Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal line up Sesko alternatives, Liverpool interest confirmed, Man Utd triple deal

Neymar has parted ways with Al-Hilal by mutual consent, the Saudi Pro League champions have confirmed, after a disappointing spell at the club for Brazil’s all-time top scorer.

“Al-Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent, the Saudi club posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Neymar has played only seven games for Al-Hilal since moving from Paris Saint Germain for a reported fee of around €90m (£77m) in August 2023.

Brazilian media have reported that Neymar, who has scored 79 goals for the national team, will return to his childhood club Santos after leaving in 2013 to join Barcelona.

A series of names are being linked with Arsenal amid their difficulties in landing Benjamin Sesko.

John Duran is a new target to have emerged, according to Fabrizio Romano, with a call made to Aston Villa to enquire about his availability.

TalkSPORT say Evan Ferguson remains an option and Sky in Germany reckon Alexander Isak is once again Arsenal’s top target.

Brentford are considering a move for Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen, as manager Thomas Frank looks at whether he can improve his defensive options this January. The Camp Nou hierarchy want to make outgoings to meet financial restrictions but it is understood the former Chelsea centre-half wants to fight for his place.

Christensen has been injured for much of the season, meaning he has only made one league appearance. While the 28-year-old is intent on reclaiming his place, Barca’s financial situation has meant clubs are willing to test whether a deal is possible.

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of United States defender Naomi Girma for a reported world-record fee.

The 24-year-old was unveiled on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

She arrives from San Diego Wave for a reported £900,000, eclipsing the current record – paid by Bay FC in February 2024 for Racheal Kundananji – by £215,000.

The two clubs have reached agreement over a deal which will give the Italian side the option to buy the 34-year-old in the summer. Walker will now travel to Italy to complete the formalities of the move.

The England right-back informed City of his wish to leave the club and seek opportunities abroad earlier this month.

Virgil van Dijk has played a significant role in the vast majority of his 300 Liverpool appearances but conceded there were two other influential Dutchmen who were helping their current challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

The Netherlands captain registered his 209th victory as he brought up his triple century with a 4-1 success over Ipswich, by far the best win rate of anyone who has reached that landmark for the club.

England international Stones has not begun a game since December’s defeat to Aston Villa but Guardiola is relying on him to rescue City’s European campaign.

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim revealed that the reason for Marcus Rashford’s continued absence from the matchday squad is the lack of effort he is seeing in training and said he will put 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench before the England international.

Rashford, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window, has not featured for United since a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League back in December.