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Transfer deadline day, as it happened! Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham land targets

All the Premier League transfer deadline day moves as they happen – though record-breaking deals for Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Alessio Russo all hit the buffers

Tottenham Hotspur new loan signing Pedro Porro poses for a photo at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on January 31, 2023 in Enfield, England.
(Image: © Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Welcome to FourFourTwo’s January 2023 transfer deadline day liveblog! We’ll be here, holding your hand all the way through to the 11pm transfer deadline and beyond.

Major news

Confirmed: Joao Cancelo – Manchester City to Bayern Munich (loan)

Confirmed: Jorginho – Chelsea to Arsenal (£12m)

Confirmed: Pedro Porro – Sporting to Tottenham (loan, £40m future fee)

Confirmed: Marcel Sabitzer – Bayern Munich to Manchester United (loan)

Comfirmed: Enzo Fernandez – Benfica to Chelsea (£106.8m)

Off:  Alessia Russo – Manchester United to Arsenal (£400k+)

Off: Moises Caicedo – Brighton to Arsenal (£70m)

Off: Isco to Union Berlin (free)

Transfer deadlines:

Premier League: Tuesday January 31, 11pm GMT

EFL: Tuesday January 31, 11pm GMT

Scotland: Tuesday January 31, 11.59pm GMT

WSL: Tuesday January 31, 5pm GMT (domestic transfers), midnight (international transfers)

Bundesliga: Tuesday January 31, 5pm GMT

Serie A: Tuesday January 31, 7pm GMT

La Liga: Tuesday January 31, 11pm GMT

Ligue 1: Tuesday January 31, 11.59pm GMT

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The big transfer news to kick us off is that Chelsea have made a British transfer record bid for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez, who won the World Cup with Argentina last month.

The bid is believed to be worth between £105m and £115m, eclipsing the £100m Manchester City spent on Jack Grealish in 2021.

You can find our history of the British transfer record right here, going back all the way to the heady days of the, erm, first Premier League season.

It's a bit of a mixed bag: Alan Shearer, good; Andy Cole; good; Andriy Shevchenko; not so good.

The women's world transfer fee record could also be broken today.

Barcelona broke the record when they splashed out £400,000 on England's Keira Walsh last summer, and it's reported that Arsenal are prepared to pay significantly more to secure the signing of forward Alessia Russo from Manchester United before today's 5pm deadline.

Keen to hear more from Walsh about the current record (oh, and winning the Euros last year)? We've got a big interview with her in the new issue of FourFourTwo magazine. It hits shops on Thursday, and is available with free delivery now.

In the meantime, here's Russo scoring that backheel against Sweden at Euro 2022:

Will Arsenal move again for Brighton's Moises Caicedo again today? They apparently had a massive £70m bid rejected yesterday, having nabbed Leandro Trossard from the Seagulls earlier in the window.

Joao Cancelo's surprise loan move to Bayern Munich from Manchester City has yet to be confirmed, but the full-back did land in Germany yesterday.

Jorginho could be on his way to Arsenal, in a move that has taken FourFourTwo a little by surprise.

Free-spending Chelsea have already brought in seven players this January, and hope to add an eighth with the arrival of Enzo Fernandez.

Now, they seem to be attempting to move a few on to pastures new. N'Golo Kante was linked with Liverpool yesterday, while Hakim Ziyech looks set for PSG.

But we didn't expect them to be prepared to ship out one of their most regular starters to their London rivals...

Bournemouth are set to have a busy day. The Cherries are close to announcing the signing of Hamad Traore in a €30m deal from Sassuolo:

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As well as a £20m deal for Illya Zabarni from Dynamo Kyiv:

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Southampton are ready to spend money today to bolster their battle against relegation. Football Insider reports that the Saints have met the £26.2m release clause for Portuguese striker Vitinha from Braga.

Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo has been a target for Tottenham in the transfer window, causing no end of unrest in the Italian capital – with Giallorossi boss-i Jose Mourinho moaning that "unfortunately, he's staying" earlier this week.

That may not be the final word in it though. Now, Italian outlet Calciomarcato reports that Leeds have got their eye on the forward too.

Decisions, decisions for Arsenal. The Gunners know they want a midfielder. Caicedo is the priority, but Brighton have dug in their heels. Jorginho is now a possibility at a cut-price – but at 31, would not have much resale value. Could long-term target Youri Tielemans be a deadline day option from Leicester? 

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer, so Arteta and co. could be tempted to wait it out and land him on a free in a few months' time. But the need for a midfielder now may force their hand...

We could be set for the biggest January transfer deadline day we've ever seen. In 2018, Arsenal splashed out £56m on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. In 2011, Chelsea paid Liverpool £50m for Fernando Torres – with Liverpool immediately reinvesting that cash on Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

But both Arsenal and Chelsea could blow those deals out of the water if they get their way today: the Gunners are looking at a huge amount for Moises Caicedo, while Chelsea could break the British transfer record in their pursuit of Benfica's Enzo Fernandez.

DONE DEAL: Leeds have confirmed the signing of Diogo Monteiro from Swiss side Servette. Just 18, the centre-back has represented Portugal at the U15, U16 and U17 levels.

Here's the photo of Monteiro definitely signing his contract, for anyone interested:

Diogo Monteiro signing for Leeds

(Image credit: Leeds United)

The Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea deal could be hitting the breaks. Somehow, the Blues' 'let us give you all the money' approach to the transfer market is either not enough to convince Benfica to part with a player they spent just £15m on, or the Portuguese side are prepared to bluff in an attempt to shake down Todd Boehly for even more wonga.

Here's the full details on the Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea transfer.

Former Manchester City star Sergio Aguero has backed his compatriot to smash it in the Premier League should Enzo Fernandez's move to Chelsea come off, though.

Here's a taste of what Aguero had to say about Enzo Fernandez:

"Enzo has proven he can play in the top leagues of the world. From my understanding, it'll be a short time until he arrives either to the Premier League or La Liga. We'll have to wait and see. But it's a safe bet to say he'll be the target of the biggest clubs out there."

Manchester United Women have reportedly rejected the world record transfer bid from Arsenal for forward Alessia Russo.

United – currently top of the WSL – do not want to bolster a rival's title bid, especially with just a few hours left of deadline day to sort a replacement. However, with Russo out of contract in the summer, it could mean losing her on a free at the end of the season.

Here's a fun story away from the big spenders in the Premier League: Real Madrid legend Isco is on the verge of signing for Union Berlin.

The Spaniard was at the Bernabeu for nine years before joining Sevilla last summer. However, his contract was terminated in December, with manager Jorge Sampaoli saying that the 30-year-old "did not meet the club's expectations".

But don't think about that; here's Isco's highlights reel from Real Madrid:

Tottenham are close to landing right-back Pedro Porro from Sporting, initially on a loan deal. On the way out of north London are Matt Doherty, who is off to Atletico Madrid (no, really) and Djed Spence, who's heading to Rennes.

Arsenal and Chelsea have now agreed a fee for Jorginho – barring a big unexpected development, this is likely to be a done deal.

DONE DEAL: Bayern Munich have confirmed the loan signing of Joao Cancelo until the end of the season.

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Here's some more details on Joao Cancelo's move to Bayern Munich, which comes after an apparent 'bust up' with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. That would expect the unexpected haste of this move, at least...

Here's a surprise: Tony Pulis has just announced his retirement from management on Sky Sports News.

His last job was with Sheffield Wednesday in 2020, where he was sacked after just 10 games. Over an astonishing 28-year career as a gaffer, the 65-year-old managed (deep breath) Bournemouth, Gillingham, Bristol City, Portsmouth, Stoke, Plymouth, Stoke again, Crystal Palace, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Wednesday.

A Manchester City rebuild this summer?

Bernardo Silva looks set to leave Manchester City too – but not until the summer. He would be the latest big-name departure from the Etihad, after Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho and Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer, and Joao Cancelo earlier today. 

That surely means that a summer spending spree is on the cards for Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool midfield target forcing through surprise move to Barcelona

Here's our latest report on transfer-goings on at Anfield: "Liverpool have been admirers of Sofyan Amrabat in recent times, the star of Morocco's World Cup semi-final team, with Klopp reportedly meeting with Amrabat's representatives earlier this month in an attempt to convince him to move to Anfield. 

"However, it seems the defensive midfielder is poised for a move to Barcelona instead.

"According to Fabrizio Romano, Barca offered Fiorentina a €3 million loan fee, with a €37 million buy option at the end of the campaign. While the Italian side rejected those terms, Amrabat failed to turn up for Fiorentina training this deadline day, in an attempt to force through a move to Camp Nou. "

Will Jorginho become Arsenal's penalty taker?

Arsenal have had just one penalty in the Premier League so far this season, which was converted by Bukayo Saka. But Jorginho has been Chelsea's first-choice spot-kick taker for years – and we've just watched over eight minutes of him scoring from 12 yards:

Might he be stepping up to do it at the Emirates soon?

Eriksen could be out for season

Manchester United have confirmed that Christian Eriksen will be out for at least two months with injury after the heavy challenge from Reading's Andy Carroll in the FA Cup at the weekend.

The veteran striker – who joined Liverpool for £35m 12 years ago today – also received a red card for a separate foul in the game.

It was a terse statement from United which took the unusual step of naming Carroll, and may leave fans wondering if a new midfielder may arrive at Old Trafford before the end of today. We've heard no news about that, but surely a loan move to strengthen depth would be a good idea?

Reading's Andy Carroll being sent off at Old Trafford

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Also a moment to reflect on the fact that Andy Carroll is Reading's No.2. What a travesty.

Sabitzer to Old Trafford?

We're starting to hear a bit of talk about Bayern Munich's Marcel Sabitzer going to Manchester United as a short-term Christian Eriksen replacement. They'd have to hurry, though; the German transfer window shuts at 5pm GMT.

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Pedro Porro to Tottenham

The Spanish right-back finally left Manchester City last summer to make his years-long loan at Sporting permanent, but will now join Spurs on loan until the end of the season with a view to making it permanent afterwards.

Manchester United's Sabitzer move progressing quickly

It's a sign of how quickly these things can happen that Marcel Sabitzer's potential move to Old Trafford was only first reported around half an hour ago, but now looks a near dead cert to happen.

There's some talk that Chelsea are also interested, but it sounds like they'll have their work cut out for themselves to gazump United.

Isco fever

Union Berlin, who have ht headlines all season for their unlikely Bundesliga tilt, look set to secure the free transfer of Isco. The former Real Madrid playmaker left Sevilla under a cloud in December and is seeking a fresh challenge.

The Spain international is currently in the German capital and there is hope that personal terms can be reached. It would represent the latest in a line of miraculous stories from a club currently sitting second in the Bundesliga. 

Man City plot James Maddison bid

But fear not Foxes, the reigning champions are happy to wait until the summer, when the England international enters the final 12 months of his contract. Maddison has been linked with a number of top club this month and Pep Guardiola is said to be a huge admirer

Isco to Union Berlin is OFF

Nooooo! It was the transfer the football world needed, but Isco will not be joining the second-placed Bundesliga side after the two parties failed to agree on personal terms. 

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AC Milan blasts media for “unfounded and damaging” reports 

Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that talks have broken down between Milan and Rafael Leao, with tensions rising after a proposed extension to 2027 was rejected because of the club’s refusal to lower the winger’s release clause from €150m to €70-80m.

But Milan took to social media to shoot down the suggestion.

“With regard to the article published in today’s Gazzetta dello Sport titled: ‘Leao Milan, total rupture’, AC Milan would like to clarify that the negotiation with Rafael Leao hasn’t been interrupted,” the club wrote on Twitter.

“The journalistic narrative of a frosty relationship between the parties isn’t just totally unfounded, but also damaging to the club and the player. AC Milan is continuing its dialogue with Leao and his representatives in a calm and professional manner.”

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Nottingham Forest working to sign Keylor Navas on loan

Three-times Champions League winner Keylor Navas could soon have Joe Worral, Scott McKenna and Willy Boly playing in front of him - something he'll undoubtedly have been dreaming of after having Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos at centre-back at PSG. 

Nottingham Forest are pushing for his signature, with the Costa Rican keen on the move. It's just up to PSG to make the final decision on the salary split between the two clubs. 

Apparently, Chelsea want Marcel Sabitzer, too. Who's suprised? 

The Blues could be too busy to hijack the Austrian's move to Manchester United with Enzo Fernandez still to complete, however. 

West Brom have confirmed signing Nathaniel Chalobah from Fulham.

The Cottagers have also terminated the contract of Josh Onomah today. No incomings for vice-chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan, who normally loves a deadline day signing extravaganza. Someone check on Tony, yeah?

OK – so not all Arsenal fans are happy with Jorginho. #EduOut is trending on Twitter, as a minority of Gooners take exception to their club signing yet another "Chelsea reject" (their words, not ours).

Could Jorginho even be the Thomas Partey backup? Perhaps not. 

Earlier today, we suggested that perhaps the Gunners have another option to sit ahead of the defence. 

One more on the Jorginho deal – Marc Cucurella's reaction is priceless

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Marcel Sabitzer to United has been given the famous "Here we go" by FabRom himself. It's a done deal, now.

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Chelsea have apparently turned down five teams over Conor Gallagher.

He's one in-demand midfielder, isn't he?

Big twist for Manchester United – they could be landing Houssem Aouar

The Frenchman was a big target for the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Juventus in the past but has stagnated in recent seasons. Could Erik ten Hag be the one to rehabilitate him?

"Ginger Messi" is trending on Twitter

Some may say that Messi is the ginger Messi – but this is confirmation that Duncan Watmore has moved from Middlesbrough to Millwall. 

Everton apparently explored a move for Michy Batshuayi in the transfer window. The now-Fenerbahce striker said no, however, and apparently only wants to go somewhere more "stable". Burn.

We knew Fulham wouldn't be able to resist some deadline day action!

Here's Sasa Lukic, their new man…

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Chelsea star Omari Hutchinson is going on loan.

The youngster joined from Arsenal in the summer, made his senior debut in the league loss to Manchester City and now he's going to West Brom for the rest of the season.

Harvey White has joined League One side Derby County on loan from Tottenham.

White is thought to be highly-rated by Spurs, so this could be a big move for his development. 

Crystal Palace have signed midfielder Naouirou Ahamada from Stuttgart.

Patrick Vieira asked very publicly for reinforcements, after all. 

Leicester City are signing World Cup star Harry Souttar from Stoke City. 

Going from the Championship to Leicester, is the Aussie going to Manchester United next, for the Harry Maguire trajectory?

Jonjo Shelvey has waved goodbye to the Newcastle fans ahead of a move to Nottingham Forest

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Chelsea star Cesare Casadei has joined Reading on loan for the rest of the season.

Upon hearing that Casadei could be on the way to Reading, Todd Boehly looked to hijack the deal… buddum, tsch, we're here all day. 

Nottingham Forest have signed Felipe from Atletico Madrid.

“It was a dream of mine to play in the Premier League and I’m really excited to be part of this wonderful, fast-growing club. You can see it’s a club looking to really grow. It’s a big challenge for me and I made a clear decision to be part of the history here and grow with the club,” he says.

Tottenham have terminated the contract of Matt Doherty.

It's all to do with FIFA regulations – but it's not a loan to Atletico, he's leaving permanently. 

Crystal Palace have confirmed the capture of Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan from Arsenal.

That's one way for Mikel Arteta to ensure he has the new Patrick Vieira on his hands…

PSG are set to sign Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea. It's a loan with no buy clause included. Big move for the Moroccan. 

It's looking like Keylor Navas is going to Nottingham Forest.

He's competing with Dean Henderson for the No.1 spot.

Pedro Porro has officially signed for Spurs. It's a loan with obligation to buy – and Tottenham have handed him the No.23 shirt. 

So Chelsea are yet to confirm Enzo Fernandez but it's a done deal according to Sky Sports. 

The Argentine joins on what is now a customary eight-year deal. 

We're going to leave it there. Thanks everyone for joining us today. 

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