Monday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 26 Jan 2026, 10:11
BBC
Manchester City are actively keeping tabs on England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as uncertainty continues to grow over the 27-year-old's future at Real Madrid. (Teamtalk) , external
Liverpool have contacted ex-Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso's representatives to enquire about the Spaniard's availability, with the 44-year-old reportedly giving a positive response to his former club's approach. (AS - in Spanish) , external
Bournemouth are close to completing the signing of Vasco da Gama's Brazilian forward Rayan, 19, on a permanent deal. (Athletic - subscription required) , external
Lazio have submitted an offer worth up to £15m for Everton's 22-year-old English midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. (Football Insider) , external
Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking Rennes' 18-year-old French striker Mohamed Kader Meite. (Caughtoffside) , external
Meanwhile, Ligue 1 side Rennes have rejected Chelsea's January approach for France Under-21 centre-back Jeremy Jacquet but the Blues remain keen on a summer deal for the 20-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano) , external
Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, 32, who was a target for Sunderland, has joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season. (Florian Plettenberg, Sky Germany)
Sky Paper Talk
PREMIER LEAGUE
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal cyborgs malfunction - The Guardian
Arsenal overcautious and over-emotional: This was the worst version of themselves - The Telegraph
Dancing Michael Carrick has made Manchester United free again - Daily Mail
Chelsea say it is "impossible" to sell 19-year-old Josh Acheampong this winter, despite interest from both Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich - Daily Mail
Marc Guehi was lying in an MRI machine with his Liverpool medical almost complete when he was told his summer Deadline Day move to Liverpool was off - Daily Mail
Flamengo are in advanced talks to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham - The Athletic
Chelsea have activated a recall option for Aaron Anselmino from Borussia Dortmund - The Athletic
Fulham are back in talks for PSV's Ricardo Pepi after a second £38m bid - The Athletic
Rennes have rejected Chelsea's Jeremy Jacquet approach - Fabrizio Romano
John Terry has rubbed salt in Arsenal's wounds by highlighting they can no longer break Chelsea's record for fewest goals conceded in a Premier League season - Daily Mail
SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
Danny Rohl says his Rangers players are relishing their task of hunting down leaders Hearts in the Scottish title race - Daily Mail
Celtic are in the race to sign Norway international Felix Horn Myhre - Scottish Sun
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Former Manchester United winger Nani has signed for Kazakhstani club FC Aktobe - The Sun
Guardian Rumour mill
John Brewin
The thing about the transfer market that a few people forget is that not every deal comes off. Andy Robertson’s move to Tottenham from Liverpool, a head scratcher for many, seems to be OFF. It appears that Liverpool have pulled the plug over a lack of defensive options, with Saturday’s loss at Bournemouth helping them come to that decision. A long-term option, this summer, to the left-back conundrum, is said to be Antonee Robinson of Fulham.
Another factor in Liverpool’s slide this season, though some fans may only admit this through gritted teeth, was the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. To compound the misery on that score, there’s talk that Manchester City, without a senior right-back, might attempt to loan “Trent” from Real Madrid. Or even buy him this summer. That’s a move that might set the Mersey to boiling over.
A long-running saga that might come to a close is Flamengo’s attempt to return Lucas Paquetá to Brazil from West Ham. A deal nears closure, and the likelihood is Paqueta will not stay and fight relegation with the Hammers but move as soon as possible, with Flamengo kicking off their Serie A campaign on Thursday against São Paulo.
Someone taking a journey in the opposite direction is the Vasco da Gama winger Rayan, who flew into the UK in advance of a Bournemouth medical, set to take place on Monday. He’s supposed to be the new Vinícius Júnior.
Marco Silva’s demands for more players at Fulham, which may be bound up with his own future, look like being met. Will his search for a striker beyond old reliable Raúl Jiménez end with PSV’s USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi? There are also moves afoot for Oh Hyeon-gyu at Genk, with the trail not dead on Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb, either.
Chelsea’s dance of the centre-backs continues as 20-year-old Argentinian Aaron Anselmino, who it says here is owned by the BlueCo club, is coming back from a loan at Borussia Dortmund. Another of the centre-back battalion, Crystal Palace are rumoured to want youngster Josh Acheampong, who is very highly rated by the club hierarchy. Bayern Munich are also circling a player it is regarded as “impossible” to be sold on a permanent basis.
A loan to Palace might see Acheampong fill a Marc Guéhi-shaped hole. Chelsea continue to be interested in the France Under-21 centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, at Rennes, for now. They also fancy another Rennes youngster in Mohamed Kader Meité, the teenager also wanted by Manchester United.
And Chelsea’s hoovering up of young talent sees them linked with Paris Saint-Germain teenager, Ibrahim Mbaye, also wanted by Manchester United. Seems the clubs’ French scouts share similar thinking on the Senegal forward. PSG appear unlikely to let one of the stars of the recent Afcon leave cheaply, if at all.
The Athletic
Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham exit could end up being a positive. Just look at Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes impressed in West Ham's victory over Sunderland Julian Finney/Getty Images
By Roshane Thomas
Lucas Paqueta was not at the London Stadium on Saturday to witness West Ham United’s continued resurgence, and it appears his prolonged absence from the team is about to conclude with a permanent exit from east London.
The 3-1 home victory over Sunderland boosted West Ham’s Premier League survival chances, made it three consecutive wins in all competitions and offered hope that life without Paqueta may not be so bleak after all, though West Ham remain in the relegation zone with Chelsea next at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old, the club-record €60million (£52m; $69m) signing from Lyon in August 2022, has not featured for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side since the 2-1 loss against fellow relegation contenders Nottingham Forest on January 6 — their last defeat. He asked not to play in West Ham’s FA Cup third-round victory over Queens Park Rangers and missed the 2-1 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur on January 17 with a back injury.
Flamengo are now in advanced talks to bring Paqueta, who began his career at the Brazilian side, back to the club. The Athletic reported on Sunday that Flamengo had made a new bid of €41.25million (£35.8m; $48.9m) for the attacking midfielder.
Sources briefed on proceedings, who spoke under the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, are optimistic that the move will happen. However, the payment structure is yet to be finalised.
“I don’t have any information about that,” said Nuno in his post-match press conference when asked about Paqueta’s future. “What I hope is the situation to be solved as soon as possible.”
If he were to move, it would represent a tough end to Paqueta’s time at West Ham. While negotiations have been ongoing — West Ham rejected Flamengo’s second offer of €38million (£32.9m), plus €4m (£3m) in add-ons, for the playmaker last week — West Ham’s form has picked up.
A run of two straight Premier League wins has left West Ham looking up the table and eyeing a route out of relegation danger. They are now just five points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th, even with Sean Dyche’s side picking up a victory on Sunday.
It is no surprise that form has picked up. In the last three matches, there has been fighting spirit and the team have been playing as a collective. The formation has alternated between a 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1, as opposed to 4-2-3-1 to cater to Paqueta as a No 10. While Paqueta has contributed five goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season, West Ham have been mired in a relegation battle when he has been involved.
In the absence of Paqueta and in the new system, Saturday’s goalscorers Crysencio Summerville, club captain Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes have shone.
Significantly, Fernandes stole the show against Sunderland with a man-of-the-match performance. As Paqueta hopes to return to familiar surroundings in Brazil, the London Stadium is starting to feel like home for Fernandes, who joined last summer from Southampton in a deal worth £38m.
The duo are similar in their offensive artistry, but it is Fernandes who has been one of the shining lights of a gloomy season and has shown why ex-manager Graham Potter fought so hard to sign him. The 21-year-old midfielder gave West Ham a three-goal lead with a superb long-range strike in the 43rd minute, and the Portugal Under-21 international could have scored a goal of the season contender had it not thudded off the underside of the crossbar in added time.
After fulfilling post-match media duties, Fernandes and Summerville were applauded off the pitch as they headed towards the tunnel.
“It was a good day for everyone and I think we deserved it,” Fernandes told The Athletic. “We fought for the win and that was a key factor. We are in a good moment and we need to continue like this. We showed a lot of fight and quality in all games. We are proud of the team, of the fans and we are ready for the next games.
“I tried many times in training sessions to shoot. Even Lucas (Paqueta) has told me to shoot more. I tried and I scored so it’s good for me.”
When asked if supporters can expect a lot of those special moments, Fernandes added: “Yes, I think so.”
Give Me Sport
West Ham Leading Race to Sign 'Phenomenal' Sunderland Star
West Ham United could be in with a shout of signing a Premier League midfielder by the time the transfer window slams shut, according to reports - with a move for Sunderland star Dan Neil thought to be on the cards.
The Hammers have been one of the busiest teams in the window so far, overseeing a few exits whilst bringing in additions to keep the balance of their squad. Nuno Espirito Santo favourite, Adama Traore, is set to join the Hammers, though more incomings are needed.
And that could see Neil join the club, given he has just six months left on his Black Cats deal - with the Hammers thought to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Report: West Ham 'Leading Race' to Sign Dan Neil from Sunderland
The report by journalist Pete O'Rourke on X (formerly Twitter) states that West Ham are leading the race to sign Sunderland's 'phenomenal' star Neil, with the midfielder having been denied any first-team opportunities at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.
Incidentally, Neil was left out of Sunderland's squad that travelled to the London Stadium for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, which ended in a 3-1 win for the Hammers as they momentarily moved within two points of Premier League survival.
West Ham have already sold Luis Guilherme and midfielder Andy Irving this winter, whilst they have also loaned out a number of fringe stars including German striker Niclas Fullkrug, George Earthy and Callum Marshall as Nuno Espirito Santo trims his squad.
Notably, stalwart midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a switch to Burnley, whilst star midfielder Lucas Paqueta continues to steal the headlines with his potential move back to boyhood club Flamengo edging ever closer, as GIVEMESPORT sources revealed on Sunday morning.
With only Keiber Lamadrid coming in from Venezuelan side Deportivo La Guaira, recruits are needed and Neil, who has featured in just 13 minutes of football for Sunderland this season, is in need of more game time, given his only other appearance of the campaign was in the EFL Cup back in August.
The Hammers' win over Sunderland was massive, though Nottingham Forest's win over Brentford on Sunday afternoon leaves them five points adrift of safety.
Leeds United are a club that West Ham could potentially catch, whilst Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur aren't safe from relegation woes if the Hammers can hit a run of form.
The signing of Neil is a wise one, given he is out of contract at the end of the season and out of sorts at Sunderland. However, if Paqueta departs, they will need more creativity to fill that void, risking potential relegation to the Championship.
Manchester City are actively keeping tabs on England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as uncertainty continues to grow over the 27-year-old's future at Real Madrid. (Teamtalk) , external
Liverpool have contacted ex-Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso's representatives to enquire about the Spaniard's availability, with the 44-year-old reportedly giving a positive response to his former club's approach. (AS - in Spanish) , external
Bournemouth are close to completing the signing of Vasco da Gama's Brazilian forward Rayan, 19, on a permanent deal. (Athletic - subscription required) , external
Lazio have submitted an offer worth up to £15m for Everton's 22-year-old English midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. (Football Insider) , external
Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking Rennes' 18-year-old French striker Mohamed Kader Meite. (Caughtoffside) , external
Meanwhile, Ligue 1 side Rennes have rejected Chelsea's January approach for France Under-21 centre-back Jeremy Jacquet but the Blues remain keen on a summer deal for the 20-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano) , external
Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, 32, who was a target for Sunderland, has joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season. (Florian Plettenberg, Sky Germany)
Sky Paper Talk
PREMIER LEAGUE
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal cyborgs malfunction - The Guardian
Arsenal overcautious and over-emotional: This was the worst version of themselves - The Telegraph
Dancing Michael Carrick has made Manchester United free again - Daily Mail
Chelsea say it is "impossible" to sell 19-year-old Josh Acheampong this winter, despite interest from both Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich - Daily Mail
Marc Guehi was lying in an MRI machine with his Liverpool medical almost complete when he was told his summer Deadline Day move to Liverpool was off - Daily Mail
Flamengo are in advanced talks to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham - The Athletic
Chelsea have activated a recall option for Aaron Anselmino from Borussia Dortmund - The Athletic
Fulham are back in talks for PSV's Ricardo Pepi after a second £38m bid - The Athletic
Rennes have rejected Chelsea's Jeremy Jacquet approach - Fabrizio Romano
John Terry has rubbed salt in Arsenal's wounds by highlighting they can no longer break Chelsea's record for fewest goals conceded in a Premier League season - Daily Mail
SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
Danny Rohl says his Rangers players are relishing their task of hunting down leaders Hearts in the Scottish title race - Daily Mail
Celtic are in the race to sign Norway international Felix Horn Myhre - Scottish Sun
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Former Manchester United winger Nani has signed for Kazakhstani club FC Aktobe - The Sun
Guardian Rumour mill
John Brewin
The thing about the transfer market that a few people forget is that not every deal comes off. Andy Robertson’s move to Tottenham from Liverpool, a head scratcher for many, seems to be OFF. It appears that Liverpool have pulled the plug over a lack of defensive options, with Saturday’s loss at Bournemouth helping them come to that decision. A long-term option, this summer, to the left-back conundrum, is said to be Antonee Robinson of Fulham.
Another factor in Liverpool’s slide this season, though some fans may only admit this through gritted teeth, was the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. To compound the misery on that score, there’s talk that Manchester City, without a senior right-back, might attempt to loan “Trent” from Real Madrid. Or even buy him this summer. That’s a move that might set the Mersey to boiling over.
A long-running saga that might come to a close is Flamengo’s attempt to return Lucas Paquetá to Brazil from West Ham. A deal nears closure, and the likelihood is Paqueta will not stay and fight relegation with the Hammers but move as soon as possible, with Flamengo kicking off their Serie A campaign on Thursday against São Paulo.
Someone taking a journey in the opposite direction is the Vasco da Gama winger Rayan, who flew into the UK in advance of a Bournemouth medical, set to take place on Monday. He’s supposed to be the new Vinícius Júnior.
Marco Silva’s demands for more players at Fulham, which may be bound up with his own future, look like being met. Will his search for a striker beyond old reliable Raúl Jiménez end with PSV’s USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi? There are also moves afoot for Oh Hyeon-gyu at Genk, with the trail not dead on Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb, either.
Chelsea’s dance of the centre-backs continues as 20-year-old Argentinian Aaron Anselmino, who it says here is owned by the BlueCo club, is coming back from a loan at Borussia Dortmund. Another of the centre-back battalion, Crystal Palace are rumoured to want youngster Josh Acheampong, who is very highly rated by the club hierarchy. Bayern Munich are also circling a player it is regarded as “impossible” to be sold on a permanent basis.
A loan to Palace might see Acheampong fill a Marc Guéhi-shaped hole. Chelsea continue to be interested in the France Under-21 centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, at Rennes, for now. They also fancy another Rennes youngster in Mohamed Kader Meité, the teenager also wanted by Manchester United.
And Chelsea’s hoovering up of young talent sees them linked with Paris Saint-Germain teenager, Ibrahim Mbaye, also wanted by Manchester United. Seems the clubs’ French scouts share similar thinking on the Senegal forward. PSG appear unlikely to let one of the stars of the recent Afcon leave cheaply, if at all.
The Athletic
Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham exit could end up being a positive. Just look at Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes impressed in West Ham's victory over Sunderland Julian Finney/Getty Images
By Roshane Thomas
Lucas Paqueta was not at the London Stadium on Saturday to witness West Ham United’s continued resurgence, and it appears his prolonged absence from the team is about to conclude with a permanent exit from east London.
The 3-1 home victory over Sunderland boosted West Ham’s Premier League survival chances, made it three consecutive wins in all competitions and offered hope that life without Paqueta may not be so bleak after all, though West Ham remain in the relegation zone with Chelsea next at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old, the club-record €60million (£52m; $69m) signing from Lyon in August 2022, has not featured for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side since the 2-1 loss against fellow relegation contenders Nottingham Forest on January 6 — their last defeat. He asked not to play in West Ham’s FA Cup third-round victory over Queens Park Rangers and missed the 2-1 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur on January 17 with a back injury.
Flamengo are now in advanced talks to bring Paqueta, who began his career at the Brazilian side, back to the club. The Athletic reported on Sunday that Flamengo had made a new bid of €41.25million (£35.8m; $48.9m) for the attacking midfielder.
Sources briefed on proceedings, who spoke under the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, are optimistic that the move will happen. However, the payment structure is yet to be finalised.
“I don’t have any information about that,” said Nuno in his post-match press conference when asked about Paqueta’s future. “What I hope is the situation to be solved as soon as possible.”
If he were to move, it would represent a tough end to Paqueta’s time at West Ham. While negotiations have been ongoing — West Ham rejected Flamengo’s second offer of €38million (£32.9m), plus €4m (£3m) in add-ons, for the playmaker last week — West Ham’s form has picked up.
A run of two straight Premier League wins has left West Ham looking up the table and eyeing a route out of relegation danger. They are now just five points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th, even with Sean Dyche’s side picking up a victory on Sunday.
It is no surprise that form has picked up. In the last three matches, there has been fighting spirit and the team have been playing as a collective. The formation has alternated between a 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1, as opposed to 4-2-3-1 to cater to Paqueta as a No 10. While Paqueta has contributed five goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season, West Ham have been mired in a relegation battle when he has been involved.
In the absence of Paqueta and in the new system, Saturday’s goalscorers Crysencio Summerville, club captain Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes have shone.
Significantly, Fernandes stole the show against Sunderland with a man-of-the-match performance. As Paqueta hopes to return to familiar surroundings in Brazil, the London Stadium is starting to feel like home for Fernandes, who joined last summer from Southampton in a deal worth £38m.
The duo are similar in their offensive artistry, but it is Fernandes who has been one of the shining lights of a gloomy season and has shown why ex-manager Graham Potter fought so hard to sign him. The 21-year-old midfielder gave West Ham a three-goal lead with a superb long-range strike in the 43rd minute, and the Portugal Under-21 international could have scored a goal of the season contender had it not thudded off the underside of the crossbar in added time.
After fulfilling post-match media duties, Fernandes and Summerville were applauded off the pitch as they headed towards the tunnel.
“It was a good day for everyone and I think we deserved it,” Fernandes told The Athletic. “We fought for the win and that was a key factor. We are in a good moment and we need to continue like this. We showed a lot of fight and quality in all games. We are proud of the team, of the fans and we are ready for the next games.
“I tried many times in training sessions to shoot. Even Lucas (Paqueta) has told me to shoot more. I tried and I scored so it’s good for me.”
When asked if supporters can expect a lot of those special moments, Fernandes added: “Yes, I think so.”
Give Me Sport
West Ham Leading Race to Sign 'Phenomenal' Sunderland Star
West Ham United could be in with a shout of signing a Premier League midfielder by the time the transfer window slams shut, according to reports - with a move for Sunderland star Dan Neil thought to be on the cards.
The Hammers have been one of the busiest teams in the window so far, overseeing a few exits whilst bringing in additions to keep the balance of their squad. Nuno Espirito Santo favourite, Adama Traore, is set to join the Hammers, though more incomings are needed.
And that could see Neil join the club, given he has just six months left on his Black Cats deal - with the Hammers thought to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Report: West Ham 'Leading Race' to Sign Dan Neil from Sunderland
The report by journalist Pete O'Rourke on X (formerly Twitter) states that West Ham are leading the race to sign Sunderland's 'phenomenal' star Neil, with the midfielder having been denied any first-team opportunities at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.
Incidentally, Neil was left out of Sunderland's squad that travelled to the London Stadium for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, which ended in a 3-1 win for the Hammers as they momentarily moved within two points of Premier League survival.
West Ham have already sold Luis Guilherme and midfielder Andy Irving this winter, whilst they have also loaned out a number of fringe stars including German striker Niclas Fullkrug, George Earthy and Callum Marshall as Nuno Espirito Santo trims his squad.
Notably, stalwart midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a switch to Burnley, whilst star midfielder Lucas Paqueta continues to steal the headlines with his potential move back to boyhood club Flamengo edging ever closer, as GIVEMESPORT sources revealed on Sunday morning.
With only Keiber Lamadrid coming in from Venezuelan side Deportivo La Guaira, recruits are needed and Neil, who has featured in just 13 minutes of football for Sunderland this season, is in need of more game time, given his only other appearance of the campaign was in the EFL Cup back in August.
The Hammers' win over Sunderland was massive, though Nottingham Forest's win over Brentford on Sunday afternoon leaves them five points adrift of safety.
Leeds United are a club that West Ham could potentially catch, whilst Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur aren't safe from relegation woes if the Hammers can hit a run of form.
The signing of Neil is a wise one, given he is out of contract at the end of the season and out of sorts at Sunderland. However, if Paqueta departs, they will need more creativity to fill that void, risking potential relegation to the Championship.