Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, while Chelsea are considering a move for Vinicius Junior in Monday’s transfer roundup.
Monday Transfer Rumours Roundup
Real Madrid Join Adam Wharton Transfer Race
Spanish outlet AS report that Real Madrid have joined the race for Adam Wharton.
They claim that the LaLiga giants have been given an opportunity to sign the in-demand England international, with Crystal Palace hoping to secure around €70m (£60.8m) for his sale.
Los Blancos chiefs see Wharton as an ideal alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni in Xabi Alonso’s midfield, while his arrival may open the door for Arda Guler to play further forward, too.
As reported in our transfer roundup on December 23, Manchester United are also tracking the 21-year-old’s progress at Selhurst Park and are keen on making a move in the summer.
Additionally, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all interested in Wharton.
Chelsea Eye £130m Move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius
Fichajes claim that Chelsea are preparing a £130m bid for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.
Several reports have suggested that the Brazilian is unhappy in the Spanish capital, and he is yet to agree to an extension to his contract, which runs until the summer of 2027.
He was due to pen a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu in April, however Vinicius’ camp denied contract talks had reached the final stages, and there have been no developments since.
If Real are unable to tie him down to a new contract – in order to avoid losing him for free in around 18 months’ time, they may opt to sell the 25-year-old in January or in the summer.
It is believed that Vinicius is open to joining the Blues, who believe that signing the Brazil international would be considered a major ‘statement of intent’ in Europe.
In the meantime, Chelsea will appoint Liam Rosenior as manager following Enzo Maresca’s exit.
Tottenham See £8m Souza Bid Rejected by Santos
Tottenham have had an £8m bid rejected for Santos left-back Souza, according to The Athletic.
The Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side are hesitant to part ways with the youngster, as they have high hopes for his future and believe his market value will increase in the coming years.
His contract includes a release clause worth €60m (£52.2m) for Brazilian teams and a release clause worth €100m (£87.1m) for overseas clubs.
Souza played 24 times in Brazil’s top-flight last term as Santos survived a relegation battle.
Alongside Spurs, AC Milan, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all been credited with interest in the Santos academy graduate.
Juventus Remain Keen on Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa
Serie A giants remain keen on a reunion with Liverpool star Federico Chiesa in January.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that Luciano Spalletti’s side are keen to inject some goals into their front line this winter, with Jonathan David and Lois Openda underwhelming in Turin.
Juve will likely have to wait until mid-January before making a move for Chiesa though, with the Reds unlikely to agree to a deal before Mohamed Salah returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Additionally, Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth features highly on the Bianconeri‘s list of transfer targets, while ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is also being considered as an option.
Aston Villa To Battle Spurs For City’s Omar Marmoush
Aston Villa and Tottenham could be set to battle for Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.
TEAMtalk state that the Villans are interested in signing the Egyptian, who is currently away at AFCON alongside Salah, in January, following on from Spurs making enquiries for the forward.
Having joined the Cityzens from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth around £59m in January 2025, Marmoush has fallen out-of-favour under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad this term.
He has started just four games across all competitions in 2025-26, netting only one goal.
Despite his lack of involvement, it is believed that City are reluctant to allow the 26-year-old to depart mid-season, while Marmoush himself is keen on staying to fight for his place in the team.
