Chelsea target Murillo, MU use shirt number 24 to entice Semenyo.

European giants are accelerating ahead of the winter transfer window: Chelsea have added Murillo (Nottingham Forest) to their priority list, Manchester United are considering using the number 24 shirt to lure Antoine Semenyo, and Liverpool are awaiting a response from Ibrahima Konate regarding his contract extension request. Several other deals are being initiated or are under consideration, from Dayot Upamecano to Federico Chiesa and Pedro Neto.

Chelsea target Murillo, the race isn't a solitary one.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has identified center-back Murillo as a target to strengthen his defense, amidst interest from Arsenal and Barcelona (Caught Offside). This multi-faceted competition could complicate negotiations, but Chelsea's early identification of a target demonstrates a clear priority in the center-back position.

MU and the number 24 shirt card for Semenyo.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer Antoine Semenyo his preferred number 24 shirt to persuade the Bournemouth and Ghana international striker during the January transfer window (Manchester Evening News). The number 24 shirt is currently worn by Andre Onana, who is on loan in Türkiye; according to this source, Onana's future is not tied to Old Trafford.

Casemiro: Retained on the condition of a pay cut.

Manchester United want to extend Casemiro's contract but are demanding the Brazilian midfielder accept a lower salary. If an agreement isn't reached, the club is prepared to let him leave in the summer; at the same time, they have targeted several quality central midfielders to replace him (Fabrizio Romano). This move shows that MU wants to optimize its wage bill and rejuvenate its midfield.

Liverpool and the center-back dilemma: Konate, Guehi, Upamecano

Liverpool have submitted a new contract offer for Ibrahima Konate but have yet to receive a response, amid interest from Real Madrid in the French defender (Caught Offside). Meanwhile, the failure to sign Marc Guehi this summer has cast doubt on the Crystal Palace captain's future; Guehi may wait until the end of the season to decide, while receiving numerous offers (Alan Nixon on Patreon).

In Germany, Dayot Upamecano's contract expires at the end of the season. Despite being monitored by Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Liverpool, the French center-back is not keen on a potential move to Chelsea in a major January transfer (Metro). This is a sticking point in the already heated center-back market.

Chiesa and Pedro Neto on the radar

Federico Chiesa is considering leaving Liverpool in January; four Serie A teams – Inter Milan, Napoli, AS Roma, and AC Milan – are all closely monitoring him (Fichajes – Spanish). In Spain, Barcelona are targeting Pedro Neto (Chelsea), with Sporting Director Deco particularly fond of his compatriot; Chelsea are not easily letting him go (Fichajes – Spanish).

Other notable deals

• William Osula wants to restart talks with Eintracht Frankfurt in January, after Newcastle canceled his loan deal last summer (Fussball Transfers).
• Fabian Schar is considering leaving Newcastle when his contract expires this summer, amid interest from German clubs (Football Insider).
• Liverpool are ready to submit a £140 million bid for PSG's Joao Neves, as a much-needed upgrade to their midfield amid the team's slump in the Premier League (Fichajes – Spanish).

Quick summary

The winter transfer window is often unpredictable and fast-paced. The aforementioned moves indicate that teams are preparing for both the short and long term, from renewing key players and adding central defenders to revamping their attacking line. This pace could accelerate further as January approaches.

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