Transfer News: Ugarte Linked With Serie A Exit as European Clubs Monitor Premier League Stars

The transfer market rarely rests, and fresh developments around some of Europe’s biggest names are already shaping the narrative for the months ahead. At the center of speculation is Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with reports suggesting the club is prepared to sanction an exit if the right permanent offer arrives. At the same time, Manchester City and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head for Marc Guéhi, while Real Madrid and Chelsea are making moves of their own in the market.

Ugarte’s uncertain Manchester United future

When Manuel Ugarte joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, the move was viewed as a cornerstone of the club’s rebuild. The Uruguayan midfielder, acquired in a deal worth up to £52 million, brought with him the reputation of a tenacious ball-winner and a player capable of anchoring a midfield.

A little over a year on, however, his role remains unsettled. Despite 49 appearances, Ugarte has struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter. The combination of an aging Casemiro and an overworked Bruno Fernandes has left United’s midfield stretched, but Ugarte’s adaptation to the Premier League has not delivered the spark fans hoped for.

According to Fabrizio Romano, several Serie A clubs are now watching his situation closely. United, for their part, are only interested in a permanent transfer, not a loan, as they look to recalibrate their squad under Rúben Amorim.

For Ugarte, a switch to Italy could present an opportunity to rediscover his strengths. The slower tempo of Serie A may suit his combative style and allow his physical attributes to come through more clearly. However, leaving United so soon after departing PSG could raise questions about his long-term trajectory and consistency.

Guéhi attracts elite suitors

While Ugarte’s exit looms as one possibility, another major storyline is brewing around Marc Guéhi. The Crystal Palace defender, now 25, is entering the final stretch of his contract and is drawing intense interest.

Reports from the Daily Mirror indicate that Manchester City are preparing a fresh approach for Guéhi next summer. They will face stiff competition from Liverpool, who are equally eager to secure his services.

The race for Guéhi does not end in England. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation, with the option to negotiate a pre-contract deal as early as January. For Palace, the expectation is that Guéhi will finish the 2025-26 season at Selhurst Park before making a decision on his next chapter.

Madrid eye Saliba as Arsenal push to extend

Another defensive target making headlines is William Saliba. The Arsenal center-back has been a key figure at the Emirates, but with his contract entering its final year next summer, the Gunners are keen to act fast.

Real Madrid have added Saliba to their shortlist as they look to bolster their backline for the long term. Arsenal, however, are determined to tie him down to a new deal and avoid the risk of losing him amid growing interest across Europe.

Chelsea’s contrasting approaches with Sterling and Caicedo

At Chelsea, two midfielders are facing very different futures. Raheem Sterling, despite having two years left on his contract, is not part of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans. The winger has not played for the Blues since May 2024, spending last season on loan at Arsenal, and remains a candidate for a permanent exit.

In contrast, Moisés Caicedo has emerged as one of the squad’s leaders. Signed from Brighton in 2023 for a fee that could rise to £115 million, the Ecuador international has impressed early in the new campaign, scoring twice in four league matches. Chelsea are expected to open talks with his representatives about a long-term extension, aiming to secure him as a central piece of their rebuild. At the same time, the club continues to explore options to strengthen its defense, particularly at center-back.

What it means for the market

These developments highlight the shifting priorities across Europe’s elite clubs. For United, the decision on Ugarte may signal a willingness to move away from big-money midfield gambles that have not worked out. For City and Liverpool, the battle over Guéhi underlines the importance of securing reliable defensive depth, while Chelsea’s contrasting stances on Sterling and Caicedo reflect the broader challenge of reshaping an unbalanced squad.

With January’s transfer window still months away, the groundwork is already being laid. Expect these stories to intensify as clubs position themselves for decisive moves that could shape the future of their squads for years to come.