February 5th 

©IMAGO

The transfer window has closed for most top European leagues but planning will already be all underway for the summer window. Teams are working tirelessly behind the scenes on identifying targets and figuring out their budgets.

Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals. A plethora of players will become available in the summer with clubs famously have more money to spend and aren’t as restricted by financial fair play rules. The rumour mill is beginning to pick up pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories. 

Today’s biggest transfer stories 

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal have agreed a summer deal to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. The Spanish international has a €60 million release clause in his contract and Mikel Arteta’s men are determined to beat Barcelona to his signature. 

Real Madrid are monitoring Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen closely ahead of a potential summer move. Huijsen has been a revelation since moving to the Cherries from Juventus last summer and it’s understood the a release clause in his contract becomes active at the end of the season.

Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Jamie Gittens. The Borussia Dortmund came through the ranks at Manchester City before moving to Germany as a teenager and Chelsea want to bring him back to England.

Meanwhile, Napoli remain interested in Joshua Zirkzee and could look to bring that attacker back to Italy at the end of the season. Zirkzee has struggled since moving to Manchester United and a return to Serie A could appeal, where he excelled for Bologna.