen to add to the squad and will make the 29-year-old Gaitan the club's best-paid player for the remainder of the season.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

11:01
'Neymar staying at PSG'

Espanyol forward Leo Baptistao has said that he cannot envisage Neymar leaving PSG.

The Brazilian is a close friend of the world’s most expensive player and believes that the former Barcelona man, who has been linked with a stunning move to Real Madrid, is very happy at the Parc des Princes.

'With him (Neymar) we speak about everything apart from football. In Paris he is well, happy, with his family, friends… I cannot imagine him away from PSG,' he told Marca.

Leo Baptistao says that he cannot imagine Neymar leaving Paris Saint-Germain
10:45
Rodgers insists there is 'no issue' with Dembele

Brendan Rodgers on Tuesday night insisted there were no issues surrounding Moussa Dembele despite the Frenchman again failing to come off the bench for Celtic.

An unused substitute against Brechin City at the weekend, the striker was rendered a spectator as Rodgers’ side came from behind to beat Partick Thistle and extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table to 11 points.

Linked with Brighton, Everton and Crystal Palace in this window, the France under-21 star’s situation remains unclear ahead of next Wednesday’s deadline

But Rodgers, who watched Dembele’s fellow sub Leigh Griffiths score the winner at Firhill, is adamant his team selection on Tuesday night had nothing to do with the player’s attitude and only the need for his side to win the game.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Brendan Rodgers (right) insists there are no issues surrounding Moussa Dembele
10:41
West Brom interested in Dortmund winger Schurrle

West Bromwich Albion are showing interest in signing Andre Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund

The 27-year-old has been offered to a number of Premier League sides with Dortmund willing to pay part of his £140,000 a week wages. 

Despite an impressive trophy cabinet, which includes a World Cup winners medal, the German has struggled to cement himself in the Dortmund side since moving back to the Bundesliga in 2016. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

10:29
Aubameyang confirming Arsenal transfer?

Arsenal fans are desperate for the club to sign Borussia Dortmund goal machine Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this month - and some think the player himself may have confirmed the deal. 

Aubameyang sent a message out over the social media platform on Tuesday evening in a conversation with team mate Dan-Axel Zagadou, which Gunners supporters have been trying to decode.

It reads: 'C'sa le défaut du bay t'aime trop. Me mettre des xxxxxxL'. Roughly translated from French to English, it reads as: 'It's their fault if they love you too much, to me xxxxxxL'.

They say the 'xxxxxxL' is in fact 'Arsenal', masked while the transfer negotiations are ongoing, but proof that Aubameyang is keen for a deal to be done.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

10:15
Sanchez insists Henry never told him to leave
10:13
Newcastle enquire about Leicester striker Slimani

SIMON JONES: Newcastle have made further enquiries for Leicester City's £20m-rated striker Islam Slimani.

Rafa Benitez has interest from Brighton and West Bromwich Albion in Aleksandar Mitrovic and hopes to use funds from any sale for Slimani.

Slimani signed for the Foxes for a club-record fee of £28m from Sporting Lisbon. 

The forward arrived after Leicester had won the Premier League but Slimani struggled to adapt to life at the King Power, starting just one league game since September.

Islam Slimani is rated at £20million and Newcastle are interested in the Leicester forward
10:05
West Ham hold further talks with Joao Mario

SIMON JONES: West Ham have held further talks with Inter Milan's Portugal international midfielder Joao Mario.

Manager David Moyes is looking to strengthen with Marko Arnautovic out for two weeks and Manuel Lanzini up to six with hamstring injuries.

West Ham will need to pay 25-year-old Mario's wages in full while Inter also want a loan fee or obligation to buy at the end of the loan.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

10:00
Henry denies telling Sanchez to leave

Thierry Henry has denied the claim from Alexis Sanchez that he advised him to leave north London following claims from an Arsenal fan that his Emirates Stadium statue should be removed. 

Having completed his move to Manchester United, Sanchez mentioned Henry's name in a clumsily translated goodbye message, suggesting the club's all-time top goalscorer had told him to leave. 

The Chilean wrote: 'I remember today, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn.' 

But Henry says at no point did he tell Sanchez he would have to leave north London and says he had 'no idea' Sanchez was going to join Arsenal's Premier League rivals until he saw it on the news. 

09:51
Sterling in line for huge new City deal

Manchester City are lining up a bumper new long-term contract for Raheem Sterling as the Premier League leaders continue to reward their star men for impressive from this season.

According to The Mirror, City are yet to open talks with Sterling but want him to follow the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho in signing new long-term deals.

The 23-year-old Sterling has two more years remaining on his £180,000-a-week City deal and he has excelled under Pep Guardiola's guidance this season.

The new deal being prepared by City is reported to start at £220,000 a week with incentives which could see it rise to £275,000.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Raheem Sterling is in line for a new Manchester City contract after his impressive form
09:47
Conte labels Manchester clubs' spending 'dangerous'

MATT BARLOW: Manchester City and Manchester United’s spending power has been labelled ‘dangerous’ by Antonio Conte.

Referring to United’s capture of striker Alexis Sanchez on £450,0000-a-week wages, the Chelsea manager fears his club are being left behind and said: ‘At the moment there are two teams in this league who are at the top and they will stay there. The others have to fight for a place in the Champions League.

‘These two teams are very strong already and they want to invest. These two big clubs can become seriously dangerous for other teams in the world.’We never were in this race (for Sanchez), ever. Only one or two clubs can pay this type of salary. United can do it and they have paid it.'

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Antonio Conte fears Chelsea have been left behind by spending power of Manchester clubs
09:43
Law backs Sanchez signing

Manchester United legend has praised the club's signing of Alexis Sanchez, describing the Chilean as an 'excellent player' and a 'fantastic buy'.

09:38
Mascherano to join Chinese outfit Hebei Fortune

Barcelona have confirmed Javier Mascherano has signed with Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune after eight years at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants announced the news on the club's website and will hold a special farewell ceremony for their long-serving defender on Wednesday.

Barcelona released a statement earlier this week confirming Mascherano would leave for China but the identity of the club was not revealed until Wednesday morning.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

09:35
Arsenal reopen talks with West Brom for Jonny Evans

SAMI MOKBEL: Arsenal have reopened talks with West Bromwich Albion over a move for £25m-rated Jonny Evans this month.

Both the Gunners and Manchester City wanted to sign the central defender in the last summer transfer window but failed to seal a move.

Arsenal initially feared they would miss out on Evans due to the defender's reluctance to move south.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Arsenal have returned for talks with West Brom over central defender Jonny Evans
09:32
Man City to complete £57m move for Laporte

SIMON JONES: Manchester City are considering a £57million move for long-time target Aymeric Laporte.

The French-born centre-back turned City down in 2016 after opting to stay in Spain when he recovered from a knee ligament injury. But a deal progressed rapidly on Tuesday afternoon.

Laporte, 23, has a £57m buy out clause and has long been admired by Pep Guardiola who is understood to have a shortlist of four potential centre-backs for this month — a five-year deal is on the table and reports in Spain indicated it had been agreed on Tuesday night.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte (left) will complete a move to Manchester City
09:27
Gomes unlikely to make Premier League move

OLIVER TODD: Barcelona's Andre Gomes is unlikely to move to the Premier League this month despite renewed interest in the midfielder from West Ham.

The Hammers were trailing Gomes, 24, last summer and were ready to swoop for him on transfer deadline day before Barca’s demands proved too much.

And new manager David Moyes has found a similar barrier as he looks to boost his midfield this month.

Barcelona are looking for a fee of around £30million for Gomes, while West Ham would prefer a loan.

The Spanish league leaders would consider letting Gomes move on a temporary deal - but would plan to include a compulsory purchase option if he starts a percentage of matches in the second half of the season.

Gomes has started Barcelona’s last two La Liga games but will fall down the pecking order again now Philippe Coutinho is nearing full fitness after his move from Liverpool.

09:17
Arsenal increase Aubameyang bid

SIMON JONES: Arsenal have increased their offer for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to £50.9million.

Talks are ongoing between club representatives with Arsenal's Olivier Giroud also part of negotiations.

All parties want the respective moves, including Giroud to Dortmund, but must still agree the final fees.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Arsenal have increased their offer for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang