The 2021 January transfer window is not even a week old and some of the usual suspects across Europe, and beyond, are already busy working on potential moves. Despite the unlikely nature of big-money deals mid-season, there are still a number of reputable names attracting interest. Giving you an idea of the hottest stories, we round up the latest transfer rumors. As always, you can check in with transfer guru and CBS insider Fabrizio Romano's weekly Here We Go column.
Now for a look at the hot topics from the transfer rumor mill.
Arsenal trim deadwood as D.C. United court Ozil
Arsenal are working to sell players in the next days after Saliba and Kolasinac. Genoa have asked for Sokratis Papastathopoulos. #AFC hope to sell also Mesut Özil as soon as possible. ⚪️🔴 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2021
The Gunners appear keen to do business this month and they need to move players on if they are to do so, as explained by CBS' very own Romano. Sead Kolasinac has already returned to Schalke 04 on loan and Mikel Arteta could also see Sokratis Papastathopoulos leave before this window is done.
As reported by CBS Sports insider James Benge, Norwich City's Emiliano Buendia is a player that Arsenal are keeping their eye on with the playmaker prepared to push for a move this month -- if the Londoners come calling.
Real Madrid's Isco and Olympique Lyonnais' Houssem Aouar are alternative targets but the France international is unlikely to leave Groupama Stadium this month with a contract until 2023 and OL in Ligue 1 title contention at present.
Buendia would add the sort of invention that Arsenal have been looking for since Mesut Ozil was sidelined and the Argentine fits the profile publicly outlined by technical director Edu, so the former Germany international's departure could hold the key to a significant squad revamp.
🚨 Exclusive: Mesut Ozil is in negotiations with DC United.
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 5, 2021
The MLS side have offered an attractive package which will see the expansion of his M10 brand across the US.https://t.co/8o3oQTIT3V
According to Football.London's Chris Wheatley, DC United are keen on bringing the 32-year-old to Major League Soccer when his contract expires this summer and that would free up significant funds with his salary finally off the books at Emirates Stadium -- but not until the end of the season.
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A more immediate solution could be Fenerbahce with Turkish reports suggesting that there is an agreement in principle for an undisclosed fee.
Kean temptation as PSG distance themselves from Eriksen
Pochettino during his press conference: "Eriksen? This is not the moment to talk about him. We're waiting for our injuried players to come back [...]. I'm sure Leonardo will take the best decisions for PSG" 🔵🔴
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2021
Inter have *not* received any approach yet from PSG for Eriksen. 🇩🇰
With Mauricio Pochettino newly installed as Paris Saint-Germain coach, the French champions have already been linked with a host of players to have played under the Argentine for former club Tottenham Hotspur.
Inter Milan's Christian Eriksen is one and Spurs pair Dele Alli and Serge Aurier are two others while PSG also have nine-goal Moise Kean continuing to impress on loan without an option to buy the Italy international at the end of the season.
Romano has been clear that there is no interest from PSG in the Dane at this time and the Athletic's Patrick Boyland has cast doubt on the Ligue 1 giants' ability to afford Kean at this moment in time -- as reported by Sky Sports -- with French football in a difficult financial position.
"The French giants have already made noises about wanting to keep him and while reports of a formal bid are currently understood to be premature, it would be no surprise if an attempt was made to turn the loan move permanent in time for next season," wrote the Everton correspondent.
"It remains to be seen whether even the reported sum of £31 million, which represents only a small profit for Everton, would be enough to get the job done. Is Kean happy in Paris? Absolutely. But there is still some way to go if it is to become his new permanent home."
Milan set to raid France for Simakan and Kone
AC Milan have offered €15m to Strasbourg for Mohamed Simakan and €5m to Tolouse for Manu Koné. Talks on. 🔴⚫️ @SkySport #ACMilan https://t.co/daX6oUzpaU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2021
AC Milan are genuine Serie A title contenders for the first time since their 2010-11 success and the Rossoneri want to try to bolster their squad for an assault on domestic and continental silverware with multiple additions.
Per Romano, RC Strasbourg Alsace defender Mohamed Simakan is the target of their attention at the back with young Toulouse midfielder Manu Kone the other player that Stefano Pioli's men are trying to obtain.
Simakan, in particular, would be a great signing by the Italian giants as he stands out in a struggling team -- he has already won three club player of the month awards this season -- and Strasbourg could use the money he brings in to strengthen in multiple positions as they bid to avoid the drop.
Lille could lose Celik
Roma have opened talks with the agents of Mehmet Zeki Celik [Lille] as right back, after Bryan Reynolds deal stalling [Juve and Brugge always interested]. No official bid yet. Also Everton were in contact with his agents [weeks ago]. 🇹🇷 #Roma #Lille @DiMarzio @SkySport
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2021
Following their recent takeover by Merlyn Partners, new president Olivier Letang has not hidden that financial balance is needed and with such an attractive squad at present, Lille OSC are expected to lose talent between now and this summer.
Turkish right-back Zeki Celik is one of a number of players wanted across Europe and Romano has confirmed that AS Roma and Everton are very interested in the 23-year-old as a potential addition this month.
Expect many other LOSC players to be linked with a Stade Pierre Mauroy exit in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid lead Alaba chase
Real Madrid are leading the race to sign David Alaba. Talks with his agent are now ‘progressing’ in order to reach an agreement as a free agent, but *not* signed yet.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2021
He received approaches from 5 different club - and he always had the dream of playing for Real ⚪️ #realmadrid https://t.co/m6OTaxfFIg
Like Ozil, another potential high-profile free transfer thus summer could be that of Bayern Munich's David Alaba with Real Madrid leading the list of suitors for the Austria international's signature.
The Spanish giants are not expected to make any moves this month, but the 28-year-old would be a coup this summer if his "dream" move to Santiago Bernabeu comes to fruition.
Atlanta United join hunt for Moises Caicedo
Reports from Ecuador suggest that MLS clubs have joined some of Europe's biggest clubs in the hunt for the teenage midfield star and CBS Sports Roger Gonzalez reports that the MLS offer is from Atlanta United
Sources tell CBS Sports that the MLS offer for Ecuador rising star and Man. United target Moises Caicedo of Ind. del Valle is from Atlanta United. #MLS
— Roger Gonzalez (@RGonzalezCBS) January 5, 2021
Romano meanwhile has previously reported Manchester United's interest, and that interest remains although the club is skeptical of investing in another young prospect this window and wary of the complications that Brexit will cause in potentially acquiring a work permit.
Caicedo is an immensely talented midfielder and is quickly becoming one of the most sought after prospects of the January window even if his eventual landing spot remains murky.