Transfer Rumors: Chelsea and Liverpool Compete for Defensive Talents

Chelsea is set to make a €30 million bid for Nantes center back Tylel Tati, as reported by L’Equipe. At just 18 years old, Tati has played 19 matches for Nantes this season and has garnered interest from various clubs across Europe. The Blues are in urgent need of defensive reinforcements due to injuries, but they plan to recall Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg and send Aaron Anselmino on loan to the French club instead. The report indicates that Tati would join Chelsea but continue his development with a loan back to Nantes.

Meanwhile, Liverpool is preparing to compete with Chelsea in securing Rennes center back Jérémy Jacquet, according to TalkSPORT. Chelsea had previously agreed on personal terms with the 20-year-old defender, with a potential transfer fee of around €60 million at the end of the season. However, Liverpool is now accelerating their efforts following their inability to sign Marc Guéhi from Manchester City. Rennes has made it clear that Jacquet will not be leaving the club during the January window, leaving both English clubs to negotiate a deal.

In other transfer news, Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick is eager to have forward Marcus Rashford return to the team after his loan at Barcelona, provided he secures the managerial position permanently. The Telegraph reports that United will welcome Rashford back, despite Barcelona being prepared to activate a €30 million option for a permanent move to Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid aims to outmaneuver Fenerbahce for the acquisition of Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, having matched the Turkish club’s bid of €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons, as stated by Fabrizio Romano. Atletico appears to have gained an advantage, as Fenerbahce has yet to finalize terms or provide bank guarantees. This transfer could influence other moves, with Lookman’s arrival potentially facilitating a departure for Argentina striker Julián Álvarez to Arsenal or Barcelona this summer. Furthermore, Atletico has faced rejection in their pursuit of FC Porto midfielder Gabri Veiga but is poised to secure Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal on loan.

AC Milan and Crystal Palace have reportedly reached an agreement over the transfer of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, although the deal is being delayed by Palace’s search for a replacement. Mateta, 28, is waiting for the club’s approval to travel to Milan, while Palace is trying to complete a £43 million (plus £5 million in add-ons) deal for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney has declined a move to Juventus, preferring to continue scoring in the Saudi Pro League to maintain his hopes of participating in the World Cup, according to The Mirror. Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is keen to recruit a striker before the transfer deadline, and Toney was a target following Tottenham’s refusal to end their loan of Randal Kolo Muani from PSG. However, the 29-year-old Toney remains focused on staying where he believes he can enhance his chances for selection in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this summer.

Additionally, Barcelona has announced the signing of 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly. Nottingham Forest has secured Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a permanent deal, while former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin has terminated his contract with Club América and is now a free agent. Paris FC has also signed Italy forward Ciro Immobile from Bologna.

In other developments, Fulham’s £20 million bid to sign Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock has been rejected (TalkSPORT). Wolves have agreed to a deal in principle to sign former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes from Marseille on loan, with the option to make the move permanent for €7 million. Stuttgart is continuing their efforts to acquire goalkeeper Alexander Nubel from Bayern Munich, although Bayern’s valuation of €30 million remains a barrier, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs. Juventus has reached an agreement for the signing of 29-year-old winger Jeremie Boga, marking his return to Italy after leaving Atalanta in 2023. Chelsea is also planning a loan of defender Aaron Anselmino to sister club Strasbourg after recalling him from Borussia Dortmund. Leicester City and Birmingham City join six other Championship clubs in their interest in Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles, while Chelsea evaluates loan offers from Auxerre and Real Mallorca for defender David Datro Fofana. Everton and Sunderland are pursuing a loan move for 19-year-old winger Tyrique George from Chelsea, and Napoli has shown interest in Cagliari right back Gabriele Zappa.