The January transfer window is nearing its final days, and clubs across Europe are making last-minute moves to strengthen their squads. With big names linked to potential moves, fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will shape up for the second half of the season.
Among the most talked-about transfer stories are the futures of Ollie Watkins, Marcus Rashford, and Keira Walsh. Each player has been the subject of speculation, with clubs weighing up bids and negotiations reaching critical stages.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments, potential deals, and expert insights on these major transfer stories.
Ollie Watkins: Staying Put or On the Move?
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been in exceptional form this season, leading to increased interest from top clubs. The England international has been a pivotal figure for Unai Emery’s side, scoring crucial goals and providing assists.
Arsenal’s Interest in Watkins
Arsenal has been searching for a prolific striker, and Mikel Arteta sees Watkins as the ideal fit. The Gunners have struggled for goals at times, and with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah failing to deliver consistently, Watkins could be the missing piece.
Reports suggest Arsenal is considering a £70 million bid, but Aston Villa is adamant about keeping their star forward. Manager Unai Emery has repeatedly stated that Watkins is happy at the club, and Villa has no intention of selling him midway through the season.
Contract Security at Villa Park
Watkins signed a new long-term contract in 2024, meaning Villa holds the upper hand in negotiations. His impressive stats this season—13 goals and 6 assists in 22 league appearances—make him one of the most valuable strikers in the Premier League.
For now, it appears that Villa will resist any approach and focus on their push for a top-four finish. However, with Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations, the saga is far from over.
Marcus Rashford: Manchester United’s Star Under Scrutiny
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has endured a turbulent season, with inconsistencies in form and speculation about his future at Old Trafford.
PSG’s Renewed Interest
Paris Saint-Germain has long been admirers of Rashford. With Kylian Mbappe potentially leaving in the summer, PSG is keen on securing a high-profile replacement. The French giants reportedly made inquiries about Rashford’s availability, but United’s stance remains firm.
Manager Erik ten Hag views Rashford as a key part of his long-term project, despite his dip in form this season. The England international, who signed a five-year contract in 2023, remains committed to United but needs to rediscover his best performances.
A Fresh Start or Staying Put?
Rashford has only managed 5 goals and 3 assists in 19 Premier League games this season. While his quality is undeniable, questions have been raised about his consistency and attitude on the pitch.
With PSG, Barcelona, and even Bayern Munich monitoring the situation, United will have to make a decision in the coming months. However, a January exit seems unlikely, as Ten Hag aims to stabilize his squad for the remainder of the season.
Keira Walsh: A Midfield Maestro in High Demand
Over in the women’s football transfer market, one of the biggest stories involves Keira Walsh. The England and Barcelona midfielder is considered one of the best in the world, but her future remains uncertain.
Chelsea and Manchester City Keeping Tabs
Both Chelsea and Manchester City are keen to bring Walsh back to the Women’s Super League (WSL). The England star, who played a crucial role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph, moved to Barcelona in a record-breaking deal but could be tempted by a return home.
Barcelona’s Stance
Barcelona considers Walsh an integral part of their squad and is reluctant to sell. The midfield maestro has played a key role in Barcelona’s dominant form in Spain, and with the club targeting more European success, they are not open to letting her leave mid-season.
Chelsea’s Emma Hayes is believed to be a huge admirer of Walsh and sees her as the perfect player to strengthen the midfield. However, any deal is likely to take place in the summer rather than in January.
Other Notable Transfer Rumors and Latest Deals
While Watkins, Rashford, and Walsh dominate the headlines, several other key players are attracting interest as the transfer window nears its conclusion.
1. Jadon Sancho’s Future
Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Borussia Dortmund has reignited his form. With Manchester United open to selling him permanently, Dortmund is exploring a summer deal. Other clubs, including Juventus and Atletico Madrid, are monitoring his situation.
2. Ivan Toney’s Potential Move
Brentford striker Ivan Toney remains a target for Arsenal and Chelsea. With his suspension lifted, Toney is eager to return to action, but Brentford demands a £80 million transfer fee, making a January move difficult.
3. Kalvin Phillips Joins West Ham
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has completed his loan move to West Ham, hoping to get more game time ahead of Euro 2025. David Moyes sees him as the perfect addition to strengthen the Hammers’ midfield.
4. Newcastle’s Striker Search
With Callum Wilson injured, Newcastle United is searching for a striker to boost their attack. The club has inquired about Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Serhou Guirassy, but negotiations remain ongoing.
5. Real Madrid’s Interest in Alphonso Davies
Real Madrid is eyeing Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies as their top defensive target. With his contract expiring in 2026, Bayern may be forced to sell if they fail to agree on a new deal.
What’s Next in the Transfer Window?
With only a few days left in the transfer window, clubs are rushing to finalize their deals. The final hours could see last-minute surprises, as teams desperately look for reinforcements before the deadline.
Some of the biggest questions that remain:
- Will Arsenal make another move for Watkins?
- Can PSG convince Manchester United to sell Rashford?
- Will any club meet Brentford’s asking price for Toney?
As transfer negotiations intensify, fans will be eagerly waiting to see which deals go through and which fall apart at the last minute.
Support Your Team Through HIJAU44
As a passionate football fan, you can support your favorite team in new and innovative ways. HIJAU44, the world’s first conditional fan support platform, allows you to contribute based on your club’s performances, key transfers, and season achievements.
Join HIJAU44 today and be a part of your club’s journey to success!