Cesc Fabregas to reunite with Thierry Henry at Monaco? Key stats, facts and quotes behind the latest transfer news

The transfer window is here once more and teams across Europe will be looking to bolster their squads ahead of the second half of the season.

January has already seen some big signings made including Christian Pulisic joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £58m.

But, as always, rumours are circling too, whether through agents trying to drum up interest or ex-club favourites giving their opinions. So what are the hottest rumours from the past week and how likely are they to come off?

Read on for the key stats, facts and quotes behind this week’s transfer news.

Adrien Rabiot (from Paris Saint-Germain to Barcelona)

What’s the story? Things aren’t going well for Rabiot at PSG, with the French midfielder “indefinitely benched” until he signs a new contract. As a result, Rabiot has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, with the Spanish champions reportedly looking to add to their midfield options. PSG have hit out at Barcelona for allegedly contacting Rabiot illegally, something the Spanish club instantly refuted.

Key stat: Adrien Rabiot (975) has completed more passes in Ligue 1 than any other PSG player this season.

Key quotes: Upon denying having contacted Rabiot, Barcelona revealed they are looking at the French midfielder, in an above-board manner. A statement read: “The only contact made was during the month of August and one week ago. In both cases, this contact was made with PSG’s sporting management to show FC Barcelona’s interest in player Adrien Rabiot.

“FC Barcelona have always wanted to work with the utmost transparency in their dealings with PSG and with any other club.”

Could it happen? Given Rabiot’s current situation at PSG, the French midfielder does look likely to leave the club sooner or later. It would be wise for PSG to cash in on Rabiot now, ending the saga.

Frenkie de Jong (from Ajax to Paris Saint-Germain)

What’s the story? Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a move away from Ajax and has a host of big clubs to choose from. One of those is PSG, with Dutch publication De Telegraaf (via Manchester Evening News) claiming the French side are favourites.

Key stat: Only Daley Blind (1,121) has completed more passes for Ajax in the Eredivisie this season than Frenkie de Jong (1,108)

Key quotes: Talking on the prospect of De Jong joining PSG, Kylian Mbappe said: “Honestly, he is very welcome in Paris! I said to him as much, because he would be enormous for us. After that, he will make his own choice.”

Could it happen? Other reports place De Jong as on his way to Barcelona while Manchester City are also being mentioned. The midfielder is reportedly set to decide on his future once Ajax return from their winter tour.

Matthijs de Ligt (from Ajax to Paris Saint-Germain)

What’s the story? According to reports, De Ligt – who recently won the European Golden Boy award – has been touted as a potential inclusion in a PSG deal for De Jong.

Key stat: Matthijs de Ligt (59) has made more clearances than any other Ajax player in the Eredivise this season.

Key quotes: Like De Jong, De Ligt has given a date on deciding his future. However, it will not be until the end of the season. The Golden Boy said: “At the end of the season I will consider if the time has come to make a step up.

“For all the rest, you will need to ask my agent or my managers. I repeat, I’m focused on Ajax. And on the Golden Boy, of course.”

Could it happen? This all hinges on De Jong’s future, but Marca have put PSG as favourites to get the double signing. It may also be pushed through before any potential Financial Fair Play sanctions are imposed on PSG.

Keylor Navas (from Real Madrid to Arsenal)

What’s the story? Keylor Navas has long been linked with a move away from Real Madrid and, according to Sport (via Sky Sports), the goalkeeper is on his way to Arsenal having already said goodbye to Los Blancos team-mates.

Key stat: Keylor Navas has kept clean sheets in three of his eight matches for Real Madrid this season.

Key quotes: Speaking after reports emerged, Arsenal manager Unai Emery was quick to quash Navas rumours, saying: “Not true. We never speak about one goalkeeper because we are very happy with the three goalkeepers we have now. We never speak about Keylor Navas.”

Could it happen? If Emery is speaking the truth, rather than playing down a deal in the works, Navas will have to look elsewhere for playing time.

Cesc Fabregas (from Chelsea to Monaco)

What’s the story? With six months remaining on his Chelsea contract, Fabregas has been linked with a move to Monaco, joining former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry. According to Sport, a deal has already been agreed between club and player with only a negotiation between Chelsea and Monaco required.

Key stat: Cesc Fabregas has averaged 85.89 passes completed per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, the second highest from a Chelsea player.

Key quotes: Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has stated his desire to hold onto Fabregas, saying: “I want him to stay, I don’t know the final decision of Cesc and the club of course.”

Could it happen? After Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Southampton, Cesc Fabregas appeared to say goodbye to fans at Stamford Bridge in what could potentially have been one of his final matches for the Blues.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (from Chelsea to Bayern Munich)

What’s the story? Bayern Munich have reportedly had two bids for teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi rejected by Chelsea, with the young winger’s future currently in doubt. Chelsea are keen on keeping hold of their tiro with many expecting him to become one of England’s best.

Key stat: Callum Hudson-Odoi is the youngest player to score for an English side in the Europa League since the competition was rebranded in 2009/10.

Key quotes: According to Sky Germany, via Goal’s Ronan Murphy, Hudson-Odoi is expected to be a Bayern player having asked to leave Chelsea.

Could it happen? Following the signing of Christian Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi’s future at Chelsea looks fairly bleak. The 18-year-old is starting to fall behind some of his fellow English teenagers and may look at Jadon Sancho excelling in Germany as a reason to join Bayern.

Aaron Ramsey (from Arsenal to Juventus)

What’s the story? Aaron Ramsey currently has six months remaining on his contract at Arsenal and is now free to talk to foreign clubs. Juventus are one of the teams heavily linked with the Welshman, and a move could be on the cards.

Key stat: Aaron Ramsey (six) has recorded more assists in the Premier League than any other Arsenal player.

Key quotes: Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has confirmed the club are looking at Ramsey, saying: “He is a player whose contract is expiring, and, as I said before, we always pay attention to the situations offered by the transfer market because it is our duty, so we also pay attention to Ramsey.”

Could it happen? Ramsey is all-but-certain to leave Arsenal at some point in 2019, with the two parties not agreeing on a new deal. The midfielder has been linked with many clubs so far, and Serie A could present a good opportunity for Ramsey to test himself.

Jermain Defore (from Bournemouth to Rangers)

What’s the story? Jermain Defoe’s time at Bournemouth appears to be up and Sky Sports have reported the Cherries will allow the English striker to leave in January, with Rangers the favourites to sign him.

Key stat: Jermain Defoe is one of just three players to score five goals in a single Premier League game.

Key quotes: Having been linked with a move to Rangers in the summer, Defoe played down the reports, saying: “I saw some of that, but again, that’s just something I’ve always had. Even when I’ve been at clubs and played every game, you’ll always find something, especially with social media now.

“I’ve played with Steven Gerrard and we’ve got the same agent. I’m just like everyone else, you see things on Twitter and in the papers, but that’s it really.”

Could it happen? With Defoe being given the all clear to leave Bournemouth, Rangers could be a good destination for the Englishman. They will be in need of his experience as they push Celtic for the Scottish Premiership – with the Bhoys having also been linked.

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