Adeyemi Eyes Emirates as Lewandowski Draws Milan Interest in Latest Transfer Buzz

Borussia Dortmund’s dynamic forward Karim Adeyemi has reportedly signaled a preference for a move to Arsenal over Manchester United, according to sources familiar with the ongoing transfer discussions. The German international, known for his explosive pace and versatility across the front line, is under contract with Dortmund until 2027 but is understood to be open to a switch to the Premier League, believing his playing style is well-suited to English football’s intensity.

Adeyemi, 23, joined Borussia Dortmund in July 2022 from RB Salzburg, quickly establishing himself as a key attacking threat. In the current 2025/2026 season, he has recorded four goals and three assists in 15 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, who currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga standings and are competing in the UEFA Champions League. His directness and ability to operate from either flank or centrally have made him a coveted asset. TEAMtalk reports that super-agent Jorge Mendes has already engaged in discussions with Manchester United regarding Adeyemi’s availability. However, the player’s inclination towards North London could significantly influence negotiations should both Premier League giants formalize their interest. Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League and actively challenging for both domestic and European honours under manager Mikel Arteta, could offer Adeyemi a prominent role in a youthful, attacking setup. Manchester United, positioned sixth in the league, are also keen to inject more dynamism into their attacking ranks following an inconsistent start to their campaign. Dortmund, historically a club known for developing and subsequently selling high-value young talents, may be open to a sale if their valuation is met, especially given Adeyemi’s contract length still provides strong leverage.

Meanwhile, in Italy, AC Milan is reportedly keen to secure the services of Barcelona’s veteran striker Robert Lewandowski as a free agent when his contract with the Catalan club expires next summer. Lewandowski, 37, remains one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers, having consistently delivered at the highest level throughout his illustrious career, which includes multiple Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Champions League triumph, and numerous individual Golden Boot awards. For Barcelona, currently third in La Liga, Lewandowski has continued to be a focal point of their attack, netting seven goals in 12 league appearances this season, building on his 25-goal tally from the 2024/2025 campaign.

Tuttosport reports that the Rossoneri, currently fourth in Serie A and aiming for a sustained title challenge, believe Lewandowski’s experience and innate "winning mentality" would be invaluable additions to their squad. This strategic approach aligns with their successful integration of another seasoned campaigner, Luka Modric. The 40-year-old Croatian midfielder has been exceptionally influential since his arrival, leading Milan to plan on activating a one-year renewal option on his contract. Experts, including Matty Cash, have recently lauded Lewandowski’s enduring quality, with Cash remarking that the Polish international remains "at the level of Kane & Haaland," underscoring his continued elite performance despite his age. Milan’s pursuit of Lewandowski could offer him a fresh challenge in Serie A and provide a seasoned leader for their attacking line as they seek to compete with the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus.

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Premier League Clubs Eye Bundesliga Talent and Beyond

Beyond Adeyemi, several other Bundesliga talents are attracting significant Premier League interest. Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old left-back Nathaniel Brown is reportedly on the radar of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United. Despite signing a long-term contract with Frankfurt until 2030, the deal is understood to include a "gentleman’s agreement" or a release mechanism that could be activated by clubs participating in specific European competitions. TEAMtalk estimates this figure to be around €55 million. Brown’s defensive solidity and attacking contributions from the flank have made him a standout performer for Frankfurt, who are currently seventh in the Bundesliga. His acquisition would represent a substantial investment for any of the interested English clubs looking to reinforce their full-back options, with Manchester United particularly in need given recent injury concerns at left-back.

In other news, Manchester United’s Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, 24, is reportedly a target for Roma in the January transfer window. Zirkzee, who arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 from Bologna, has struggled to secure a regular starting berth, making only five substitute appearances this season and scoring seven goals since his arrival. Roma, currently level on points with Serie A leaders Inter Milan after 11 games, sees Zirkzee’s prior experience in the Italian top flight as a valuable asset for their title bid, according to Sky Sports Italia. The i Paper adds that fellow Premier League clubs Everton and West Ham United are also monitoring the situation, indicating a potential three-way battle for the forward’s signature. Manchester United might consider offloading Zirkzee to free up funds or squad space for other targets.

Juventus, currently second in Serie A, is actively pursuing Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, 33, as a primary target to strengthen their midfield in January. Tuttosport reports that the Serie A giants had attempted to sign the Swiss international last summer from Bayer Leverkusen, a move that ultimately fell through. Juventus values Xhaka’s leadership qualities, technical prowess, physicality, and tactical intelligence, believing he can bring much-needed experience and control to their central midfield. Securing his transfer from Sunderland, where he surprisingly moved to after a successful stint at Leverkusen, could require a fee of approximately €15 million. Sunderland’s current league status (e.g., in the Championship or battling in the lower half of the Premier League) would likely influence their willingness to let go of such an influential player mid-season.

Wider Transfer Landscape: Loans, Free Agents, and Emerging Talents

Beyond these headline-grabbing sagas, a flurry of other transfer rumors continues to circulate as clubs prepare for the upcoming January window.

Napoli has expressed interest in Manchester United’s promising young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, though reports from Calciomercato suggest United is only willing to sanction a loan move for the highly-rated English talent. Mainoo, 20, has shown glimpses of his potential at Old Trafford, and a loan could provide him with more consistent first-team action.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, is drawing significant attention from Chelsea and Juventus, according to Football Insider. Maignan, 30, is considered one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers, and his availability as a free agent would make him a highly sought-after commodity.

On-loan Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, currently at Aston Villa, has reportedly held "meaningful discussions" with representatives from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, as reported by Ekrem Konur. This development signals a potential permanent departure from Old Trafford for the 25-year-old winger, who has struggled to recapture his best form since his high-profile move to United.

The race for emerging talent is also heating up, with Borussia Dortmund joining Manchester United in the pursuit of 16-year-old AIK striker Kevin Filling. Florian Plettenberg reports that no agreement has been reached with any club yet, but a move in the winter window remains a possibility for the Swedish prodigy.

Barcelona has reportedly submitted an offer ranging between €25 million and €30 million for Vasco da Gama winger Rayan, according to Ekrem Konur, as the Catalan club continues its strategy of investing in promising South American talents. Rayan, 19, is highly regarded in Brazil and could be seen as a long-term asset for the Blaugrana.

Brighton & Hove Albion is among the Premier League clubs exploring a potential January move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García, as reported by the Daily Mail. García, 21, has impressed in Real Madrid’s youth ranks and could seek a move for more first-team opportunities.

AC Milan is also considering West Ham United’s German international striker Niclas Füllkrug, 32, as a potential January reinforcement, particularly if current options Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku do not show significant improvement, states Corriere dello Sport. Füllkrug’s physical presence and goal-scoring instincts could offer a different dimension to Milan’s attack.

AFC Bournemouth is exploring a move for Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, 21, who is valued at £20 million. The Daily Mail indicates that Arsenal is also among the Premier League clubs showing interest in the Ghanaian talent.

Aston Villa is reportedly willing to accept offers for their Argentine World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, 33, in January, as they explore alternative options for the position, according to Football Insider. Martínez has been a key figure for Villa but a significant offer could see him depart.

Arsenal is intensifying its interest in Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero, 17, from Independiente Del Valle, as they continue to scout promising young players globally, reports the Daily Mail.

Leeds United is open to letting forward Willy Gnonto, 22, leave in January if a suitable offer is received, as the Championship club aims to generate funds for their own squad reinforcements, according to TEAMtalk.

Udinese has set a hefty €40 million valuation for their midfielder Arthur Atta, 22, and is intent on resisting any winter window departures despite interest from clubs both domestically and abroad, Nicolò Schira reports.

Roma attacking midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi, 22, has held positive discussions with Hellas Verona regarding a loan move with an option to make the deal permanent, according to Nicolò Schira, indicating a potential short-term solution for Verona’s creative needs.

Finally, Tuttosport suggests that a January departure for Inter Milan’s forward Luis Henrique, 24, cannot be ruled out, as the player continues to struggle for consistent impact since his arrival.