Talking Transfers with Graeme Bailey: Vini Jr update after El Clasico drama and Marc Guehi latest

Add as preferred source on Google

Welcome to Talking Transfers! TBR Football’s new weekly column brings you the latest Premier League transfer news and updates from our chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

With the January window just over eight weeks away, some major storylines are already brewing – and a few are coming out of Spain following the weekend’s El Clasico clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

We’ll also cover the latest on Marc Guehi and why recent reports linking him to Bayern Munich weren’t entirely accurate, plus Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and the potential new deal on the horizon at Manchester City.

The El Clasico had Premier League fans watching for plenty of reasons. Marcus Rashford impressed while on loan from Manchester United, and Jude Bellingham stole the headlines – but as the on-pitch drama unfolded, off-pitch transfer stories were also taking shape.

Vinicius Junior’s contract tension

One of the major talking points was, of course, Vinicius Junior. His post-match exchange with Lamine Yamal caught attention, but what really matters here is his situation at Real Madrid.

As TBR Football has reported, there are issues around Vinicius Jr’s contract, which runs until 2027 – less than two years away now.

He’s not entirely happy, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cameras even picked up him muttering about ‘wanting to leave’ after the game.

Getting Vinicius Junior out of Madrid would be a huge operation, and there are only a handful of clubs in the world that could afford it. Forget Saudi Arabia – he doesn’t want to go there.

That narrows it to the elite… Paris Saint-Germain don’t tend to make those kinds of moves anymore, Bayern Munich have just signed Luis Diaz, which brings us back to the Premier League.

Chelsea and Manchester City have been long-term admirers. Liverpool shouldn’t be ruled out either.

I’m told Vini likes England. Madrid have made it clear that if he doesn’t sign a new deal by next summer, he’ll be sold.

We’ll be hearing plenty more about him in the months leading up to the World Cup. Personally, I think he’ll end up signing a new deal – but if not, don’t be shocked to see him in England.

Arsenal and Tottenham are watching Rodrygo developments

Another name worth noting is Rodrygo, who came off the bench in El Clasico but barely featured beyond picking up a yellow card.

Arsenal showed strong interest over the summer, but he was persuaded by teammates – including Vinicius, to stay and fight for his place.

That hasn’t gone to plan. Arda Guler has become Xabi Alonso’s main man, and others are pushing him down the pecking order.

With a World Cup year ahead, Rodrygo could be tempted by a move. Arsenal are still keeping tabs, and Tottenham like Rodrygo too. Don’t be surprised if the Brazilian winger to England becomes a serious story come January.

Ronald Araujo finally ready to leave Barcelona?

Over at Barcelona, Ronald Araujo didn’t start El Clasico. Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia were preferred in defence, and that tells its own story.

Araujo has always had admirers in England. Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea – they’d all sign him tomorrow. The issue has never been interest, but his own reluctance to leave Barca.

That might now be changing. With younger defenders ahead of him, he’s starting to realise his future may lie elsewhere. Chelsea, in particular, are monitoring closely. They’ve long liked Jules Kounde too, but he’s just signed a new deal and isn’t going anywhere. Araujo, though, could be an attainable target.

Marc Casado attracting interest, but Fermin Lopez is going nowhere

While some Barca players could move, others won’t. Fermin Lopez is one of them. He scored against Madrid and continues to play a growing role under Hansi Flick.

Any talk of him leaving, especially in January, feels distant now – he’s too important.

Another midfielder who didn’t feature in El Clasico, Marc Casado, remains on the radar for both Chelsea and Manchester United. He’s highly rated and could become a January target as clubs look for midfield reinforcements.

What is going on with Marc Guehi?

Moving back to England – or more accurately, across Europe – let’s talk about Marc Guehi. As I’ve said before, he’s shaping up to be one of the biggest free transfers ever.

He’s not demanding astronomical wages – reportedly less than Virgil van Dijk earns – which makes him affordable for every elite club in Europe. We’re talking Juventus, Inter, PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and all of England’s top clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham.

Bayern Munich are pushing hardest right now. Gordon Stipic has been involved as an intermediary, though not as Guehi’s official agent, helping to facilitate talks.

The key point here is player power. Steve Parish might want to sell in January, but Guehi will decide when and where he moves. My understanding is that he’s leaning towards leaving in the summer as a free agent, not mid-season.

Oliver Glasner doesn’t want to lose him either, so expect Guehi to stay put – for now. But he’ll dominate headlines well into 2026.

Rodri and Phil Foden’s Man City contracts are a priority

Finally, a word on Rodri and Manchester City.

We reported earlier this week that City are closing in on a new deal for Rodri. He was due to sign last year before his ACL injury at Arsenal, but now that he’s fully fit, talks have resumed.

City have stood by him throughout his recovery, and Rodri loves both the club and the city. Real Madrid are long-term admirers, especially with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos moving on, but City are confident he’ll stay.

His contract runs until 2027, and both sides expect an extension before January.

Talks with Phil Foden have also gone well, and City hope to wrap up both deals before the winter window.

It’s been an impressive start for new sporting director Hugo Viana, who’s replaced the legendary Txiki Begiristain and already tied down key players like Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Savinho and Rico Lewis.

If he completes Rodri and Foden’s extensions, that’s the club’s spine secured for years. Quietly, Viana’s building a legacy at City, even if he isn’t yet getting the recognition he deserves.

Come back next week for all the latest Premier League transfer news, right here on TBR Football.