Arsenal to sign striker? Is this is the one they’ve been waiting for. Possibly. Gunners fans across the world will be hitting YouTube and FBref.com to see what’s what with Borja Mayoral. A brief precis: he’s the strike partner of Mason Greenwood at Getafe, is 26 and has never played for Spain. So make of that what you will. The price is quoted at £22m, rather cheaper than Ivan Toney. There’s links with a midfielder, too, Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, Mikel Arteta’s former club, with a doable £50m release clause.
Elsewhere in north London, Tottenham are still in the hunt for Conor Gallagher, last seen wearing the Chelsea armband in the loss at Middlesbrough. That sale would raise money for Chelsea’s potential spree. There’s wild talk of buying Victor Osimhen out there. Radu Dragusin, a favourite of this page this month, is coming to Spurs, with Eric Dier heading to Bayern Munich to clear space in the squad.
Talking of wild, wild rumours, try this one for size. Real Madrid fancy signing Erling Haaland if their move for Kylian Mbappé (Rumour Mill passim) falls flat. Seems unlikely, right? Now, at least.
Manchester United have offered not-so-supersub Facundo Pellistri, 22, in a swap deal for Sporting and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand, 24, but the bid has been rejected because of a £69m release clause. They’d love to chuck in Anthony Martial too but the striker wants to stay in Manchester till the end of the season. Meanwhile, expect Jadon Sancho to be returned to Borussia Dortmund either today or tomorrow. And Hannibal Mejbri to go on loan to Sevilla.
Newcastle news. Or lack of it. Dominic Solanke has been bid for but that has been rejected by Bournemouth. Maybe come back in the summer is the response. That goes for Arsenal, too, also reported to have been in the hunt for the in-form striker.
Two rumour mill legends are involved in a classic piece of merry-go-round action: Ché Adams of Southampton is wanted by Wolves, while Danny Ings has been linked with a return to Southampton from West Ham. Wolves are issuing a “hands-off” to West Ham on Max Kilman. Those who smell a swap deal may be in business.
The Hammers are involved in a classic tug of war for Jack Clarke, the Sunderland winger also wanted by Brentford and Crystal Palace.
