With only a few days left in the January transfer window, we look at what's happening in the market in the Premier League.
No loan move for van de Beek
Manchester United have reportedly turned down a potential loan move for midfielder Donny van de Beek as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to keep hold of the entire squad in order to challenge for as many as three titles; the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup.
Van de Beek joined Manchester United in a £40 million deal from Ajax, but has been limited to just two Premier League starts, leading to the suggestion that he might move on loan in order to get regular game time. Solskjaer, however, rebuffed the rumours earlier this month, saying that he's easing the process of slotting the midfielder into the first team.
"I've answered this question so many times and there are so many examples of players needing a little bit of time, quality players," Solskjaer said in a news conference.
As United are pushing for their first Premier League title since 2013, it is expected that he will count on van de Beek at some point of time. Meanwhile, there are also reported that Jesse Lingard might be convinced to stay at least until the end of the season.
Aurelien Tchouameni on Chelsea's radar
AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is reportedly a subject of interest from Chelsea despite the uncertainty surrounding manager Frank Lampard's future at the club. As per ESPN, Chelsea have been extensively scouting the 20-year-old as they are keen on strengthening the midfield. Tchouameni has been making a name for himself under manager Niko Kovac since moving from Bordeaux in an €18 million deal a year ago.
The 20-year-old has started all but one league game for Monaco this season as they sit fourth in the Ligue 1 2020-21 table. It is said that Monaco will not listen to any offers in January, but are preparing themselves for a tug of war for the 20-year-old prodigy in the summer transfer market.
Chelsea' primary target still remains West Ham United's Declan Rice, but a £70m-£80m price tag might force the Blues to look for alternatives. A recent report from the Guardian, however, has mentioned that the Hammers may lower their asking price in summer to as low as £50m.
Arsenal monitoring Ryan Bertrand
Reports have it that Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand as Mikel Arteta wants to bring someone who can provide competition to Kieran Tierney. After Sead Kolasinac was allowed to rejoin his former club Schalke on loan, Arteta emphasised that the Gunners are looking extensively for a left-back. It is said that the club has kept several options open, but Bertrand is someone they are closely looking at.
As far as the player is concerned, he only has six months left in his current contract with the Saints, and the parties haven't reached an agreement yet. Apart from Arsenal, Leicester City are one of the many clubs looking at the player, and the sale of Ben Chilwell last summer to Chelsea might force them to make an official bid. The Evening Standard say the player is happy at Southampton, but in case the agreements isn't reached, an offer from Arsenal might be too tempting to resist.
For Southampton, they certainly won't sanction the sale this month, and the player himself is happy to see out his contract.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Martin Rickett
