Zirkzee Man Utd Arsenal, Chelsea exits and more

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There has been concrete interest in Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe this January, but Arsenal don’t want to let him go. All indications are also that Smith Rowe also wants to stay and fight for his place.

This didn’t stop West Ham trying for a loan, but talks late last week led to nothing. Arsenal aren’t desperately looking to sell Smith Rowe and it’s understood only a substantial offer for a permanent exit might change their mind. Aston Villa have also looked at Smith Rowe.

More generally, Arsenal do want to sell some players this month. Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny are two names the club would love to offload. It’s been tough to find January suitors for Elneny because several clubs are instead looking at signing him as a free-agent this summer, including Slaven Bilic’s Al-Fateh.

In terms of possible signings, there is plenty of interest in Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee. The 22-year-old has seven goals in 15 Serie A games this season. Arsenal and Manchester United are both tracking the Dutch forward with a view to the summer. Tottenham could also enter the race.

There remains some confusion over Zirkzee’s €40m summer release clause, but Bologna director Marco Di Vaio insists it is “only valid for Bayern”.

A return to Bayern is unlikely but not impossible. Manchester United are the only Premier League club to date to begin any formative talks. Ajax, who considered Zirkzee last summer, also retain an interest but will struggle to meet the asking price. They was never full consensus within the club to move for Zirkzee last year but his form now has led to some firmer support within the club.

Chelsea are set for a busy end to the window, especially as far as outgoings are concerned.

Armando Broja is for sale at the right price. It’s understood Chelsea will consider offers of £35m+. For now things are quiet despite interest at differing levels from Fulham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa.

One thing the four clubs have in common is they all feel the asking price is too high. Fulham and Wolves prefer a loan, ideally with an option not an obligation. Suitors could leave approaches until quite close to the deadline to try and put pressure on Chelsea to lower their price or structural…