Transfers

Arsenal Offered Surprise Chance To Sign 22-Year-Old Goal Machine

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign several highly-rated strikers this month, The Boot Room journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Among those mentioned by the outlet are Serie A duo Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui, who feature alongside a less familiar name from the Russian Premier League – Manfred Ugalde.

The Spartak Moscow striker has been turning heads with his impressive displays in Russia, having scored 15 goals in 18 league games this campaign.

Aged just 22, he has the potential to improve and evolve over the coming years, making him an attractive option for clubs in need of a reliable goalscorer.

Finishing has been a big issue for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal this season, with Kai Havertz proving wasteful in front of goal and Gabriel Jesus being ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.

As such, a player with Ugalde’s profile, who would likely be available for a lot less than the likes of Alexander Isak, could come in until the end of the season to help bolster the club’s fledgling title challenge.

Ugalde joined Spartak in January 2024 for €13 million (£10.3m) and took a little while to get used to his new surroundings, having failed to score in his first 12 matches for the club.

This season, however, Ugalde has been in scintillating form, scoring 15 goals to date – four of which came in one match against cross-city rivals Lokomotiv Moscow.

Unsurprisingly, some of Europe’s biggest clubs took notice, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City being linked with a move in recent months.

With 18 Costa Rica caps under his belt, Ugalde is also accomplished at international level. However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will take a punt on the youngster, who is set to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Should Mikel Areta opt against a move, former Everton man Moise Kean could become an option, having scored 16 goals already for Fiorentina this season.

Arsenal have also been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha in recent weeks, although a summer move for the Brazilian seems more likely at this stage.

Transfers

Victor Boniface to remain at Bayer Leverkusen as Al Nassr deal falls through – Club director

Bayer Leverkusen Managing Director Simon Rolfes has confirmed that Nigerian forward Victor Boniface will not be moving to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The deal, which had been in advanced stages with both clubs agreeing on a fee, fell apart after Al Nassr decided to sign Aston Villa’s striker Jhon Duran instead. Boniface had reportedly agreed on personal terms with Al Nassr but will now continue with the Bundesliga side.

“There have been talks, but we are happy that he will be training with us today. I assume that he will stay,” Rolfes stated. “He feels comfortable here, his attitude towards the club is unchanged.”

Boniface’s continued presence at Leverkusen will be a boost to Xabi Alonso’s side as they pursue success domestically and in European competitions.

Transfers

Everton eyes late move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi

As the January transfer window approaches its deadline, Everton has reportedly set their sights on Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Nigerian forward, 27, has struggled for consistent game time this season, falling behind New Zealand international Chris Wood in the pecking order.

Despite expressing a desire to stay at Forest, ongoing speculation about his future continues, with West Ham United previously linked to the former Union Berlin star.

Everton is now reportedly considering a late swoop for Awoniyi as they aim to bolster their attacking options. The Toffees hope to secure his signature before the window closes.

Awoniyi has netted just one goal in 20 league appearances this season, a decline from his strong performances in previous campaigns. His potential move could offer a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover his goal-scoring form.

Transfers

Victor Boniface’s Al Nassr move collapses as Club opts for Jhon Durán

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface will remain with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen after his proposed transfer to Al Nassr fell through.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Wednesday night via his X account, stating that Al Nassr ultimately chose not to finalize the deal.

“Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF,” Romano wrote. “Nigerian striker won’t join the club, deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave final green light.”

Instead, Al Nassr has shifted its focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán.

“Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, here we go!” Romano added. “Aston Villa to receive €77m fixed fee plus add-ons. Medical booked tomorrow, and then he will travel to Saudi right after.”

Boniface’s transfer had seemed imminent, with both clubs reportedly agreeing on a €60million fee before Al Nassr’s decision to pivot to Durán.