MU chooses Anderson as their number one priority; Arsenal keeps Odegaard.

Manchester United are accelerating their January transfer plans, identifying Elliot Anderson as their number one target, while Arsenal have insisted they will not sell Martin Odegaard. Barcelona are considering a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford for a maximum fee of around £35 million, and Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Jonathan David. Conversely, Real Madrid are planning to sell Vinicius Junior in the summer of 2026, AS Roma are looking to add Joshua Zirkzee to their squad, and Everton have decided not to release Jarrad Branthwaite in January.

Manchester United have chosen Elliot Anderson as their number one target for January.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United consider Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) a top priority. The 22-year-old midfielder's all-around playing style and work ethic have impressed manager Ruben Amorim. Anderson, an England international, has expressed interest in moving to Old Trafford.

Nottingham Forest values ​​Anderson at around £80 million. Manchester United believe they can negotiate a price around £60 million.

Tactical angle and impact

With a midfielder described as having a versatile playing style and high work rate, Anderson promises to increase mobility in the midfield, opening up more options for personnel rotation during a busy fixture schedule. The deciding factor remains the negotiated fee, as Nottingham Forest maintains a firm stance.

Bayern and Tottenham are ready to enter the race for Jonathan David.

According to reports, two big clubs, Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur, are ready to enter the race if Juventus agree to let Jonathan David leave in the winter transfer window. The Canadian striker has struggled to adapt since moving from Lille to Juventus in the summer, having scored only one goal in 11 games.

Highlights of performance

David's statistics of one goal in 11 games put him in a position where immediate improvement is needed. With several European clubs monitoring him, a January departure from Juventus could be considered if his performance doesn't improve.

Barcelona wants to buy Marcus Rashford outright.

According to talkSPORT, Barcelona are determined to acquire Rashford if the English striker accepts the salary offered by the club. The Nou Camp side have an option to buy him permanently next summer for a maximum fee of around £35 million. A key condition is that Rashford's salary will be lower than his current contract.

Financial aspect

The maximum figure of £35 million is a clear benchmark for a potential deal. However, the wage bill will be the key factor determining its feasibility.

Real Madrid plans to sell Vinicius in the summer of 2026.

According to BILD, Real Madrid have lost patience with Vinicius Junior's uncontrolled behavior and plan to sell him in the summer of 2026 following the tense incident during the El Clasico match against FC Barcelona.

Strategic significance

If this materializes, it would be a major turning point in Real Madrid's transfer strategy, directly impacting their attacking lineup in the medium term.

Roma are considering signing Joshua Zirkzee this winter.

Italian media reports indicate that AS Roma are looking to strengthen their number 9 position, with Joshua Zirkzee being their top target. The player is currently on the books of Manchester United and previously played in Serie A. Roma and coach Gian Piero Gasperini both support this move. Meanwhile, Roma are still monitoring Said El Mala and Jeremy Arevalo.

Add a center forward.

Targeting a number 9 suggests a priority on improving finishing ability and placement in the penalty area. Roma's shortlist opens up many scenarios depending on the negotiation conditions.

Arsenal rejected Barcelona's bid for Odegaard.

Arsenal have confirmed they are not considering any offers for Martin Odegaard despite increasing interest from Barcelona. Internal sources emphasize that Odegaard is an irreplaceable key player in manager Mikel Arteta's long-term plans.

To date, Odegaard has made over 200 appearances for Arsenal, contributing 41 goals and 40 assists. In addition to his role as a playmaker, he is also a leader in the dressing room.

Impact on Barca's plans

Arsenal's firm stance has forced Barcelona to reconsider their plans for strengthening their midfield, given that the January transfer window is typically quiet and doesn't see many big deals.

Everton will not sell Jarrad Branthwaite in January.

Everton have sent a firm message to interested clubs, including Manchester United: Jarrad Branthwaite will not leave the club in the January transfer window. Despite the defender being out for three months due to injury and not having played this season, according to TeamTalk, Everton are not considering letting him go.

Background

Amidst a wave of mid-season rumors, the decision to keep Branthwaite helped Everton maintain stability in defense ahead of a packed fixture schedule.

Overview of the most notable transfers

• MU – Elliot Anderson: top priority in January; Forest valued at around £80 million, MU expecting around £60 million (according to TEAMtalk).
• Bayern/Tottenham – Jonathan David: ready to enter the fray if Juventus open the door; 1 goal in 11 matches.
• Barcelona – Marcus Rashford: looking to buy him permanently next summer for a maximum fee of around £35 million; salary must be lower than his current one (according to talkSPORT).
• Real Madrid – Vinicius Junior: plans to sell him in summer 2026 (according to BILD).
• Roma – Joshua Zirkzee: considering strengthening their number 9; also monitoring Said El Mala and Jeremy Arevalo.
• Arsenal – Martin Odegaard: not for sale; 200+ appearances, 41 goals, 40 assists; a key player in manager Mikel Arteta's project.
• Everton – Jarrad Branthwaite: not for sale in January (according to TeamTalk).