The transfer window is heating up! Transfer Talk brings you live updates on all the latest rumours and done deals. Check out all the confirmed January moves so far on our transfers page.
TOP STORY: Arsenal close in on Aubameyang swoop
The idea that Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might join Arsenal isn't new, but it might be nearer reality than ever, according to the Guardian.
It reports that the Gunners "are increasingly confident" about signing Gabon international Aubameyang following "productive" talks with Dortmund.
Arsenal want to add new talent to their squad to compensate for the impending departure of star name Alexis Sanchez, and Aubameyang, consistently prolific in the Bundesliga, is firmly in the picture.
The Guardian reports that although he has had "off-field issues, his qualities and potential availability had been impressed on the Arsenal hierarchy" by head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, who helped bring him to BVB in 2013.
However, the Gunners might have to pay more than £50 million for the 28-year-old, with "negotiations over a fee ongoing."
In the meantime, Arsenal are closing in on Bordeaux forward Malcom, who is likely to cost around £40 million, and continue to be linked with former Dortmund player Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
STAR SPORT: Weng won't pay Auba the top #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/MTU0Nqugce
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 15, 2018
Chelsea make late bid to snatch Sanchez
Just when it seemed that Manchester City's withdrawal from the race to sign Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez had opened the way for United, along comes some potential late drama.
The Telegraph reports that Chelsea "are trying hijack United's bid to sign Sanchez in another dramatic twist to this extraordinary transfer saga."
It says United have offered Mkhitaryan to Arsenal as part of their bid to land Sanchez and -- for now -- remain in pole position to sign him.
Chelsea "are thought to be undeterred at this stage by the huge costs involved in trying to sign Sanchez," though there is not believed to have been any direct contact between the Blues and Arsenal yet.
The paper concludes that "it would take another dramatic turn of events for United to lose out on him," but that isn't impossible.
Hammers fearful over Carroll
After reports that Chelsea want Andy Carroll on loan, West Ham are worried that their striker "has had his head turned," the Mirror says.
It reports that the Hammers have been offered a swap deal involving Michy Batshuayi, but manager David Moyes is keen to keep his key players at the London Stadium as he looks to build on fine recent form.
Carroll is now "understood to have his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge, where he would play Champions League football."
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke, though the Mirror says that Carroll "would be their preference."
Tap-ins
-- Everton are favourites to sign Arsenal winger Theo Walcott in a £20 million deal and will stave off competition from his old club, Southampton, to do so, according to the Guardian.
It says talks between the Merseysiders and Walcott's representatives have moved forward, with the Goodison Park hierarchy undeterred by his transfer fee.
-- Hands up who had Paul Lambert in the Stoke manager sweepstakes? No? Well, Lambert has landed and will be given a transfer kitty to spend as he looks to steer the Potters away from danger.
The Mirror said the new manager "will meet the club's owners to discuss potential targets," though it warns that Stoke "will not break the bank."
Source: espn.co.uk