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TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea locked in €100m battle as Real Madrid left stunned by request
Cameron Smith
- 19 Dec 2025 17:48 GMT
- 7 min read
News
Transfer news is once again dominating the online football world ahead of the upcoming January window as clubs begin to advance in negotiations over high-profile deals.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 19 December, including the latest updates on Aleksandar Pavlovic and Franco Mastantuono.
Chelsea and Man City want Aleksandar Pavlovic
Chelsea and Manchester City have both reportedly sounded out Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic as a key transfer target for 2026.
Manchester United were linked with a move for Pavlovic over the summer, however Ruben Amorim’s side opted against launching a full-blown pursuit and their interest appears to have cooled amid their desire to land Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton.
Chelsea and Man City, on the other hand, are now ready to target a deal for the 21-year-old in 2026, as per TEAMtalk. However, a deal may cost in excess of €100 million.
Current ETV
Aleksandar Pavlovic
DM (C)
Bayern Munich
Aleksandar Pavlovic
DM (C)
Bayern Munich
ETV Range
€51.5M - €63M
Real Madrid wonderkid wants loan move
Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono has requested to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window, according to a bombshell report in Spain.
While the teenager remains absolutely committed to Los Blancos’ long-term project, he is keen to explore the possibility of leaving the club on loan when the January transfer window opens.
That is according to a blockbuster report from Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Mastantuono has formally asked the Real Madrid hierarchy to temporarily leave the club next month.
Crystal Palace to keep key trio
Crystal Palace are reportedly set to reject any offers they receive for Jean-Philippe Mateta, Daniel Munoz or Maxence Lacroix next year.
The south London outfit are wary that head coach Oliver Glasner could depart next summer, amid interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United, and they are set to lose Marc Guehi on a Bosman deal when his current contract expires in July.
The club may also be forced to sell star midfielder Adam Wharton if they receive a substantial transfer offer, with several elite clubs across world football keeping close tabs on his development at Selhurst Park ahead of a possible 2026 swoop.
As a result, Palace are determined to put their foot down when it comes to the futures of Mateta, Munoz and Lacroix, as per TEAMtalk, with all three players having attracted suitors in recent months.
Rangers chase midfield deal
Rangers have reportedly identified Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl as a top target for the January transfer window, with Danny Rohl “very keen” to sign the 20-year-old.
Newly-promoted Premier League outfit Sunderland are one of several English teams keeping close tabs on Hjerto-Dahl’s development, while Rangers have now earmarked him as a possible January signing as they look to strengthen the first-team squad available to Rohl.
The new Rangers boss is expected to be backed in the transfer market next month and TEAMtalk claim that he is “very keen” to bring Hjerto-Dahl to Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers chases Celtic transfer
New Al-Qadsiah boss Brendan Rodgers would “love” to sign Celtic star Callum McGregor next year, according to a report from The Sun.
The Hoops are likely to be resistant to losing the 32-year-old, who has spent the duration of his career at Parkhead, and Rodgers’ bid will “spark fury” in the East End of Glasgow, with the Scottish giants prepared to fight hard to keep their captain.
The task of retaining McGregor, though, promises to be difficult. Al-Qadsiah have prepared what is described as a “huge financial package” to prise the midfielder away from Celtic Park, where he is under contract until 2028.
Exclusive: Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future will be shaped by Antoine Semenyo deal
While the public feud between Mohamed Salah and Liverpool has been put to one side, the issue of the player’s future certainly has not, FootballTransfers understands.
Sources have revealed that Salah learned of contact between the Reds and in-form Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, and this was central to his comment intimating that “someone wanted me out”.
The individual that Salah was referring to was primarily Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards.
Other Transfer Rumours
AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit has turned down the chance to join Real Madrid. (Fichajes)
Chelsea have joined Man Utd in the race to sign Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams. (CaughtOffside)
Everton want to sign a new right-back during the upcoming January transfer window. (Football Insider)
Nico Paz has rejected approaches from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City in recent weeks as he has his eyes set on a return to Real Madrid. (TEAMtalk)
West Ham have submitted an enquiry for Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik ahead of a potential January deal. (GiveMeSport)
Ruben Neves has rejected a contract offer from Al-Hilal as he wants to return to Europe next year. (The Times)
Aston Villa, Man Utd and Newcastle are all interested in signing Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries next year. (TEAMtalk)
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