Wenger identifies his successor, Manchester United step up chase for Real Madrid superstar: Transfer round-up, January 7, 2017

Hello folks and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. The market has picked up pace after the transfer of Philippe Coutinho to FC Barcelona with the record-breaking deal now expected set to dictate the tempo of the remaining winter period. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the major transfer stories from around the globe which made headlines on January 7, 2018:

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Premier League

Arsene Wenger names his successor

A clause in his two-year contract at Arsenal means that Arsene Wenger can step down from his managerial duties in the summer. The 68-year-old might take up a place in the boardroom and would then want one of his former players to take over from him, the Sunday Mirror reports.

The man that Wenger wants at the Arsenal hot seat is Mikel Arteta. The former Gunner is currently assisting Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and has impressed Wenger with his organizational skills and man management expertise. This choice is set to shock the Arsenal ownership and the fans alike!

Stoke City searching for Mark Hughes' replacement

Hughes was sacked yesterday after the Potters lost against Coventry City in the FA Cup. Sky Sports has now reported that Gary Rowett and Martin O'Neill are the front-runners to succeed Hughes at the Bet365 stadium. It is claimed that the boardroom is eyeing a British coach at the helm but are not ruling out a foreign personality with Ronald Koeman also being linked with the job.

Serie A

Juventus will not indulge in any business for Paulo Dybala

Juventus have no intentions of selling Paulo Dybala

Club's sporting director, Giuseppe Marotta has assured Juventus' fan base that Paulo Dybala will be in Turin beyond January. The Argentinian forward has been linked with a big-money move away from Italy with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly circling around him.

Talking to Mediaset, Marotta revealed, "The January transfer window is about repairing your squad and fortunately we are covered in all departments. We haven’t put a price-tag on Paulo, so it’s difficult to make an assessment. We have no intention of putting him on the market.”

Inter Milan eyeing January spending spree

Folks at the Gazzetta Dello Sport are claiming that Inter Milan technical director Walter Sabatini has today flown to China to discuss January's plan of action with the club's owners - the Suning group. It is believed that Luciano Spalletti has prepared a four-man transfer list to target which includes the likes of Javier Pastore, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Ramires and Gerard Deulofeu.

Bundesliga

Final decision in a few days

Schalke expect Leon Goretzka to make a decision in the next few days

Chairman of Schalke's advisory board, Clemens Tonnies has today revealed that the club hopes that Leon Goretzka will announce his future decision in the next few days. Goretzka has been heavily linked with Bayern Munich with the midfielder now in his final six months of his contract.

Tonnies has said that the club has done everything in its capacity to make Goretzka sign a new deal with Schalke. He has the belief that it is at Schalke where Goretzka will continue his progress and develop into a world beater rather than in Bavaria.

Jupp Heynckes rules out Arturo Vidal transfer

Despite Chelsea's public courting of the Chile midfielder, Jupp Heynckes has ruled out selling Arturo Vidal this month. The Blues were reported to submit a £33 million for the former Juventus man but now will have to look for other targets.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Heynckes revealed, "There's no contact between Chelsea and Bayern. We won't sell Arturo Vidal or any other player during the winter market."

La Liga

Coutinho's release clause is €400 million

Manchester United step up Gareth Bale chase

Jose Mourinho is looking to wrap up a deal for his long-term target, Gareth Bale this month. The Daily Express has reported that Manchester United are ready to pay Bale's valuation of £85 million and want him to lead their attack for the second half of the season. Real Madrid are looking at a major overhaul in the summer and Bale is said to be one of the casualties in that.

Philippe Coutinho's release clause at FC Barcelona revealed

The Catalans yesterday announced the capture of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool and made him their second most expensive signing of all time. Coutinho has signed a four and a half year deal at Camp Nou with Barcelona paying £142 million for his services.

The club's website has also revealed that Coutinho's release clause stands at a staggering €400 million. It is the tenth highest release clause in the world and the second highest at FC Barcelona behind Lionel Messi's €600 million termination clause.

Rest of the world

An offer on the table from Far East

Malcolm drops transfer hint

Bordeaux wonderkid Malcolm has dropped a major transfer hint by revealing that he is learning the English language at the moment. The 20-year-old winger is linked with Manchester United and Arsenal after storming on the scene in Ligue 1 this season.

United were reportedly in talks with the French deal and had even submitted a £33 million bid for the starlet. Malcolm has seven league goals and four assists to his name this season.

Guangzhou Evergrande eyeing Gareth Bale

The Sunday Mirror has claimed Guangzhou Evergrande - China's reigning champions and the country's richest club are prepared to take Gareth Bale on board. It is believed that the club is undeterred by Bale's injury worries and are ready to pay £85 million for the Welshman. Guangzhou are looking to win the AFC Champions League and hope that Bale can help the side realize its dream.