Man Utd want Liverpool target, €400m Mbappe offer, Chelsea told No.9 price: FootballTransfers recap

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Jan 2024 22:27 GMT
• 5 min read

Friday delivered plenty of big news as Man Utd entered the race for Liverpool target Ko Itakura.

Plus, Kylian Mbappe has received a €400 million contract offer and Chelsea and Arsenal have been told that one of their number nine targets could be available for a bargain fee in the summer. There's plenty to cover, so let's jump right in.

Exclusive: Man Utd eye Itakura

FootballTransfers has been told that Man Utd have joined Liverpool and Tottenham in pursuit of Gladbach defender Ko Itakura.

Exclusive: Smith Rowe wants Arsenal stay

Early on Friday, news broke that West Ham are keen on a deal for Emile Smith Rowe.

FootballTransfers, however, is able to reveal that the attacking midfielder would prefer to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal.

Confirmed: Brighton want Samardzic

Finally, FootballTransfers can confirm that Brighton are among the clubs trying to strike a deal for Udinese's Lazar Samardzic.

Mbappe offered €400m

French media reports that PSG have offered Kylian Mbappe a four-year deal with a €100m-per-season salary (not counting bonuses!).

Sesko release clause

In-demand striker Benjamin Sesko will have a €50m release clause in the summer, which will be music to the ears of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd bosses.

Transfer news

Finally, let's finish up with some transfer news from around the world. Bologna sensation Joshua Zirkzee is expected to 'move soon' amid Arsenal and Man Utd interest.

Speaking of the Red Devils, Erik ten Hag wants to revamp his defence in the summer and is willing to sacrifice two key players to make it happen.

Arsenal have received a surprising 'agreement in principle' update on one of their defensive targets.

One of the players they are looking at for the backline is Matthijs de Ligt, and the Dutchman is keen to leave Bayern in the summer.

Liverpool have been urged to enter the race to sign Ivan Toney.

The Reds could certainly use someone who can consistently score because the Saudis are plotting another Mo Salah transfer offensive.

Man Utd have been left dumbfounded by a surprising U-turn at Borussia Dortmund.

West Ham are leading the race to sign Kalvin Phillips.

Man Utd are trying to hijack a Barcelona deal that seemed to be progressing well in recent days.

A forgotten Arsenal defender is being courted by Ligue 1 giants Marseille.

Lastly, Jose Mourinho has reportedly already found his next job mere days after being sacked by Roma.