Pete O’Rourke column: West Ham and Fulham race for ‘next Osimhen’, major update on Gallagher’s Chelsea future, Palhinha to make £60m Liverpool switch?

Fri 22 December 2023 19:00, UK

Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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WEST HAM

The Irons and Fulham are both considering moves for Montpellier forward Akor Adams in the January window.

Both clubs have sent scouts to watch him in action on several occasions this season, and have been impressed by his powerful play in the final third.

I’m told West Ham and Fulham are weighing up bids for Adams – who has netted seven goals in 16 Ligue 1 games this term.

Both clubs are in the market for striking reinforcements and the Nigerian is just one name on the list for each London side.

Adams only joined Montpellier in August from Lillestrom for a fee of around £5million – and the French club are set to demand £15-20million to part with him in January.

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I’m told by recruitment sources that the 23-year-old has the potential to be the next Victor Osimhen – and could break into the Nigeria senior set-up alongside the Napoli star in the coming months.

Montpellier don’t want to lose him but sources say they are not likely to turn down big bids in the new year.

FULHAM

I’m told Cottagers midfielder Joao Palhinha is not a top priority for Bayern Munich ahead of the January window.

The German giants want a centre-back following their injury problems, while Kim Min-Jae is heading off to the Asian Cup in the new year.

Bayern are scoring the market for a new defender – meaning a move for Palhinha is now on the backburner.

Sources say they could move for the Portugal international late in the window if their budget still allows.

However, Fulham may choose to block that move if they are again unable to bring in a potential replacement for the 28-year-old.

Bayern’s proposed move was worth between £50-60million in the summer, and I’m told Fulham are set to demand a similar fee again in January.

Other interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool has been reported – but it is my understanding that a move to Anfield is unlikely.

He is not a top priority for Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment staff as the new year approaches.

ARSENAL

Douglas Luiz remains the Gunners’ top midfield target, but I’m told a January deal now looks impossible.

Palhinha is also on the list for Arsenal but it is believed that the Aston Villa star is the top priority for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Director of football Edu is a big fan of his countryman, who has many admirers at the Emirates Stadium.

Sources say Villa are trying to price Luiz out of a move by putting a £100million valuation on his head – with no interested club ready to pay that in January.

I’m told Arsenal will push for the midfielder next summer when fresh funds are available and Financial Fair Play is less of a concern.

Luiz will have 18 months left on his contract at the end of this season, and his price tag is set to reduce accordingly.

Aston Villa are under no pressure to sell with the club’s cash-rich owners still providing a healthy backing for manager Unai Emery in the transfer market.

It is my understanding that interest from the likes of Arsenal and Man City is likely to turn Luiz’s head – but he is happy at Villa and a regular member of the Brazil squad ahead of next summer’s Copa America.

ASTON VILLA

Barcelona could terminate the loan deal of Clement Lenglet in the January window, returning him to La Liga halfway into his agreement.

The France international is struggling to get a look in at Villa and is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League this term.

Barcelona need to raise funds if they are to make signings in 2024 and could sell Lenglet on in the January window.

I’m told AC Milan are interested in the defender, with a move to the Serie A giants one possible option to Lenglet.

CHELSEA

Mauricio Pochettino has claimed a new contract for Conor Gallagher is a decision for the club.

Gallagher, 23, was set to leave in the summer but wanted to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place – and has regularly captained the Blues this season.

I’m told Pochettino wants to keep him but if Chelsea are looking at other signings, the midfielder is a player they could make a huge profit on due to his home-grown status.

Gallagher’s contract is set to run until June 2025 – and it is my understanding that he will remain at the club past the January window.

West Ham were interested in the summer – but I’m told he is now outside their price range and personal terms will also be a problem.

Tottenham were also interested but Chelsea are not keen to strengthen their rivals.

Gallagher has no plans to leave Stamford Bridge and is keen to secure a long-term contract.

Meanwhile, Chelsea may have to sell players to be able to splash out on a new goalkeeper in the January window.

Robert Sanchez is currently on the treatment table but his injury is not as bad as initially feared and he could return in early January.

Aaron Ramsdale has been linked and is frustrated with his situation at Arsenal – but I’m told they do not want to strengthen a rival and Mikel Arteta wants two top-class goalkeepers.

It is my understanding that Ramsdale will not make the switch to Chelsea in the new year.