Chelsea Targets Bissouma as Enzo Replacement, Arsenal Eyes Raphinha
The transfer window has closed, but the dust is refusing to settle. Across the Premier League, big clubs are already reshaping their plans for January and beyond, with midfielders and wingers at the centre of the next wave of moves.
Chelsea’s Enzo replacement plan
Chelsea were offered former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma as a late solution to a huge hole in their squad. The 30-year-old, who left Spurs in the summer, was put forward as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez after the Argentina international completed a £125m move to Manchester City.
The approach underlined the scale of Chelsea’s midfield reset. Lose a £125m playmaker to the champions, and the scramble begins.
Wharton interest knocked back
City did not stop at Enzo. They, along with Chelsea, are understood to have explored a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton before the deadline.
The 22-year-old England midfielder has become one of the most coveted young players in the league, but Palace held firm and rejected all bids. No discount, no late compromise. Wharton stays in south London, for now.
Baena on the radar, but Atletico say no
Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United are circling Alex Baena. The Spain winger, 25, has drawn serious interest, but Atletico Madrid have no intention of cashing in.
Clubs are watching. Atletico are blocking. That standoff will not go away quietly as the season develops.
Wolves’ teen prospect draws giants
Wolves, too, had a decision to make. Portugal Under-21 forward Mateus Mane attracted attention before the window shut, with Liverpool and Manchester United both admirers of the 18-year-old.
Wolves could have sold. They chose not to. The big two have shown their hand, and Mane’s name is now firmly on the radar of the league’s heavyweights.
Arsenal line up Raphinha bid
At Arsenal, the focus has already moved to January. The club are weighing up a £68m offer for Barcelona winger Raphinha.
The Brazil international, 29, has long been admired in north London. A formal move in the winter window would be a major statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side as they chase more firepower out wide.
Tottenham ready to cut Richarlison loose?
Across north London, Tottenham are considering a brutal solution to one of their most expensive misfires. The club are weighing up paying up Richarlison’s contract to let the out-of-favour Brazil forward, 29, leave on a free transfer.
It would be a drastic call and a costly one, but it reflects how far Richarlison has slipped in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Everton’s late lunge for Castellanos
Everton tried to land a striker at the last possible moment. They made a verbal offer of £40m plus £5m in add-ons to West Ham for Argentine forward Taty Castellanos on deadline day.
The 27-year-old did not move. The bid came too late for West Ham to sign a replacement and sanction his exit. Everton’s search for a reliable No 9 goes on.
The window may be shut, but the positioning has already started. Who blinks first in January?
