West Ham United could be poised to sell one of their players to a top-tier football club during the upcoming January transfer window.

The window will be crucial for West Ham and potentially for Julen Lopetegui, if he remains in charge at the London Stadium.

Reports suggest the Hammers’ board is willing to give Lopetegui more time to prove himself, though opinions vary on whether this is the right decision.

If Lopetegui is allowed to strengthen the squad in January, bringing in at least two high-quality players will be essential. However, offloading underperforming players will also be a priority.

One player who appears likely to depart is Guido Rodríguez, who joined West Ham just four months ago.

According to Soy Del Millio, the 30-year-old midfielder is in discussions to join Argentine giants River Plate during the January window.

River Plate, a club with a storied history and 38 league titles in Argentina, previously welcomed former Hammer Manuel Lanzini back in the summer of 2023. Rodríguez could now reunite with Lanzini at the club.

Rodríguez’s time at West Ham has been disappointing, with the player struggling to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Despite arriving on a free transfer, his performances have not met expectations, making him one of several players viewed as surplus to requirements.

While his signing has been criticized as a poor decision, selling Rodríguez in January could represent good business for the Hammers if they manage to secure a reasonable fee for him.

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to make a significant move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde during the January transfer window.

The Gunners have had a solid Premier League campaign but remain six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over Mikel Arteta’s side.

In the summer, Arsenal made David Raya’s loan deal permanent and signed Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, while Raheem Sterling and Neto joined on loan from Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have left some summer signings underwhelming, prompting Arteta to seek reinforcements in January to bolster their title ambitions.

Reports from Spain suggest Arsenal have agreed to pay €75m (£62m) for Kounde, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly willing to facilitate the move as the French international prepares to leave the Camp Nou.

Kounde’s recent performances have raised doubts at Barcelona, and insiders have advised Laporta and sporting director Deco to consider any serious offers.

Arteta is said to be “convinced” that Kounde would be a valuable addition to his squad. Despite being a regular under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, Kounde is not considered untouchable and could depart if a significant bid, such as Arsenal’s, is received.

Barcelona are reportedly open to letting Kounde go immediately if the €75m offer from Arsenal or other clubs materializes, signaling a potential high-profile departure in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal may explore attacking reinforcements as injuries to both Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka have sidelined them for “several weeks.”

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood believes Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo would be a perfect fit to step in for Saka in the Arsenal lineup.

Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Arsenal legend Wright said: “I think they have to do something about the right wing in terms of finding a replacement down the right wing.”

Sherwood added: “I’ve gone one for them straight away from the top of my head, Semenyo.”

Wright continued: “Wow, again he’s a fantastic player, he did brilliantly again for Bournemouth. I think this is the time for players to step up, Jesus scoring again is great to see. He looks re-energised.”

When asked how Arsenal will cope without Saka, Arteta replied: “I am putting some ideas together. I haven’t got there yet, but I have a few. Then I want to speak with them as well, to understand how we are going to generate that and take it in a positive way. Because we are going to be different.

“Gabby (Martinelli) has played there, Ethan (Nwaneri) has played there, Leo (Trossard) can play there in relation to how that unit moves. Kai (Havertz) can play there, asking him different things. So, We’ll see, try to speak to them as well and understand how they feel about it.”

While a new right-winger is reportedly Newcastle United’s primary target this winter, the club continues to be linked with center-backs as the January transfer window approaches.

Although a move for Marc Guehi appears to be on hold, reports from Italy suggest interest in AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, while Spanish media have introduced another potential target.

According to Sport, Newcastle have made a formal bid for Barcelona center-back Eric García. The Catalan outlet claims the Magpies have presented an offer that Barcelona finds “interesting.”

Similarly, FootballTransfers reported last week that Newcastle are considering signing the 23-year-old, who is valued at €25m.

Despite limited game time this season – García has made just four starts after an impressive loan spell at Girona – he is reportedly unwilling to leave Barcelona mid-season.

Instead, the Spaniard is determined to fight for his place under Barca boss Hansi Flick and is only open to a potential summer move.

The former Manchester City defender, who made 35 appearances for the club before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021, has yet to secure a consistent role with the La Liga side.

Known for his potential and versatility – able to play as a center-back or holding midfielder – García remains determined to prove himself at the Nou Camp.

If Newcastle’s offer has piqued Barcelona’s interest but not García’s, the club must work to convince him of the benefits of returning to the Premier League or shift their focus elsewhere.

Newcastle previously pursued Marc Guehi over the summer, but it’s expected that the Crystal Palace captain will remain with his club through January, evaluating his future in the summer when he enters the final year of his contract.