🔄 Forest Launch £35M Bid & City Eye Trent – Contract Chaos Unfolds

Welcome back to your daily transfer briefing! Thanks for subscribing to the Transfer News Podcast newsletter. Wednesday brought us a flurry of major moves and contract sagas across the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest making headlines with a substantial bid and Manchester City circling Liverpool's star defender. Let's break down all the key developments from January 28th that could reshape the title race and relegation battle.

Nottingham Forest have submitted a £35 million bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Sean Dyche is looking to add significant firepower to his attacking lineup as Forest push for a stronger finish in the Premier League table. The French striker's physical presence and aerial ability could be exactly what Forest need to convert their possession into goals.

But Forest aren't alone in their pursuit. Aston Villa showed interest just days ago, setting up what could become a competitive bidding war between two ambitious clubs. Mateta has been in decent form for Palace this season, and at 28 years old, he represents an experienced option who can make an immediate impact. Palace will be reluctant to lose their striker mid-season, but £35M is substantial money that could tempt them into a sale.

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract situation at Liverpool. The England right-back's deal remains unresolved as we move deeper into 2026, and City are positioning themselves to potentially swoop in if negotiations at Anfield stall.

The good news for Liverpool fans? There's no imminent Real Madrid exit on the cards. Despite persistent speculation linking Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish giants, he appears set to stay in England for now. However, the contract situation still looms large over Anfield, and Liverpool will be desperate to tie down their homegrown star before City or other suitors can make their move.

At 27 years old, Alexander-Arnold is entering his prime years and remains one of the most creative defenders in world football. His set-piece delivery and ability to dictate play from right-back make him a unique asset, and losing him would be a massive blow for Arne Slot's side.

In what could be one of the bargains of the window, Tottenham could sign Andy Robertson for just £5 million. Thomas Frank is keen on adding experienced depth at left-back, and while the Scottish international is entering the latter stages of his career at 31, that price tag represents incredible value for a player of his caliber.

Robertson has been a cornerstone of Liverpool's success over recent years, providing energy, defensive solidity, and attacking thrust from the left flank. Even if his best years are behind him, his leadership qualities and big-game experience could be invaluable for Spurs as they look to push for Champions League qualification.

Mohamed Salah continues to attract mega-money offers from the Saudi Pro League. The Egyptian superstar, now 33, remains one of the most clinical finishers in world football, and the financial pull of Saudi Arabia is undeniable. Liverpool will desperately want to keep their talisman, but the astronomical wages being offered in the Middle East could test even the most loyal players.

Salah's potential departure would leave an enormous void at Anfield. He's been Liverpool's most consistent goal threat for years, and replacing his output would require significant investment. The coming weeks could prove crucial in determining whether Liverpool can fend off Saudi interest or if they'll need to plan for life after their Egyptian king.

Ibrahima Konate hasn't settled his contract situation yet at Liverpool. The French defender has been impressive when fit, showcasing his pace, strength, and reading of the game. However, ongoing uncertainty over his future is something manager Arne Slot will want resolved sooner rather than later.

At 26, Konate is approaching his peak years as a center-back. His injury history has been a concern, but when available, he's proven to be one of the Premier League's top defenders. Liverpool need clarity on his situation as they plan their defensive future.

In a stunning turn of events, Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Enzo Fernandez. Manager Liam Rosenior's side paid over £100 million for the World Cup-winning midfielder, making him one of the most expensive signings in football history. Yet just over a year later, if the right offer arrives, Chelsea might be willing to listen.

This represents quite the turnaround for a player who was meant to be the centerpiece of Chelsea's midfield for years to come. At 26, Fernandez should be entering his prime, but it appears the Blues are willing to recoup some of their massive investment if a suitable bid materializes. This situation will be one to watch closely as the window progresses.

Unai Emery is working overtime to strengthen his squad across multiple positions. Beyond their interest in Mateta, Villa are making moves in midfield and attack:

Villa's ambition is clear: they want to establish themselves as a permanent fixture in European competition, and Emery knows he needs squad depth and quality to compete on multiple fronts.

Pep Guardiola is planning ahead with multiple defensive targets identified:

Manchester City are preparing an offer for Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender has been on several top clubs' radars, and Guardiola sees him as a potential long-term solution in defense. However, City won't have a clear run at the 25-year-old England international.

Arsenal have also joined the race for Guehi's signature, setting up what could be an expensive battle between two of England's richest clubs. Mikel Arteta is equally keen on the center-back as he looks to build a title-winning defense. Expect Palace to demand a premium fee for their captain, likely in the £60-70M range.

City have also made a move for a player named Anderson, though details remain scarce at this stage. Guardiola's recruitment team is clearly working on multiple deals simultaneously, covering various positions and profiles.

Mikel Arteta is actively seeking to strengthen his defensive options:

Chelsea have made a move for Djibril Jacquet. The young midfielder is being pursued as Liam Rosenior looks to refresh his squad and add younger talent to the mix. This fits Chelsea's recent strategy of investing in promising young players with high potential.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is on Manchester United's radar. With Michael Carrick still in interim charge at Old Trafford, United are clearly assessing their options for a permanent appointment. Glasner's work at Palace, where he's implemented an attractive playing style and gotten results, has caught the attention of United's hierarchy.

Atletico Madrid want Matheus Gomes from Wolves. The young Brazilian midfielder has impressed under manager Rob Edwards, and Spanish interest suggests he's destined for bigger things if this move materializes. At 22, Gomes represents exactly the type of young, technical player Diego Simeone is looking to add to his squad.

Everton are eyeing Ben White from Arsenal. David Moyes wants to strengthen his backline, and the versatile England international would be a stellar addition. White, 28, can play across the defensive line and brings Premier League experience and technical quality. However, prising him away from the Gunners won't be easy, and Arsenal are unlikely to entertain offers for a player they see as crucial to their title ambitions.

Barcelona want Marcus Rashford to stay at Manchester United, which is interesting given ongoing speculation about the forward's future. The Catalan giants seem content with the 28-year-old remaining at Old Trafford for now, perhaps indicating they have other priorities or don't believe a deal is feasible this window.

Newcastle face a battle for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves. Eddie Howe is interested in the Norwegian forward, who has shown promise in the Premier League. However, competition from other clubs could make this deal complicated. At 25, Strand Larsen offers physical presence, aerial ability, and decent finishing - exactly what Newcastle need to complement their existing attacking options.

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Thanks for reading! We'll be back tomorrow with more transfer news as the January window heats up. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss any breaking developments.