Transfer roundup: Arsenal to pay £12.6m release clause, Mourinho makes transfer announcement

Armando Izzo
Armando Izzo

Arsenal and Chelsea are at the centre of Saturday’s transfer news, with the London rivals having different approaches as the January window edges closer.

The Gunners have been linked with an impressive Italian defender while also are reportedly ready to pay £12.6 million for a versatile forward.

Jose Mourinho meanwhile has been speaking out about the Blues’ plans for the January window.

Arsenal to land Nolito in January

The Telegraph have today stated that Arsenal could well be ready to pay Nolito’s £12.6 million release clause and sign him from Celta Vigo in January.

NolitoThe gifted attacker has been in excellent form in La Liga this season, with reports linking him with a move back to former club Barcelona.

However, with Celta said to be keen to offload the star to a foreign club, Arsenal are seemingly leading the race for his signature.

Mourinho won’t splash the cash in January

Jose Mourinho has stated that Chelsea will not look to bring nay new players to the club in January and that he is happy with the squad at his disposal.

Jose MourinhoThe reigning Premier League champions have been struggling this term, with talk of an overhaul of the playing contingent when the market reopens.

However, the Blues boss has stated that he will not request funds for new players come the turn of the year.

“I will not ask for any changes,” The Guardian quote Mourinho as saying.

“I will not ask the board [for players] in January. I’m happy with the players I have. I trust the players I have.

“I don’t need to clean the dressing room, and I don’t need to ask the club to spend money in January. I’m not saying I won’t sign anyone. I’m saying I won’t ask the club to do that. I don’t have the right to do it, in my opinion.”

Arsenal monitor Armando Izzo

Metro have claimed that Arsenal are running the rule over Genoa centre-half Armando Izzo, with potential scope for a January bid.

Armando IzzoThe 23-year-old has been a stalwart at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris for the last two seasons and has seemingly caught Arsene Wenger’s eye.

The report suggests that the North London club sent scouts to watch Izzo in Genoa’s 0-0 draw with Napoli recently, where the centre-half managed to contain opposition striker Gonzalo Higuain.

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