'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Welcome to Sportskeeda's daily transfer roundup.
We're well into the winter transfer window and as we begin to approach the end of the window, the sheer volume of transfer speculation has been overwhelming, to say the least. Today, yet again, a whole new set of transfer news and rumours have emerged, involving some giant clubs and superstar players.
Today's top stories feature heavyweight clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Liverpool, among others. They also feature some significant players from across the world who have been linked with potential moves away from their current clubs.
On that note, here is a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates for the day:
Ciro Immobile emerges as a target for Chelsea and Liverpool
Chelsea and Liverpool have both had relatively silent minimal-activity transfer windows thus far, with Liverpool selling Dominik Solanke and sending Nathaniel Clyne out on loan, while Chelsea have been closely linked with a move for Gonzalo Higuain, although that deal seems to have currently hit a roadblock.
Now, reports from The Daily Star have claimed that both Premier League giants are eyeing Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who joined the Serie A club in 2016. Since then, the Italian star has scored 80 goals in 112 appearances across all competitions.
According to the report, his performances for Lazio have reportedly drawn the attention of both Premier League clubs, who have allegedly sent scouts to watch him closely before making any official offers.
Further, reports from The Daily Mirror claim that Liverpool are the most interested in signing the 28-year-old, while Chelsea will pursue him only if they fail to complete the signing of Higuain.
Immobile has already scored 13 goals this season and could be tempted to move to the Premier League, seeking a new challenge to test himself.
Arsenal agree deal for Barcelona's Denis Suarez
After weeks and weeks of speculation and negotiations, Arsenal have reportedly agreed on a deal to sign Barcelona star, Denis Suarez, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué (via The Daily Star).
Owing to Arsenal's reported lack of funds, the move is slated to be a loan deal with an option to be made permanent in the summer. Speaking about the matter, Balagué tweeted:
“On Denis Suarez, Arsenal agree to loan him for €2-3m and €20-25 in the summer for a permanent. It’s what Denis wants".
However, he also claimed that Barcelona could look to prolong completion of the deal as they intend to use Suarez in the upcoming quarter-finals of the Copa Del Rey. Balagué said:
“But FCB not giving the green light yet (to use him in Cup?)”
Liverpool eye RB Leipzig's Timo Werner
Liverpool had previously been linked with Timo Werner, however, no such move materialised, as the German star remained in Germany. The RB Leipzig striker has now scored 56 goals in 98 matches across all competitions for the club and has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
If reports from The Daily Mirror are to be believed, the Reds are reportedly still interested in signing the 22-year-old, following Dominik Solanke's exit. Werner is reportedly viewed as a perfect fit into the system by manager Jurgen Klopp, but according to the report, Liverpool will have to battle Bayern Munich, who are also believed to be interested in Werner.
Barcelona keen on swapping Philippe Coutinho for Neymar
Paris Saint-Germain's Financial Fair Play issues, coupled with Neymar's displeasure over the quality of football in Ligue 1 could soon see him leave the Paris-based club. Notably, as per reports from all over Europe, Barcelona seems to be his most likely destination despite a strained relationship between the player and the club following his departure in August 2017.
On the other hand, Barcelona acquired Philippe Coutinho soon after Neymar's departure, but the Brazilian has failed to consistently hold his own at the Catalan club. Now, according to European football journalist, Graham Hunter (via Sky Sports), Barcelona would "seize upon" the opportunity to swap Philippe Coutinho for Neymar as they look to bring back one of their former talismans.
Speaking about the matter, Hunter said:
"Philippe Coutinho was bought at a time when Barcelona were smarting from the way they had been treated by Neymar, they were short of answers, they set their hearts on the player and they wanted to give a very quick sop to their fans and sponsors.
"But it hasn't worked out the way in which either party fancied that it would. If there was an opportunity to do something with PSG, where Coutinho went to PSG and Neymar came back to the Camp Nou, then the people on the board would absolutely seize upon it."
Meanwhile, reports from The Sun claim that PSG could also be interested in this enormous swap deal, although the risk of violating FFP regulations could leave them with no choice but to part ways with Neymar.
Real Madrid primed to sign Eden Hazard for a bargain price
Eden Hazard has made no secret of his admiration for and desire to play for Real Madrid. The Belgian superstar has repeatedly refused to sign a contract extension at Chelsea and is all but expected to complete a move to Real Madrid in the future.
Now, Madrid could be handed a massive advantage in the summer, as per reports from Goal.com, which state that while Chelsea currently value Hazard at €170 million, they could be forced to drastically drop their asking price to below €100 million at the end of the ongoing season.
Hazard's refusal to pen a new deal at Chelsea will see him enter the final year of his contract this summer, thereby automatically forcing his price to drop, as Real Madrid prepare to complete a swoop for the flamboyant 28-year-old.
