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Nick JuddTransfer writer
With the opening of the January transfer window drawing closer, there are many rumors swirling about who’s rising where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz about rumours, comings, goings and, of course, deals!
TOP STORY: Chelsea line up January trade for Monaco starlet Badiashile
Chelsea are looking to strengthen their defense in the new year, and despite long-standing interest in RB Leipzig centre-back and World Cup breakout star Josko Gvardiol, The Athletic reports that it is Benoy Badishile from AS Monaco who has climbed to the top of the Blues’ wish list.
The 21-year-old France international can play in a back four or on the left of a three-man defence, and the two clubs are said to be in talks over a deal which could be finalized in January. The Principality club command a transfer fee of €35 million to allow Badiashile to move to West London.
Badiashile, who has been in Monaco’s system since 2016, has made 135 appearances for the club in all competitions and has been a regular in the squad since 2018-19. The 6-foot-4 defenseman has particularly impressed this season with his ability on the ball and in one-on-one situations.
Chelsea have been monitoring the player’s situation since the summer, despite being constantly linked with a move for Guardiol. Badiashile is said to be a priority at Stamford Bridge, ahead of the likes of the 23-year-old Evan Ndika from Eintracht Frankfurt and 20 years old Pyro Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
Paper gossip
– Uruguay striker Luis Suarez Saudi club Al-Khaleej has been offered a money-spinning 18-month deal but is still set to join Brazilian side Gremio. Fabrizio Romano. The 35-year-old striker was offered a $6 million salary to move to the Saudi Pro League, but his move to Gremio on a two-year deal is all but sealed.
– AS Roma are preparing a bid for international international Johnny CardosoLieut Ekram Kanur. The Italian capital club are looking to add the 21-year-old international midfielder to their squad in January, but they face stiff competition from Spanish sides Valencia and Real Betis. Cardoso has been a regular starter for the Porto Alegre side over the last three years, playing 39 games and scoring twice. He also added two assists. Roma may have the advantage over their Spanish counterparts, however, as a result of their superior financial situation.
– Manchester City Chiefs believe the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola will see them win the race for Jude Bellingham, according to the Sun. Real Madrid consider themselves ahead of the pack when it comes to signing the coveted 19-year-old midfielder, but City feel Guardiola’s extension as manager until 2025, and the chance for Bellingham to play alongside Erling Haaland again, could Move the move. in their favour. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the England international.
– Manchester United considering a bid for Lyon right-back I like you, according to Media Foot. The 19-year-old former France youth international has emerged as one of his side’s most consistent performers this season, contributing one assist from 14 league appearances. Gusto’s contract runs until 2024, and United could be frontrunners to sign him if Lyon cannot agree fresh terms, and the Red Devils are preparing a bid including a €30m transfer fee.
– Tottenham Hotspur could make room in their squad by allowing Pape Sarr And Brian Gill Move to LaLiga in January, according to Relevo. Both players joined the north London club before last season, but with Sarr yet to make his debut, the 20-year-old Senegal international could be on the move to Sevilla. Gill, 21, has also struggled to get any significant game time under boss Antonio Conte following his £21m move in 2021, and Valencia are ready to move for the midfielder after a successful loan spell last season.
