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Liverpool are leading the race for a Serie A winger as Jurgen Klopp looks set to strengthen his squad in January…

What’s the news?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato (via TEAMtalk), Liverpool are leading the race to sign Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.

The Reds were first linked with the player at the end of last season, yet no move ever materialised during the summer transfer window, but it appears that Klopp could well do business next month.

The Mexican might be available for a reasonable fee, especially considering he has been in and out of the Napoli side this season and that his contract is set to expire in 2024.

Klopp’s own Saka

Liverpool have had their fair share of injuries this season and their front three has changed regularly throughout the campaign, although with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota out for an extended period of time, Klopp will be looking to add at least one of two wide options ahead of the second half of the season.

Lozano hasn’t quite been in his usual sparkling form this season, registering seven goal contributions across 19 matches – four goals and three assists – however, this shouldn’t have any bearing on Klopp’s decision to sign him or not, especially considering how impressive he has been in the past for Napoli.

The 27-year-old has scored 30 goals and registered 16 assists in 133 matches since joining the Serie A side, and is very similar to a player lightening up the Premier League at the moment – Bukayo Saka.

According to FBref, the Arsenal winger is the fifth-most similar player to Lozano across Europe’s top leagues and this is not a bad comparison to have considering the youngster’s recent form for the north London side.

This season has seen the two wingers register similar statistics when it comes to shots on target (nine to eight), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.43 to 3.89), dribble success rate (46.2% to 35.1%) and blocks (16 to 11).

Both players obviously provide an excellent attacking threat from wide positions, and Klopp urgently requires an attacking spark. Signing someone that is statistically similar to Saka would be an excellent investment.

The £87k-per-week winger was dubbed “frightening” by Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark before Napoli played Rangers in the Champions League and there is no doubt Klopp can get him back firing and at his very best if he manages to lure him to the Premier League.

Everton are one step closer to signing Largie Ramazani after the player’s camp indicated he would ‘say yes’ to the Blues if they made an offer for him.

The Lowdown: Ramazani linked with Everton move

The 21-year-old is currently plying his trade at La Liga side Almeria, making 15 appearances in Spain’s top flight so far this season and scoring two goals for good measure.

Earlier in the week, Ramazani was linked with a move to Everton, with the club badly in need of attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window.

That has become even more paramount after Tuesday’s humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton in the Premier League.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], the player’s camp have made it clear Ramazani would ‘say yes to the proposal’ if Everton showed genuine interest in him.

The Belgian’s current Almeria deal expires in the summer of 2025 and he has a €40million (£35m) release clause, though it’s ‘certain’ he’d move for less than that figure.

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The Verdict: Not an immediate fix

Ramazani looks like a talented young player with a bright career ahead of him, so he could be a shrewd signing by Everton, ensuring they continue to build towards the future.

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The two-time capped Belgium Under-21 international isn’t going to be the saviour to the Blues’ attacking struggles, however, so a more experienced figure also needs to come in.

That’s not to say that Everton shouldn’t sign Ramazani, but if he was the only attacker to arrive this month, it is unlikely that their fortunes would suddenly be transformed given his lack of proven goalscoring numbers.

Arsenal have now submitted a new proposal to Shakhtar Donetsk for the potential addition of Mykhaylo Mudryk in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

The reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now claimed the Gunners have made a fresh approach to the Ukrainian side for the services of their 21-year-old winger. Edu Gaspar has already seen one approach rejected by Shakhtar for Mudryk but the Brazilian has now submitted an improved offer:

“Now we can say that Arsenal have improved their proposal. I’m still checking to understand how much Arsenal have offered because now all sources want to keep things quiet after Shakhtar rejected the opening proposal. It was €40m plus €20m in add-ons, Shakhtar said no.”

Mudryk has certainly not shied away from voicing his thoughts on a potential move to north London with the journalist Ben Jacobs claiming it would be a dream for the winger to join Arsenal.

And even in the weeks since his interview with Jacobs, the 21-year-old has been dropping some cryptic hints on social media about potentially linking up with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Having seen their initial proposal for the Ukrainian rejected by Shakhtar, it now seems as if the Gunners may have taken a step closer to potentially bringing the winger to north London.

Title boost

Arsenal have made an exceptional start to the campaign which has seen them climb to the top of the table and with a seven-point gap to the chasing Manchester City.

Given they find themselves in perhaps an unexpectedly good position in the table, perhaps the Gunners look to make the most of this opportunity in the January window and strengthen their title charge with some big additions.

And in Mudryk, they would certainly be getting a potentially huge addition after what he has shown during his time recently for Shakhtar across all competitions.

In the league, the 21-year-old has returned seven goals and six assists in just 12 appearances as well as three goals and two assists in just six Champions League appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Despite Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka making an electric start to the campaign, Mudryk has certainly been able to provide a comparable return which could only push the current Gunners duo with more competition potentially added to the squad (via FBref).

If the Gunners were able to bring in a player of Mudryk’s quality it would be interesting to see how he would fit into the squad, but it would certainly be a headache which Arteta would welcome.

Leeds United are one of many clubs noted in a recent report in showing interest in a European wonderkid…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Evening Standard, who claim that the Whites are among a list of suitors for Giannis Konstantelias.

Victor Orta is expected to be rivalled by a host of Premier League clubs, as well as some illustrious European outfits such as PSV and Valencia, in the race for the 19-year-old.

The report also suggests the Greek forward is valued close to £10m, but PAOK Salonika expect him to be loaned back to the club should he be signed this month.

Could be a transfer disaster

Although Leeds’ Premier League position remains far from safe, it is clear that it’s not in attack that Jesse Marsch’s side are struggling.

The Yorkshire outfit currently boast 25 goals from 17 games in the league, with the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo underpinning what has been a relatively free-flowing front line.

However, should the Whites be desperate to bolster their attack, Marsch would want an instant impact from someone who could offer more than what he already has at his disposal. In Konstantelias, this seems unlikely.

Although the 19-year-old would come to Elland Road as a coveted prospect, his current output combined with his touted price tag makes him a risky venture for a team which narrowly avoided the drop last year, especially considering that he is yet to score this term across 13 appearances, even if he has recorded four assists.

Whilst this is not a terrible haul of goal contributions, it is inferior to that of Jack Harrison, who himself had endured a barren run until this week. The Englishman has one goal and four assists to his name this season, but before his assist against West Ham United, he had not contributed offensively in 11 league games.

Despite this, he still provides a better and more cost-effective option than the PAOK starlet, who would likely not even be seen at Elland Road until next season if he were to join the Whites.

Although Konstantelias seems an exciting prospect from the reported transfer interest in him, with just two points separating Leeds from the relegation zone, now is not the time for spending precious funds on players to come good in the future.

Marsch needs players who can perform now, and should Leeds sign the unproven Greek youngster for an eight-figure fee, it could prove to be a huge transfer disaster by Victor Orta and co.

Broadcaster Kevin Hatchard has been left buzzing on Sky Sports over Southampton’s January transfer links to Terem Moffi.

The Lowdown: Attacking reinforcements on the agenda

The Saints have moved very quickly this month to give Nathan Jones the best chance of saving their season having already handed him Mislav Orsic, who boasted a decent record out in Croatia.

Sport Republic don’t appear to be stopping there, either, with Carlos Alcaraz reportedly all but signed, while they have already tried to make a move for Ligue 1 ace Moffi, who has 10 goals this season for Lorient.

Moffi is a wanted man, however, with the Saints wanting him as well as fellow relegation strugglers West Ham looking to make a move for the attacker, so Southampton must move quickly.

The Latest: Moffi a wanted man

Hatchard believes that Southampton target Moffi is someone that is a ‘nightmare for defenders’ which will have Saints fans excited.

He said: “He’s done really well in a Lorient side that is not particularly heralded – although they’ve done better than people expected this season. [He’s in] double figures already, scored against Paris Saint-Germain fairly recently, and he’s somebody that is a nightmare for defenders, he runs in behind, he can get on the end of crosses, he’s got quite a few caps for Nigeria.

“He’s somebody who’s had quite an interesting career – he went to Lithuania for a bit, he was in Belgium for a bit, so he’s kind of been around the houses just getting those moves and going up the ranks. He’s a smart player, he can bring others into play, and I think he’s somebody that would certainly be exciting and deserves that move.”

The Verdict: Saints must move quickly

Something that could certainly play into Southampton’s hands is that Moffi only has 18 months left on his current deal, which could force Lorient into a sale this month to ensure they maximise how much they get for their star attacker.

It has been reported that Moffi will set any club back around £25m, which would allow Lorient to make a tidy profit on the attacker they signed for just £7m back in the summer of 2020.

However, given that West Ham could likely throw more money at Lorient and Moffi based on how much they’ve spent over the last few years, Southampton may have to move smart and offer him a clear way into the starting lineup to ensure they land someone who knows where the back of the net is this season.

Everton are a club in crisis at the moment, languishing at the foot of the table tied only with Southampton, the side who have beaten them most recently at Goodison Park.

Falling to defeat despite holding a lead at half-time, their collapse marked a seventh loss in their last eight matches in all competitions and sparked ugly scenes around the ground.

What had only ramped up the tension further was the lack of transparency from owner Farhad Moshiri, who was yet to make a foray into the January market despite being halfway through the window.

However, a report relayed just yesterday has suggested that although they have fallen behind in the race for Arnaut Danjuma, they remain keen on signing him all the same.

The Dutch winger had been ‘concretely approached’ by the Toffees, who are seeking out deals that adhere to their strict financial boundaries. Any move would likely be a loan-to-buy deal, which is what their rivals AFC Bournemouth are aiming for too, even with a reported €54m (£45m) release clause touted.

Despite their weakened position, it is undeniable that out wide is a position of particular peril for the 44-year-old who sees the pressure on his job ramp up with each passing result.

With their pursuit of Dango Ouattara scuppered due to the Bournemouth owners’ recent acquisition of minority stakes in Lorient, many would argue that Danjuma represents far better value for a far greater footballer.

What his side is crying out for is a leader and a talisman, who can pull them out of the mire and to safety.

Last season they had Richarlison, and in 1999 it was Kevin Campbell. Now, in 2022, Danjuma could add his name to that list should he make the move and translate his form back to the English game.

He had previously starred for the Cherries in the Championship, scoring 15 times and assisting a further seven as he was named in the Team of the Season.

The 24-year-old had more than earned his big move, and would receive it through Spanish giants Villarreal. They snatched the trickster and he would help them reach an unprecedented Champions League semi-final, scoring 16 goals and assisting four more in all competitions.

Showing a competency for the big moments on the biggest stage, perhaps his toughest task would be coming in to emulate the heroics of the 10-goal Richarlison from the last campaign.

However, having been dubbed a “nightmare for defenders” by former Premier League marksman Kevin Phillips, he could be the perfect man for Evertonians to latch their hopes upon as their saviour, helping them forget all about Ouattara.

West Ham have opened talks to sign a new target in Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, according to journalist Venê Casagrande.

The Lowdown: Hammers make moves…

As manager David Moyes continues his battle for both Premier League survival and to save his job, there have been no shortage of transfer links as the January transfer deadline looms.

West Ham have just completed the signing of striker Danny Ings from Aston Villa after rapid movement in the last two days, giving Moyes a real boost in his search for more firepower.

The Hammers are also believed to chasing Lorient striker Terem Moffi, who has scored a brilliant 12 goals in 17 Ligue 1 starts this campaign.

The search for a central defender is also well and truly on with a few names already being offered to West Ham, according to insider ExWHUemployee.

The Latest: West Ham open Roque talks…

Now, as per reporter Casagrande, a Brazilian correspondent, West Ham are currently in ‘conversations’ with Athletico Paranaense over the signing of Roque.

The forward is currently playing at the South America Under-20 Championship in Colombia for his country but the east Londoners apparently want him on loan with an option to buy.

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Casagrande explained:

“West Ham are interested in Athletico’s Vitor Roque, who is currently playing in the South American Under-20 Championship in Colombia. The English team wants the attacker on loan and with a purchase obligation. Values come close to € 20 million between fixed and variable payments.”

The reporter also went on to state:

“Athletico would also keep a percentage of the future sale of striker Vitor Roque, as they did with Betis, from Spain, in the sale of left-back Abner. Conversations in progress.”

The Verdict: Steal…

Attempting to sign Roque under these conditions would be a real snip for West Ham going by the 17-year-old’s stunning reputation.

The attacker is seen as one of Brazil’s young jewels alongside the likes of Endrick, who has just signed for Real Madrid, and recent reports claim Roque has been attracting similar attention.

AS say Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona and Real have all been keeping tabs on the teenager, who is described as ‘brash’, ‘electric’ and ‘fighting’.

Clearly standing out as one of Brazil’s rising stars, he has also been likened to Endrick for his playing style, making this possible loan move a very attractive proposition.

Also called ‘very impressive’ by ESPN editor David Cartlidge, who has been blown away by his performances for the Brazil Under-20s in recent games, it’s clear why West Ham are attempting a move.

Crystal Palace are ‘in discussions’ with VfB Stuttgart midfielder Naouirou Ahamada over a move which is set to be completed, according to Matt Woosnam.

The Lowdown: Ahamada profiled

Despite his tender years, the 20-year-old has already become a key player for his current side, making 16 starts in the Bundesliga so far this season.

In that time, Ahamada has enjoyed an 85.2% pass completion rate, ranking second any Stuttgart regular, not to mention also averaging one tackle per game in the competition, showing his on and off-the-ball quality.

The youngster’s current Stuttgart deal expires in 2025 but it looks as though a move to the Premier League could be imminent.

The Latest: Palace set to sign midfielder

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic‘s Woosnam claimed that Palace are in ongoing talks with Ahamada over a move to Selhurst Park, with an agreement now close:

“Palace are in discussions with Stuttgart over a deal for 20-year-old midfielder Naouirou Ahamada. In an ideal world they hope to sign a right-back, centre midfielder and striker this window but won’t do deals for the sake of it.”

The Verdict: Long-term addition

Building towards the future at Palace is always vital, rather than simply focusing on the present, and Ahamada is someone who would help that approach come to fruition.

That’s not to say that the three-time capped France Under-18 international would not be an important squad player from the off, however, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig pointing out in 2020 that he part of a ‘crazy’ talented group of young midfielders from his homeland.

Midfield is an area that Palace certainly need to improve in – Jeffrey Schlupp is playing centrally at times currently but is arguably more renowned for being a left-sided player – and Ahamada could help add competition and quality there.

The youngster has plenty of experience as a deep-lying midfielder and in a more advanced box-to-box role, even operating as a ten on a couple of occasions (Transfermarkt), which is an added bonus when it comes to providing Patrick Vieira with even more squad depth.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants to make three more additions to his squad before Tuesday’s deadline. 

The Lowdown: Ins and outs

Villa Park officials have already brought in two players for the Spaniard in Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran. The club have spent around €30m on the pair, however, Emery has lost the services of Danny Ings and Frederic Guilbert, with the former moving to West Ham in a deal worth €12m.

Cameron Archer and Morgan Sanson have also been loaned out, while Jan Bednarek has been recalled by parent club Southampton.

The Latest: More to arrive?

Villa reporter John Townley shared a story for Birmingham Live on Wednesday, looking at speculation over a potential move for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech.

He said that the Morocco international could be a target and that Emery wants a new striker, winger and midfielder in before the end of the month, although the club will remain patient to secure their top targets.

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The Verdict: Exciting…

It could well be a frantic final few days for NSWE and Johan Lange, with Emery seemingly wanting multiple more players through the door. This claim may excite some Villa supporters, and you could argue that strengthening in the final third should be a priority.

Duran has come in for Ings, however, the teenager and Ollie Watkins are the only centre-forward options available to Emery, so another versatile forward would be of use in the second half of the season.

Ings was also the club’s top scorer before leaving for London and with Duran fairly inexperienced, replacing the goals they lost in the Englishman could be vital.

Arsenal transfer target Moises Caicedo is in London ahead of a potential deadline day move…

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Jacque Talbot, who has provided an update on the Gunners’ pursuit of the Brighton and Hove Albion sensation to GIVEMESPORT.

“I’ve heard that he’s travelled to London on deadline day – he’s in London.

“Obviously, it’s been briefed elsewhere, and especially to Brighton reporters, that there’s no deal in place. That’s not our information. We’re aware of that but it’s not what I’ve heard,” he revealed.

Kante 2.0?

It seems as if reports suggesting that any move for the 21-year-old being off are a little premature – after all, some are claiming that Brighton would accept around £80m for his signature.

With Mohamed Elneny out for the foreseeable future with a serious injury, Thomas Partey also doubtful with a problem and Albert Sambi Lokonga on his way out on loan, there is certainly a need for midfield reinforcements at the Emirates Stadium.

Jorginho is one player that seems to be on the verge of joining the club but that won’t be enough, so Caicedo makes a ton of sense, if Edu Gaspar and co are prepared to pay a club-record fee before 11pm this evening.

Any move is made easier by the fact that the 28-time Ecuador international is in London right now, though they’ll have to act swiftly to deter Chelsea from making their move.

In Caicedo, the Gunners could well unearth a better version of N’Golo Kante, if South American football expert Tim Vickery’s glowing endorsement is anything to go by.

“He is a terrific athlete who makes football look easy. A box-to-box midfielder,” he said (via talkSPORT).

“A year ago he was saying that Kante of Chelsea is his role model but he is already more than that. He already offers more in the final third.

“That kind of box-to-box midfielder that’s very much in the tradition of the England game. Strong, quick, intelligent and cool. He really does look like the genuine article.”

Indeed, the “jewel” – as lauded by football historian Enrico Castro-Montes – is an absolute machine in the heart of the pitch, winning 73.3% of his tackles against opposition dribbles per 90, which sees him rank inside the top 5% of all midfielders in the Premier League this term.

Also per FBref, who liken him to Declan Rice in terms of statistical profile, he is averaging a top 13% output for tackles and interceptions, with 4.37 combined per 90.

Therefore, if Talbot is correct and the Gunners remain interested, then Edu could hand Mikel Arteta a much better version of Kante, which would be a mouthwatering prospect alongside Granit Xhaka, Partey and Jorginho.

AND in other news, Edu can seal d-day Arsenal masterclass in £25m “phenomenon”, he’s better than Jorginho…