English Premier League
Arsenal target excluded from matchday squad ahead of January transfer
![Arsenal target excluded from matchday squad after hinting at January transfer](https://sportzhighlights.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/maxresdefault-1.jpg)
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been excluded from Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for the third consecutive Premier League game.
This comes after a week where the England international hinted at the possibility of leaving Old Trafford.
The Red Devils academy graduate has faced a challenging few seasons, grappling with inconsistent form and limited game time. While Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club, he has managed just four goals in the Premier League this season.
On Sunday, Manchester United faced AFC Bournemouth, but Rashford was neither in the starting lineup nor on the bench. His last start came on December 1 against Everton, a match in which he scored twice during a 4-0 victory.
Amorim has remained reserved about the reasons behind Rashford’s exclusion, clarifying that the decision is not related to injury. Speaking to Sky Sports before the Bournemouth clash, he said:
“It is my decision, and it always will be. I want to see the best of my players, and I try different things with different players, so that is my focus.”
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Marcus Rashford, as a January departure from Old Trafford appears increasingly likely. The Metro described a January transfer for Rashford as “inevitable,” suggesting the Gunners might “revive their interest” in the forward. When asked about the rumors, Mikel Arteta responded, “No, and you know that I’m not going to talk about players from other clubs.”
Arsenal are actively seeking a new attacking presence, having been linked during the summer to players like Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, and Ivan Toney. With ongoing interest in Leandro Trossard and concerns about Bukayo Saka’s fitness, the need for reinforcements on the wing has become pressing. Rashford, who is versatile enough to play both on the flanks and centrally, could provide the ideal solution.
Marcus Rashford ‘ready for new challenge’
Rashford spoke to Henry Winter this week about his future and said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”
English Premier League
Newcastle set to accept Atlanta United’s £10m for winger – report
![Newcastle set to accept Atlanta United's £10m for winger - report](https://sportzhighlights.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PGPBVLCJPJLI3DNMJYPZJQF5HI-scaled.jpg)
Newcastle are preparing to accept Atlanta United’s £10 million offer for Miguel Almiron, with the transfer expected to be finalized soon, according to Mail Sport.
In contrast, the club has turned down a bid of over £6 million from Fenerbahce for defender Lloyd Kelly.
Progress on that deal appears unlikely unless the Turkish side significantly increases their offer.
Almiron, 30, is reportedly eager to return to his former club, and discussions are set to accelerate this week, potentially ending his six-year stint at Newcastle.
However, the club is not expected to bring in a replacement for him, leaving them short on options in wide areas.
This is especially concerning as Harvey Barnes remains sidelined for about a month due to a thigh strain.
Fenerbahce’s interest in Kelly persists, but Newcastle would only consider selling if they receive a far more substantial bid than the initial one, which the club doubts will materialize.
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle climbed to fourth in the Premier League after securing their sixth consecutive win in a dominant 3-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday.
Almiron has been a consistent presence for Newcastle over the years, scoring 30 goals in 222 appearances. However, he has seen his role diminish this season, with Howe favoring Jacob Murphy on the right wing.
Despite having a contract until June 2026, Almiron has only made one league start this season but remains part of the matchday squad. He came off the bench during Wednesday’s win over Wolves.
English Premier League
West Ham have made official enquiry to sign £120k-a-wk Premier League striker in the January transfer window
![West Ham have made official enquiry to sign £120k-a-wk Premier League striker in the January transfer window](https://sportzhighlights.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2193383499-1024x593-1.webp)
West Ham United are targeting the signing of a Premier League striker during the January transfer window.
Manager Graham Potter is fully aware of the need to bolster his attacking options before the window closes. Nice forward Evann Guessand is reportedly the Hammers’ top priority this month, but the club is also exploring alternative targets.
Currently, Potter is without Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, and Jarrod Bowen, with Bowen being the only one expected to return in the near future. Securing reliable reinforcements in the center-forward position is now a pressing need for West Ham.
West Ham want to sign Premier League striker in January window
Securing the signing of a proven striker before the month ends is critical for Graham Potter.
The current center-forward options at his disposal are inadequate, and reports suggest that West Ham has a plan to bring a Premier League striker to the London Stadium.
According to Give Me Sport, the Hammers have inquired about Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Before Potter’s arrival, Julen Lopetegui was reportedly considering the 27-year-old injury-prone forward as a long-term replacement for Michail Antonio.
Calvert-Lewin, who earns £120,000 per week at Everton (Salary Sport), is out of contract this summer. However, West Ham seems interested in securing a deal this January.
That said, pursuing Calvert-Lewin could be a significant mistake. His injury record raises major concerns—he has missed 69 games since the start of the 2021/22 season (Transfermarkt). Turning 28 in March, his injury troubles are likely to worsen with time.
West Ham should steer clear of signing Calvert-Lewin during the January window, as such a move could prove to be an expensive misstep.
English Premier League
Spanish press refute claims that Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi has agreed to join Arsenal
![Spanish press refute claims that Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi has agreed to join Arsenal](https://sportzhighlights.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2193205734-3-1024x683-1.webp)
Martin Zubimendi is a name that Liverpool fans have likely grown weary of hearing about recently.
The Spanish international was strongly linked with a move to Anfield during the summer transfer window, as Arne Slot sought to bolster the midfield. Despite initially agreeing to a transfer, Zubimendi opted to remain at Real Sociedad, choosing loyalty to his boyhood club over a Premier League switch.
Reports surfaced yesterday suggesting that Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in the summer of 2025, marking the end of his time at Sociedad. However, sources close to the San Sebastián club have dismissed these rumors, reigniting Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Euro 2024 champion.
Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi hasn’t agreed Arsenal transfer
In the summer transfer window, Arne Slot prioritized signing a defensive midfielder for Liverpool, identifying Spanish international Martin Zubimendi as his top target. The Reds were prepared to activate his £51m release clause, but the move ultimately fell through. Instead, Slot turned to Ryan Gravenberch as his number six—a decision that has turned out to be a masterstroke.
Despite the missed opportunity, Liverpool has continued to monitor Zubimendi closely. Yesterday, reports from English media suggesting an imminent move to Arsenal caught Anfield supporters off guard. However, Noticias de Gipuzkoa has since disputed these claims, denying that the Real Sociedad star has committed to joining the Gunners.
Zubimendi has already turned down offers from some of the world’s biggest clubs during his young career. While a transfer seems inevitable in the future, he has yet to make a final decision. The report also notes that Real Madrid and Manchester City are in the race to secure his services, adding another twist to the saga.
Liverpool’s stance on future Zubimendi deal
Liverpool heavily prioritized Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, but their stance on the Spanish international appears to have shifted as the season has progressed.
Zubimendi, who continues to shine for both club and country, is unlikely to lack suitors in future transfer windows. However, Liverpool are not actively pursuing him at the moment, though their position could change in the coming months.
Ryan Gravenberch has firmly established himself in the number six role, starting every Premier League and UEFA Champions League match under Arne Slot this season. His emergence as a key player may have altered Liverpool’s transfer plans, making it likely that the Reds will look for a different midfield profile in the summer.
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