Arsenal's contract shock, massive Man Utd deal on, Mainoo to Chelsea approved: FT recap

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 Jan 2025 14:39 CST
5 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Wednesday delivered plenty of big storylines as a huge breakdown in Arsenal contract walks was revealed.

Plus, Marcus Rashford's blockbuster Man Utd exit is taking shape and Chelsea have received approval for the potential signing of Kobbie Mainoo. There's plenty to cover, so let's jump right in.

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Exclusive: Trossard contract talks collapse

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal's contract talks with Leandro Trossard have collapsed, leaving both sides unhappy.

Transfers Podcast

The Transfers Podcast, hosted by Duncan Castles, can reveal that Randal Kolo Muani has been offered to Man Utd and Tottenham.

Plenty more was covered in this week's episode, including Arsenal's potential Mikel Arteta problem and Marcus Rashford's Man Utd exit.

Indeed, the latter is beginning to take shape with AC Milan working on a blockbuster deal.

Arteta left to rue transfer mistakes

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle and Arteta admitted after that match that his side is missing a clinical striker like Alexander Isak.

Their failure to sign a top-class striker in the summer is now coming back to haunt the Gunners.

Mainoo to Chelsea?

Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move to Chelsea amid a lack of progress in talks over a new Man Utd contract.

However, one respected journalist believes that this is all just a ploy to force Man Utd into action.

Nevertheless, Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer has already given his seal of approval to the deal.

Transfer news

Finally, let's finish up with some more transfer news from around the world. Barcelona have been granted approval from Spain's highest sports court to use Dani Olmo despite LaLiga rejecting his registration.

However, it is a decision that won't go down well with the league and rival clubs.

Man City are officially in talks to sign Omar Marmoush and Abdulkodir Khusanov.

Aston Villa are interested in re-signing Douglas Luiz after his disappointing six months at Juventus.

Amad Diallo will sign his new Man Utd contract on Thursday, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal will pursue a move for Bryan Mbeumo in the summer.

However, he definitely won't be on the move this month.

PSG are not interested in frustrated Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku despite links.

Liverpool have identified a spectacular replacement for flop Darwin Nunez.

Lastly, Graham Potter's return to the Premier League is all but confirmed.

Read more about: La Liga Serie A Ligue 1 Premier League Arsenal Aston Villa Barcelona Brentford Chelsea Juventus Liverpool Man City Man Utd Milan PSG Tottenham Alexander Isak Amad Diallo Bryan Mbeumo Christopher Nkunku Cole Palmer Dani Olmo Darwin Núñez Douglas Luiz Kobbie Mainoo Leandro Trossard Marcus Rashford Milan Skriniar Randal Kolo Muani