Transfer Rumours: Chelsea step up Adam Wharton pursuit as €60m January raid planned

19 Sept 2026 06:31 BST |
5 min read

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 19 September, including the latest updates on Adam Wharton, Kees Smit and Eli Kroupi.

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Chelsea eye Wharton

Chelsea are showing a “strong” interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, CaughtOffside claims.

Despite concerns over his suitability for Xabi Alonso’s system, the England starlet is one of the Blues’ key midfield targets and could become an option in the January transfer window.

It is claimed that Wharton will be cheaper in 2027 than Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who appears to be a better fit for Chelsea, but who will likely cost well in excess of €100 million. His Palace counterpart, on the other hand, could be signed for less than €95m.

Liverpool could make Smit move

Liverpool could attempt to sign AZ wonderkid Kees Smit in January, as per TEAMtalk.

Scouts from the Reds and numerous other Premier League clubs watched the Dutchman in action against Sunderland in the Europa League this week. Liverpool are “front and centre” in the pursuit of Smit.

The Anfield club are mulling over a mid-season approach for the 20-year-old, with €60m potentially enough to prise him away from Alkmaar. He is one of numerous options on their midfield shortlist.

Arsenal to be active in January?

Arsenal need to make an attacking signing in January, football.london writes.

The Gunners failed to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in the summer, and with Viktor Gyokeres struggling to have an impact, the Premier League champions can ill-afford to go another January window without adding reinforcements.

Bournemouth youngster Eli Kroupi and Brentford winger Kevin Schade are being monitored, but they are far from the only forwards who are being closely followed by Arsenal.

Gabriel jets to Barcelona

Wantaway Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel flew to Barcelona on Friday, according to the Daily Mail.

The Catalans are long-standing admirers of the 15-year-old and gave him a tour of their facilities in 2024. They are now looking to beat El Clasico rivals Real Madrid to his signature after he informed Man Utd of his desire to be released.

An Irish passport enables him to move to the continent when he turns 16 next month. He is also a target for Bayern, and it is possible that he has held talks with PSG as well, as he travelled to Barcelona via France.

Rajkovic battle heats up

Barcelona and Man Utd are among the clubs tracking Valerenga sensation Gabriel Rajkovic, TV2 understands.

The 15-year-old was linked with Arsenal and Chelsea last week, and while they are genuinely interested, so too are numerous other clubs. There is currently no clear favourite for his signing as he won’t be able to move until next summer. A Premier League transfer isn’t possible until 2029.

Man Utd scouts watched him score earlier this month, and Rajkovic is a boyhood fan of the club. However, Barcelona have the advantage that they can already sign him in 2027. Valerenga want more than €20m for the teenager.

More transfer rumours

Man City and Liverpool are showing a strong interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. (fussball-news.de)

PSG are working on new contracts for Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. (L’Equipe)

Tottenham are firmly in the race to sign Athletic Paranaense defender Arthur Dias. (TEAMtalk)

Juventus are set to hold talks with Nico Gonzalez over a new contract after turning down approaches from Atletico Madrid, Inter and a Saudi club. (Nicolo Schira)

AC Milan and Brentford have shown interest in Lecce defender Tiago Gabriel, who has signed a new deal until 2030. (Calciomercato)

Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd and Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen attacker Ibrahim Maza. (fussball-news.de)