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Hello, people and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With the transfer window now open, all the top clubs from around Europe are looking to plug gaps in their squads. So, without wasting further time, let's take a look at the major transfer stories from around the globe which made headlines on January 2, 2018:
La Liga
FC Barcelona enter David Luiz race
One thing is for certain this January that Chelsea's David Luiz won't be seen in a blue shirt come the end of this month. Arsenal today backed off from their pursuit of the centre back whereas Juventus and PSG are reportedly monitoring the defender.
The Daily Mirror has now claimed that FC Barcelona are the latest club to register an interest in the Brazilian centre back.
The Catalans are eyeing a defender this January and have earmarked Luiz as a notable addition. Luiz has not played for the Blues since his fallout with Antonio Conte in November. Betting site, Ladbrokes has also made him 5/2 favourites to join FC Barcelona.
Kepa Arrizabalaga set to become a Real Madrid player in the coming days
Marca has understood that Real Madrid are in the final stages of their negotiations with Athletic Bilbao in order to land highly-rated goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Madrid are all set to pay his release clause of €20 million in the coming days with the custodian being a prime target for the duo of club president Florentino Perez and manager Zinedine Zidane.
Serie A
Napoli to let Faouzi Ghoulam leave this month
Metro has reported that Napoli are open to selling left-back Faouzi Ghoulam and have even identified his replacement. Ghoulam is supposedly a Manchester United target with Jose Mourinho keen on adding a fullback this winter.
The left-back has a release clause £53 million and is considered by many as one of the best in his position in the Italian league. Meanwhile, Napoli are closing in on his replacement in the form of Benfica's Alejandro Grimaldo. The 22-year-old will cost Napoli around £26.6 million.
Antonio Conte rules out Giorgio Chiellini move
Recent reports had plotted reunion between Chiellini and Conte at Stamford Bridge after a successful time together during the manager's reign in Turin. But ahead of Chelsea's game against Arsenal, Conte has ruled his side out of the race for the 33-year-old.
On Chiellini rumours, Conte said, "No, I must be honest. Giorgio is a fantastic player but I think he wants to finish his career at Juventus. I think it’s right for him to finish his career in this way."
Bundesliga
Jupp Heynckes praises Leon Goretzka
Bayern Munich are currently in Qatar for their winter training camp with manager Jupp Heynckes leading his troops in the exotic destination. The Bavarians have been linked with a move for Leon Goretzka this month.
But Heynckes has not given anything away when talking to the press today but described the youngster as "a bright, intelligent boy who can take a smart decision." Goretzka has lightened up the Bundesliga this season with Schalke being second in the Bundesliga table. The midfielder has already notched up four league goals this campaign.
Naby Keita to stay with RB Leipzig until the end of the season
The Guinean international will stay put with Leipzig until the end of the current season despite reports linking him with an early move to Liverpool in January. Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff has maintained that there is no such clause mentioned in Keita's transfer to Liverpool that will let him join the Reds earlier than expected.
Premier League
Arsenal yet to receive an offer for the wantaway duo
Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club is yet to receive any offer for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The duo has entered the final six months of their contract and are actively looking for a move away from the Emirates. Sanchez is linked with Manchester City whereas Ozil is on the radar of Manchester United and FC Barcelona.
Talking about the future of the club's two top earners, Wenger said, "We have not been contacted by anyone. This club has lost many big players and responded well. But you want to keep your best players. I want them to stay. Why should I be scared?"
Mark Hughes' future uncertain at Stoke City
According to Sky Sports, Stoke City's boardroom is concerned about the club's worrying form and are mulling over the idea of relieving Hughes off his managerial duties.
The Potters are just two places and two points above the relegation zone with Hughes being booed and jeered badly during last night's 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
Ligue 1
Manchester United tracking Lucas Moura
Along with a left back, a wide forward is high on Manchester United's priority list this month. The Sun has claimed that the Red Devils have identified Lucas Moura as a potential target and are expected to make an official approach in the coming days.
Moura is reportedly set to be offloaded this month with Paris Saint Germain desperate to sell players in order to generate funds and lower their wage bill. China's Hebei Fortune are also linked with the 25-year-old winger.
Huddersfield Town sign Terence Kongolo
David Wagner revealed earlier today that the Terriers were close to striking a deal with AS Monaco for the services of 23-year-old centre back, Terence Kongolo.
The club confirmed the deal on their website later - Kongolo is expected to be available for selection from the next week, the Huddersfield Examiner reports. Kongolo has struggled for game time at Monaco, making just six appearances this season.
