Arsenal’s mega money deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may have been out of character but you can expect them to keep breaking the bank in the summer, and Real Madrid are set to end their search for a keeper this summer.
Below we look at the latest news in the world of transfer talk, as though the January window is shut, the gossip never stops …
MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE
Malcolm was touted as a potential Alexis Sanchez replacement for Arsenal last month and according to the Evening Standard, the interest will continue into the summer.
The Bordeaux winger has hit seven goals in 22 games so far this campaign but, at 20 years of age, is still an unrefined prospect.
Arsene Wenger’s side were unwilling to pay the reported £45m it would cost to whisk him away mid-season, though that fee could even inflate with a strong second half to the campaign.
VERDICT: 7/10
This link has been sustained for a while now and given that he’s young, raw, comes from a Ligue 1 side and is an exciting attacking talent – Malcolm is right up Wenger’s alley.
The biggest factor in this deal not going the Gunners’ way is interest from elsewhere. If a Champions League club comes knocking then it will be interesting to see where Malcolm’s priorities lie.
Still, knowing that the likes of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil are at the Emirates for the long haul will be strong lures for the Brazilian.
OBLAK IN, CECH OUT?
Is Jan Arsenal’s man? Oblak is on the the Gunners’ radar.
Remaining in north London – the Evening Standard also suggest that Arsenal are looking for a goalkeeper to replace Petr Cech, whose best days seem to be over.
Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is a top quality option and as Wenger surely knows by now, there is no point stocking up on pretty attacking players if your defence is as effective as a chocolate fireguard.
VERDICT: 4/10
Atletico, particularly if Diego Simeone remains, have lots of leverage over Arsenal. They’re a Champions League club for starters.
They will also be reluctant to sell any more of their big names once Antoine Griezmann leaves in the summer, and as Oblak’s release clause stands at an eye-watering €100m, Arsenal will have a lot of negotiating to do.
REAL MADRID PINING FOR ALISSON
Up in the air: Alisson could be a Real Madrid player in the summer.
Remaining in the realm of goalkeepers and Mundo Deportivo claim that Real Madrid are eyeing up a move for Brazil No1 Alisson.
Real did not go their own way when it came to signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, who signed a new deal tying him to Athletic Bilbao for the long-term.
With David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois likely to be far too expensive options from the Premier League, Alisson, of Roma, is a palatable option.
Roma have been inconsistent at best in the Serie A this season but the form of Alisson has played a huge part in keeping them in the race for the Champions League.
The interest emanating from the Spanish capital will be bad news for Liverpool, though, as they have also been heavily linked.
VERDICT: 8/10
Madrid have been trying to replace Keylor Navas – rather harshly – for a while now and will surely pull the trigger in the summer this time around.
Roma are not afraid to let their star players go as sporting director Monchi is a big believer in being able to find unearthed gems elsewhere.
As long as the money is right, and if Real do indeed want him, there would be nothing stopping Alisson from heading to the Bernabeu. Sorry, Liverpool fans.
