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TRANSFER RUMOURS: Man Utd close to first January deal as Chelsea chase striker signing
Cameron Smith
- 22 Dec 2025 16:09 GMT
- 6 min read
News
Clubs across world football are hoping to finalise several high-profile transfers when the January window opens in less than two weeks time.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 22 December, including the latest updates on Joshua Zirkzee and Vitor Roque.
Joshua Zirkzee close to Roma
Manchester United’s first major piece of January transfer business is close to completion, with Roma close to securing the signature of Joshua Zirkzee from the Red Devils.
Roma have long established themselves as favourites to land the Dutchman and have made an attractive €40m bid for him.
The Giallorossi will sign him on loan for €5m, with an option to buy in the summer for €30m. On top of this, Roma will pay Man Utd a further €5m should they qualify for the Champions League, Il Messaggero reports.
Current ETV
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€32.4M - €39.6M
Chelsea want Vitor Roque
Chelsea are ready to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad in the January transfer window with a big-money move for former Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.
The striker is back in Brazil playing with Palmeiras after a failed spell at Camp Nou, but has come good back in his homeland, scoring 20 goals in all competitions in the second half of 2025 to re-establish his reputation as one of his nation’s brightest young hopes.
Sky Sport Switzerland reports that the Blues and Manchester United are both tracking Vitor Roque, but that the Blues are “far more concrete” in their approach.
Roony Bardghji to stay at Barcelona
Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has refused to leave the club during the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports in Spain.
His lack of game time has alerted several suitors from across Europe, with Premier League clubs Crystal Palace, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland all inquiring about a possible January deal, as per Fichajes.
However, the Spanish publication claim that Bardghji has rejected the chance to leave Barcelona next month as he is determined to succeed at the club.
Real Madrid make Victor Valdepenas decision
Real Madrid have inserted a €50 million release clause in the contract of academy starlet Victor Valdepenas amid significant transfer interest from Arsenal.
The Spain U19 international still has over three-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract with his boyhood club, although AS have confirmed that he has now been rewarded with a significant pay rise thanks to his recent form.
It’s also reported that Real Madrid have added a €50m release clause to Valdepenas’ deal as they look to fend off the attention of Arsenal and several other top European clubs.
Liverpool’s January plan changes
Alexander Isak’s injury has rocked Liverpool, who have been forced to take dramatic transfer action ahead of January.
The Reds have been quick to react to the problem and are bracing themselves to change their January plans should their worst fears over the €155 million striker be confirmed, according to the Telegraph.
Arne Slot’s side are ready to abandon their pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, according to the report. This would leave the Ghana winger in a better position to sign for Manchester United or Manchester City.
Other Transfer Rumours
Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Genk youngster Konstantinos Karetsas. (TEAMtalk)
Barcelona have rejected several €70m offers for Raphinha ahead of the January window. (El Nacional)
Man Utd and Newcastle are both interested in signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who wants to return to Europe next year. (CaughtOffside)
Celtic have set their sights on completing a January deal for Union Berlin forward Andrej Ilic. (Football Insider)
Liverpool have submitted a €60m bid for Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall. (Fichajes)
Atletico Madrid are among the clubs eager to purchase Nicolas Jackson if Bayern Munich decide against signing him on a permanent deal. (CaughtOffside)
Football transfer news headlines today
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Isak INJURY update, Semenyo BATTLE, Rogers January DEAL?
Ruben Amorim sends Man Utd SHOCKING January transfer message
Chelsea eye €50m striker who wants ‘DREAM’ return
Ousmane Dembele to Arsenal: ‘Unease’ at PSG opens door to dream move
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