Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal's Vlahovic blow, Aubameyang interest, Dembele latest

Welcome to the 90min Friday live transfer blog - the place that will keep you up to date with all the breaking news throughout the day.

Just 11 days of the transfer window remain and there's still plenty of time for signings to be completed across Europe - though as ever, negotiating in January is proving as difficult as ever.

Business does seem to be picking up, with a flurry of offers and rumours dominating Thursday's headlines. Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang really leave Arsenal? Is Tanguy Ndombele heading for the exit for Tottenham?

We don't have the answers yet, but we do have the live blog to keep you up to date with every that's going on. Follow below...


Today's top stories


Live transfer blog

11.38am - Man Utd ruled out of Haaland race

Manchester United have been deemed unlikely to sign Erling Haaland in the summer, with both Real Madrid and Man City ahead of them in the race.

ESPN reckon United have started to look at other targets having thrown in the towel.

90min has previously revealed that Real Madrid are frontrunners, although the striker does not want to be rushed into a decision.


11:07am - Martinez signs new Villa contract

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has signed a new contract with the club, extending his deal until 2027.

The Argentina international has had a whirlwind couple of years since leaving Arsenal, becoming his country's number one after standout performances for Villa and playing a key role in winning Copa America last summer.

90min revealed that the Midlands club were planning new contract talks back in the summer, after the goalkeeper emerged as a target for an unnamed top European club.


10:49 - Vlahovic not talking to Arsenal

Uh oh...Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of coveted Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, who we mentioned was also a target for Juventus.

Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone has confirmed enquiries from England, but he says the player and his representatives are not yet engaging in talks.

"Some English clubs have made contact, but there is no agreement yet. We are open [to selling] but there can’t be a deal unless someone [Vlahovic] agrees.

"I haven’t heard anything from them [Vlahovic's representatives]. I had asked Vlahovic’s agent to be clear, but I haven’t heard anything, no contacts at all."

90min previously revealed that Vlahovic was far from sold on a move to north London and would not be rushed into a decision with his contract expiring in 2023.


10:30am - Moshiri's message

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has injected a further £100m into the club and sent a message to fans as their search for a new manager continues...

"I understand the frustration felt by everybody who loves Everton because of our inconsistent form in recent seasons, despite significant investment in the playing squad. 

"The money that has been spent since 2016, not just on the playing squad but also on key projects including our new stadium, demonstrates my commitment to Everton.

"The strategic football review that is currently ongoing will ensure we have the best model in place moving forward. I am working closely with the Chairman and the Board as part of that strategic review - and I can assure you the recruitment process for a new manager is aligned to that.

"It is vital we appoint a manager who fits the structure we are putting in place and so, whilst we are keen to make an appointment as quickly as possible, we will work together to ensure it is the right candidate to deliver the success we all crave."


10:20am - Juve eye January Vlahovic move

It seems Juventus are getting a little bit wary of Arsenal's interest in Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic...

According to reports in Italy, the Bianconeri will attempt to push through a deal this month - even though the Viola are pretty keen not to sell to them.

Their offer apparently constitutes a player-plus-cash offer involving Dejan Kulusevski.


9:45am - Gerrard drops Villa transfer hint

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has hinted that he could welcome more signings in January, despite bringing in four players – including Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne - already.

"There’s a few things bubbling away. We’ve identified areas where we would like to strengthen, but as I’ve said before, we’ll only do that if the right players become available. 

"We won’t be forced. If it’s a case of having to be patient until the next window, I’ve got no problem with that."


9:30am - Frank confident Brentford can stay up

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has seen his side slide down the Premier League table over the past couple of months, following a fantastic start to life as a top-flight side.

But the Dane, speaking in his latest press conference, believes his side have the tools to stay in the division.

“I think we have a strong enough squad to compete in the Premier League.

“I do think a player or two would bring extra energy to the squad but I don’t think it’s essential. But we are always in the market and if a player comes up we will do it.

“I think it can be more difficult (in January) depending on where players are coming from. If you come from abroad you need to get up to speed to your new team, tactics, crazy ideas from the head coach! So there’s a risk that it can take a longer time to adapt.”


9:08am - Lloris signs new Tottenham contract

We touched on a new contract for Hugo Lloris less than an hour ago......and now it's official!

The World Cup winner will be remaining in north London until 2024.


8:45am - Aubameyang offers

A couple of days ago, Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr lodged a loan bid for out-of-favour Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - who incidentally is 'completely healthy' after a heart scare at AFCON.

The 32-year-old has been stripped of the club captaincy and doesn't seem to be too chummy with Mikel Arteta, with the feeling that a move could happen. But Sportsmail now say that Al-Hilal are also showing interest - and are prepared to pay his wages in full to make a deal happen.

That's £350,000-per-week, ladies and gents...


8:30am - Lingard latest

Jesse Lingard's future at Manchester United remains unclear.

Newcastle are desperate to bring him, and many others, to St James' Park in order to save the club's Premier League skin, but the Red Devils and Lingard himself need some convincing.

United want to sell, Newcastle will agree to a permanent deal or loan, and Lingard...well, he wants to decide his future in the summer. Will he move temporarily and then depart Old Trafford in the summer? The jury is out.


8:20am - All-action at Tottenham

It's been a whirlwind 24 hours if you're a Tottenham fan.

Steven Bergwijn's dramatic late brace bagged three points at Leicester, Tanguy Ndombele was strongly linked with a move to PSG, and Wolves turned down a bid for Adama Traore.

Now, 90min understands that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has been terrific form throughout the season, has agreed a two-year contract extension.


8:15am - Dembele's Barcelona exit near

Things are a little messy between Barcelona and Ousmane Dembele now, but one thing seems certain – he's leaving Camp Nou on a free transfer.

The big question is where next for a player who cost the Catalans well in excess of £100m?

90min

8:10am - Good morning!

Hello, good morning and welcome to the end of the working week (for some of us at least)! Let's get cracking with a reminder of what's doing the rounds...


Source : 90min