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Madrid join City in race for Olise
France international Olise, 24, has been prolific since leaving Crystal Palace and joining the German giants in 2024.
In 80 games for Bayern, Olise has scored 30 goals and provided 37 assists, and has helped the club to the Bundesliga and German Super Cup.
Manchester City are understood to have held interest in Olise, but 15-time UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid have reportedly added the winger to their radar as a long-term target.
“Los Blancos officials are understood to be assessing options for 2026, with Olise identified as a potential solution should changes be made on the right side of their attack.
His profile as a natural winger has caught attention amid the ongoing debate over balance in Madrid’s forward line, with Rodrygo, Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz all plying their trade on the right without much progress to show for it.
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“Despite the growing list of suitors, the report states Bayern are relaxed about the situation. The Bundesliga champions see Olise as a cornerstone of Vincent Kompany’s project and have little intention of entertaining offers, with senior figures stressing that Bayern do not sell players they consider essential to the squad.”
Atletico Madrid reignite Jackson interest
The striker is playing his football at Bayern, and his loan deal is set to expire at the end of the season, with the German club not expected to trigger a reported obligation to buy.
Atletico are understood to have had a long-standing interest in the player, and could make a move next year, but will likely face competition from clubs across Europe and in the Premier League.
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Nicolas Jackson
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The report reads: “Atletico Madrid are likely to move for a new striker in 2026, given that both Antoine Griezmann and Giacomo Raspadori could be leaving. One player that could replace them is Nicolas Jackson, who has been on their radar for well over 12 months.
“Jackson joined Bayern Munich in the summer, with Chelsea agreeing to a loan with an obligation to buy if certain conditions were met. However, it has already been confirmed that this will not happen, which means a return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season for the former Villarreal forward.
“However, it would not be straightforward for Atleti to sign Jackson, despite their good relationship with Chelsea. The report notes that a number of other clubs are also interested, including those in England.”
Roma ‘advancing’ with Zirkzee move
Zirkzee has featured 10 times in the Premier League this season, playing just 364 minutes and scoring one goal, with most of his time on the pitch coming as a substitute.
Roma have reportedly offered the Dutch striker a way out of Old Trafford, but a move could prove tricky with United running short of attacking options with the Africa Cup of Nations underway.
“AS Roma are advancing in talks with Joshua Zirkzee on personal terms as a top target for January,” Romano reported on social media.
“Deal still depends on Man Utd decision as Roma want Zirkzee as soon as possible, but Man Utd have several players out injured and at AFCON.”
Barca ‘well-positioned’ to sign English wonderkid
In a bid to bolster the strength of the academy, Barcelona have reportedly targeted a move for 15-year-old Norwich City starlet Ajay Tavares.
Tavares is quickly rising through the age groups both domestically and at national level, with plenty of clubs across Europe keen to win the race for the teenager’s signature when he turns 16 later this month.
“The Catalan club continues to monitor youth academies around the world and, according to MD, is now interested in Ajay Tavares, an English winger from Norwich’s youth team who turns 16 on December 28. Tavares also holds a European passport, which would allow him to leave the UK before turning 18.
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Ajay Tavares
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“He is a powerful left winger who can also play as a centre forward. Despite his age, Tavares is physically very strong, and this is evidenced by his high level of performance against players two and three years older than him.
“After playing for the U15 and U16 teams, he has now reached the England U17 squad. Tavares is highly regarded at St. George’s Park, and several top clubs, not only in the UK, have expressed interest in him.
“However, it seems that Barca, which is intensifying its search for promising young players to develop at La Masia, is well-positioned to sign the young English talent. They have moved quickly and effectively despite the competition.”
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