The January transfer window is heating up as clubs across Europe look to bolster their squads for the second half of the season. Today’s rumors are headlined by Napoli making their move for Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, while Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Deportivo La Coruña winger Yeremay Hernández.
Napoli Test Waters with €40m Adeyemi Approach
With star attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set to complete a blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli are in the market for a high-profile replacement. The Serie A leaders have identified Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi as their top target, according to Sky Germany.
Napoli reportedly made a “verbal approach” to Dortmund this week, floating a potential €40 million offer for the 21-year-old Germany international. However, the Bundesliga club quickly rejected the proposal, indicating they have no intention of selling Adeyemi in January.
Adeyemi himself is also said to be reluctant to leave Dortmund midseason, although the situation could become “interesting” again in the summer if Napoli return with an improved bid.
– Sky Germany report
With Adeyemi unlikely to move in January, Napoli will now assess alternative options to fill the Kvaratskhelia void. Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho and Lille’s Edon Zhegrova are believed to be on the Italian club’s shortlist.
Chelsea Up Hernández Offer to €12m
Meanwhile, Chelsea have intensified their efforts to sign promising Deportivo La Coruña winger Yeremay Hernández. The Blues previously had a €10m bid rejected for the Spain U21 international but have now returned with an improved €12m offer, per Relevo.
- Initial €10m Chelsea bid turned down by Deportivo
- Blues return with enhanced €12m proposal
- Napoli also tracking Hernández but yet to make offer
Should a deal be agreed, the plan would be for Chelsea to immediately loan out Hernández for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign to aid his development. The 22-year-old has also attracted interest from Napoli, although the Partenopei have not yet followed up their initial enquiry.
Other Transfer Tidbits
- Arsenal await decision from Norwegian midfield prodigy Sverre Nypan (Daily Mirror)
- Wolves in talks over €12m deal for Vitória Guimarães’ Manu (Fabrizio Romano)
- Alphonso Davies close to new long-term Bayern Munich contract (Florian Plettenberg)
With under two weeks remaining in the January window, expect the transfer mill to continue churning out rumors thick and fast. Clubs are running out of time to plug gaps in their rosters as the business end of the season approaches.
Will Napoli find their Kvaratskhelia replacement in Adeyemi or pivot to a different target? Can Chelsea get the Hernández deal over the line? Which other dominoes could fall if those moves materialize?
One thing’s for certain – there will be plenty more twists and turns to feast on in the coming days. Buckle up and enjoy the ride as teams engage in an entertaining scramble to strengthen for the crucial stretch run.
