The January transfer window is entering its final stages, and two intriguing deals are taking shape that could have major implications for several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Tottenham Hotspur appear set to win the hotly-contested race for Lens defender Kevin Danso, while Borussia Dortmund are making moves to secure Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan for the remainder of the season.
Spurs Swoop for Danso
Austrian international centre-back Kevin Danso has been one of the most sought-after defensive targets in this window, attracting interest from multiple Premier League sides. Wolverhampton Wanderers were reportedly close to securing the 26-year-old’s signature, but it now seems Tottenham have swooped in to seal the deal.
With injuries piling up in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, most recently to promising young defender Radu Dragusin, Spurs have acted swiftly and decisively to reinforce their backline. The North London club are expected to pay around €25 million (£21 million) to prise Danso away from Ligue 1 side Lens.
Danso, who came through the youth ranks at MK Dons before moving to Augsburg as a teenager, initially struggled to make an impact during a loan spell with Southampton in the 2019-20 season. However, he has gone from strength to strength since joining Lens, establishing himself as a rock-solid presence at the heart of their defence and earning regular call-ups to the Austrian national team.
With 128 appearances under his belt for Lens, Danso will now get a second chance to prove himself in the Premier League. His arrival should provide a major boost to a Tottenham side looking to push for a top-four spot and deep runs in cup competitions.
Dortmund’s Loan Move for Chukwuemeka
Meanwhile, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are in advanced talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for talented young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa for £20 million in the summer of 2022, has found opportunities limited under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Dortmund have long admired Chukwuemeka’s potential and are keen to bring him to Germany for the rest of the campaign. It remains unclear whether the deal will include an option or obligation to buy the England youth international permanently.
Other clubs, including Juventus, Porto, Everton, and West Ham United, have also expressed interest in Chukwuemeka. However, Dortmund appear to be leading the chase as they look to bolster their midfield options for the title run-in.
Chukwuemeka burst onto the scene as a precocious talent in Villa’s academy, earning rave reviews for his technical ability and composure on the ball. He was starting to make encouraging progress under Mauricio Pochettino last term before a knee injury halted his momentum.
Since Maresca took charge at Stamford Bridge, Chukwuemeka has found himself on the fringes, making just one start and four substitute appearances in all competitions this season. A loan move could be exactly what he needs to kickstart his young career and fulfill his undoubted potential.
Chelsea’s Clearout Continues
Chukwuemeka is not the only player who could depart Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut. The club are reportedly open to offers for several out-of-favour stars as they look to trim their bloated squad and reduce the wage bill.
Left-back Ben Chilwell has emerged as a surprise target for Crystal Palace, while Tottenham may rival Aston Villa for the signature of defender Axel Disasi. The future of on-loan forward João Félix also remains uncertain, with the Portuguese international attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
One player Chelsea are keen to bring in is Brighton & Hove Albion’s 18-year-old striking sensation Evan Ferguson. The Irish youngster has made a huge impact since breaking into the Seagulls’ first team, scoring six goals in 16 appearances, and the Blues see him as a potential long-term solution to their goalscoring woes.
Final Thoughts
With just days remaining until the January transfer window closes, expect a flurry of activity as clubs scramble to get deals over the line. Tottenham and Dortmund will hope their pursuits of Danso and Chukwuemeka reach a successful conclusion, while Chelsea’s squad could have a very different look by the time the deadline passes.
One thing is for certain: the business done in the coming days could have a huge bearing on the races for silverware and Champions League qualification spots, both in England and across the continent. Buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling climax to the mid-season transfer frenzy.
