Interest in Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is rising as the January transfer window nears. The Transfer Notebook’s latest edition features Dean Jones explaining Rudiger’s options following his departure from Stamford Bridge. He also discusses the race for Atletico Madrid’s Kieran trippier by Premier League clubs, and the English teams that are interested in Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.
Clubs are being forced to reconsider their willingness to allow fringe players to leave the Premier League because of the complicated impact of Covid-19.
As teams fail to pass positive tests, attitudes towards winter transfer markets could hurt players like Ross Barkley, Dele Alli, and Jesse Lingard.
Realizing how quickly viruses can strike teams has sparked discussions in boards across the country about whether it’s better to keep or discard players at the end.
It is becoming clearer that clubs won’t be spending much money next month, but will instead look at players on loans or with expiring contracts.
This is a potentially devastating situation for Newcastle United. They are looking at players like Lingard, Alli, and James Tarkowski from Burnley as potential targets.
Burnley has been firm in their commitment to players staying in January, and they will continue to reinforce this message.
On Monday, clubs met to discuss the current Covid situation in football. However, at a time where some teams are struggling to fill their benches, opinions are shifting about how many players each club should allow leaving.
Real Madrid is interested in Rudiger
Real Madrid is interested in Antonio Rudiger, but Chelsea may wait until January to decide his future.
He is aware that almost all Champions League clubs are interested in signing him, and the 28-year old German defender is paying attention to every suggestion his agent makes.
Real Madrid is interested in him as they are also looking for Kylian Mbappe. They are strongly considering Paul Pogba, both of whom are free agents after the season.
They could be able to attack the market similarly as Paris Saint-Germain did last summer when they signed Gianluigi Donarumma, Sergio Ramos, and Gianluigi Donnarumma for free.
Rudiger is excited about the possibility of joining Madrid but is equally intrigued by other offers.
Atletico Madrid and Juventus are interested in the continent. In England, Manchester City and Tottenham are also linked.
Newcastle inquires about Trippier
Newcastle believes they are close to signing Kieran Trippier, but the race is heating up for him.
Other Premier League clubs are now aware of his seriousness about playing English football again, and six top clubs have made inquiries for him.
Newcastle could be in a difficult position as Newcastle is likely to fall into the relegation fight.
Trippier, 31, will be deciding in the next week. This is especially important as he returns from injury to Atletico’s ranks.
West Ham, Aston Villa keen on Gabigol
Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa is interested to join West Ham United and Aston Villa before the January window.
Sources claim that both clubs are considering the possibility of signing a short-term striker. The Brazilian forward is likely to be loaned out.
Newcastle United is also interested but they are in the relegation zone so he prefers other options.
Flamengo’s Gabigol (25), was the highest scorer in the 2021 Copa Libertadores. He scored 11 goals in 13 games and is eager to prove himself in Europe, after having had a difficult time with Inter Milan.
When the offers start to land in January, he will weigh them.
