Transfer Talk: Grealish could leave Man City in January

The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Man City’s Grealish could consider January exit

Jack Grealish wants to fight for his place at Manchester City this season, but Football Insider reports that he could be tempted by a January switch if he remains on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s squad in 2024-25.

The 28-year-old was believed to be considering his future at the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer, but he has impressed in pre-season and is determined to battle it out with Jérémy Doku for a place on City’s left side.

However, should he be left out of Guardiola’s starting XI in the first few weeks and months of the campaign, he could be tempted to a move in the January transfer window, with former club Aston Villa at the front of the queue of interested clubs.

Grealish started just 10 matches for City in the Premier League last season and his influence has weakened since Doku arrived in 2023. He was subsequently left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Grealish believes he’s the fittest he’s ever been and is hoping to prove his worth to Guardiola when the new season kicks off with the Community Shield next weekend, but it seems he’s also willing to leave if it means playing first-team football.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Atlético Madrid are making alternative plans in case their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher fails, with a move for Valencia’s Javi Guerra already agreed. Fabrizio Romano reports that Atlético officials have an agreement in principle with the 21-year-old and his representatives and that they’re ready to proceed this week should Gallagher turn down their proposal. Atletico have already strengthened with the additions of Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sørloth, and Guerra would become the third arrival, for a fee of €25 million. The Spaniards are now simply waiting on Gallagher to decide on his future.

– Chelsea have joined the race for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, reports the Sun. Blues manager Enzo Maresca sees O’Riley as the perfect replacement for Gallagher, who has rejected a new contract and is contemplating the aforementioned move to Atléti. Celtic have already snubbed a bid from Southampton believed to be around £14m for 23-year-old O’Riley, with £20m believed to be the fee likely to get the Scottish giants to agree on a deal. Atalanta are also interested in the Denmark international.

– Bayer Leverkusen are looking to bolster their defensive options, and they’re hoping to recruit Joël Matip as a free agent, reports Florian Plettenberg. Leverkusen are considering alternatives should Jonathan Tah leave the club, and Matip is considered a good short-term option. There is no verbal agreement in place, but he would likely sign a contract until 2026. Talks between the two parties have been positive, though the 32-year-old is also considering other options.

– Internazionale are the latest club to join the race for Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Chiesa has been told by Juve boss Thiago Motta that he’s free to leave, and with one year left on his contract the Old Lady are hoping to recoup something for the 26-year-old before losing him on a free transfer in 12 months. Juve’s valuation of €40m has so far put off potential suitors, and Nerazzurri president Giuseppe Marotta is hoping to strike a deal with Inter’s Serie A rivals. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among other interested clubs.

– RB Leipzig have rejected Barcelona’s advances for midfielder Dani Olmo, and suggest there’ll be no agreement unless the Catalan club can propose a better offer, reports Sport. Barca are keen to land the 26-year-old Spain international and have so far submitted a proposal that meets Leipzig’s valuation of €60m, but only in installments and bonuses. The German club are prepared to let Olmo leave, and to his preferred club Barca, but they’re refusing to deal with Barca unless they return with a serious one-off fee. Leipzig are prepared to be patient and are in no rush to allow one of their star men to leave.