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Nick JuddTransfer writer
With the opening of the January transfer window approaching, there is plenty of gossip about who is moving to where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Chelsea set up January deal for Monaco starlet Badiashile
Chelsea are looking to bolster their defense in the new year, and despite long-standing interest in RB Leipzig centre-back and World Cup star Josko Gvardiol, the Athletic report that Benoit Badiashile from AS Monaco who have climbed to the top of the Blues’ wish list.
The 21-year-old France international can play in a back four or on the left of a three-man defence, and the two clubs are said to be in talks over a deal which could be finalized in January. The Principality club are commanding a transfer fee of €35 million to allow Badiashile to move to West London.
Badiashile, who has been in Monaco’s system since 2016, has made 135 appearances for the club in all competitions and has been a regular since 2018-19. The 6-foot-4 defender has particularly impressed this season with his ability on the ball and in one-on-one situations.
Chelsea have been monitoring the player’s situation since the summer, despite being regularly linked with a move for Guardiol. Badiashile is said to be a priority at Stamford Bridge, ahead of the likes of the 23-year-old Evan Ndicka from Eintracht Frankfurt and 20 years old Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has been offered a lucrative 18-month deal by Saudi club Al-Khaleej, but he is still set to join Brazilian side Gremio, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 35-year-old striker was offered a salary of $6 million to move to the Saudi Pro League, but his move to Gremio on a two-year deal is all but sealed.
– AS Roma are preparing a bid for the American international Johnny CardosoAccording to Ekrem Konur. The Italian capital club want to add the 21-year-old Internacional midfielder to their squad in January, but they face stiff competition from Spanish sides Valencia and Real Betis. Cardoso has been a regular starter for the Porto Alegre team for the past three years, playing 39 games and scoring twice. He also added two assists. However, Roma may have the advantage over their Spanish counterparts due to their better financial situation.
– Manchester City chiefs believe the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola will see them win the race Jude Bellingham, according to the Sun. Real Madrid consider themselves ahead of the pack when it comes to signing the coveted 19-year-old midfielder, but City feel that Guardiola’s extension as manager until 2025, and the opportunity for Bellingham to play alongside Erling Haaland again, will make the move can swing in their favor. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all tracking the England international.
– Manchester United are considering making a bid for Lyon’s right-back Malo Gusto, according to Media Foot. The 19-year-old former France youth international has emerged as one of his side’s most consistent performers this season, contributing one assist from 14 league appearances. Gusto’s contract runs until 2024, and United could be frontrunners to sign him if Lyon cannot agree new terms, and the Red Devils are preparing a bid that includes a €30m transfer fee.
– Tottenham Hotspur could make some space in their squad by conceding Pape Sarr and Bryan Gil move to LaLiga in January, according to Relevo. Both players joined the north London club ahead of last season, but with Sarr yet to make his debut, the 20-year-old Senegal international could be on his way to Sevilla. Gil, 21, has also struggled to get any meaningful playing time under boss Antonio Conte following his £21m move in 2021, and Valencia are keen to make a move for the midfielder after a successful loan spell last season.
