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European Paper Talk: Barcelona consider Matthijs de Ligt swoop

Barcelona are looking into add Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt to their squad
Image: Barcelona are looking into add Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt to their squad

The January transfer window is into its final week and, with another round of fixtures coming up, several clubs may find themselves persuaded to enter the market. 

Our friends at Football Whispers are here to round up the news from Europe.

Spain

Barcelona are not ruling out a move for Ajax's 19-year-old defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Catalan club have already confirmed a move for the Dutch side's other major star, Frenkie de Jong. (Mundo Deportivo)

Atletico Madrid are still awaiting the arrival of Alvaro Morata. It was thought that the Chelsea striker would make his move once Gonzalo Higuain had joined the London club, but nothing has been finalised and Atletico will have to make do with just 13 fit first-team players against Getafe this weekend. (AS)

Alvaro Morata during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 5, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.
Image: Alvaro Morata is still to complete his move to Atletico Madrid

Liverpool and Arsenal's hopes of signing 20-year-old Brazilian right-back Emerson are at an end, with the Atletico Mineiro player joining Real Betis. Barcelona are also part of the deal, paying part of the fee in order to get a first option on him in the future. (Marca)

Arsenal and West Ham are interested in signing 22-year-old midfielder Pablo Fornals. The Villarreal player has impressed this season despite his team being in the relegation zone, and he's thought to have a release clause of around £28m. (Sport)

Villarreal midfielder Pablo Fornals is being monitored by Arsenal
Image: Villarreal midfielder Pablo Fornals is being monitored by Arsenal

France

Leandro Paredes has agreed a deal to join Paris Saint-Germain. The French club will pay Zenit St Petersburg £35m for the 24-year-old midfielder, who was also a Chelsea transfer target. (RMC Sport)

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However, the signing of Paredes doe not mean that PSG will abandon their attempts to sign Everton's Idrissa Gueye or Napoli's Allan. (L'Equipe)

Germany

Unhappy at being on the sidelines at Borussia Dortmund, Shinji Kagawa would like to move away, possibly to Spain. The German club would be willing to let him go for a small price, however there have been no offers yet and time is running out in the window. (Bild)

Shinji Kagawa is eager to end his second stay with Borussia Dortmund
Image: Shinji Kagawa is eager to end his second stay with Borussia Dortmund

Schalke may be in the market for a defender in a hurry, after sustaining three injuries in their match against Hertha Berlin. "We only have two centre-backs," manager Domenico Tedesco said when asked about the injuries. "That depends on what's wrong with Benji [Stambouli]. But if we get one, then I'm happy." (Sport Bild)

Italy

Ivan Perisic has requested a transfer away from Inter Milan, wanting a move to the Premier League. Inter may be willing to let him go, but only if the price is right - around £30-35m. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

during the serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 26, 2018 in Milan, Italy.
Image: Ivan Perisic reportedly wants to leave Inter Milan - but he will come at a price

Juventus are set to sign defender Martin Caceres for what will be the defender's third spell at the club. The 31-year-old previously played for the club in the 2009/10 season, and then from 2012 to 2016. His latest signing, from Lazio, will cost them €600,000 (£520,000). (Corriere dello Sport)

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