The winter transfer window is now open in Europe, and there are plenty of moves in the works and rumors floating around. Transfer Talk brings you the latest news on rumours, comings and goings and of course, closed deals!
TOP STORY: Man Utd and Arsenal cool off on Benzema
Karim Benzema could struggle to find a new club in January, with Manchester United and Arsenal unlikely to make a move for the Al Ittihad striker, according to Ben Jacobs.
Benzema joined the Saudi Pro League side last summer from Real Madrid on a free transfer, however the 36-year-old is reportedly already eager to leave the club. The French international has been excluded from training by Al Ittihad coach Marcelo Gallardo after returning late from his mid-season holiday in Mauritius.
Manchester United have struggled to find a consistent source of goals in the Premier League this season, however, it is understood that United's interest in signing Benzema is not as strong as some believe.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also reportedly interested in attacking reinforcements, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah the only recognized forwards at the club, however, the Gunners have not made any contact regarding a possible deal for Benzema. With the transfer window moving quickly, Jacobs reports that a move to the Premier League is unlikely to materialise.
A return to Lyon could be a more feasible option for Benzema as John Textor, the Ligue 1 club's majority shareholder, is interested in the move. Despite this, it is reported that this would not be possible without a substantial pay cut for the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, which could make the transfer difficult.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Manchester United will allow defense Rafael Varane He will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer, reports Football Insider. The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Red Devils after struggling to regain his place in the first team, however it is reported that he will remain until the end of the season. The report states that while United have the option to extend his contract for a further year, this is unlikely as the club are keen to free up wages.
– Bayer Leverkusen is studying a possible transfer Moise KeanHowever, it appears that the striker will join Atlético Madrid, reports Sky Sports Deutschland. Florian Plettenberg. The Juventus striker will reportedly be allowed to leave Turin this month and, although he has attracted the attention of Leverkusen, Plettenberg suggests the Italy international is close to securing a loan deal with Atleti.
– Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to reach a loan deal for the Ajax Amsterdam winger. Carlos Forbesaccording Fabrizio Romano. The 19-year-old joined Ajax last summer from Manchester City, however he could return to England. In addition to Forbs, sources told ESPN that Forest also want to complete a deal for the Borussia Dortmund winger. Juan Reyna.
– Atlético de Madrid is about to close an agreement for the Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeerenreveals Fabrizio Romano. It is reported that while the two clubs have agreed on a fee of €22 million, the deal is not finalized and the details of the contract are still being worked out between the player and Atleti.
