Barcelona step up interest in Chelsea star, Important update on Real Madrid star's future, and more: Transfer Round-up, 16th December 2018

Barcelona are reportedly looking to swoop in for the unhappy Chelsea star
Barcelona are reportedly looking to swoop in for the unhappy Chelsea star

Welcome to Sportskeeda's daily transfer roundup.

We're halfway through December, which means that the winter transfer window is almost upon us. Teams all around will look towards the window to address existing issues and concerns.

Several top teams are expected to do business in January, as they look to fill in gaps or get rid of deadwood. As usual, we've seen the manifestation of several new transfer stories, news and updates over the course of the day.

Well, worry not, because we've cut through the noise as we bring to you a list of rumours that could actually come to fruition and not just instigate the transfer mills.

Today's top stories feature giant clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester United, among others. They also feature some prominent superstars whose futures seem uncertain.

On that note, here is a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates of the day:

Arsenal prepare £40 million move for Cristian Pavon

22-year-old Cristian Pavon plays for Boca Juniors
22-year-old Cristian Pavon plays for Boca Juniors

Arsenal's manager, Unai Emery, has reportedly grown fond of, and identified Boca Juniors' Cristian Pavon as the club's next target, as per reports from The Sun. The 22-year-old is believed to be perfectly suited to play in Arsenal's system and is allegedly faster than most players in the current Arsenal squad.

Despite being hindered by injuries, the winger has made quite an impact for Boca, prompting Arsenal to prepare a bid for the star, who is reportedly set to cost as much as £40 million. The Argentine star has allegedly drawn attention from other Premier League clubs as well, although their valuations haven't matched the club's expectations.

However, the aforementioned report claims that Boca are prepared to accept a bid if it is close to their valuation of the star and that Arsenal will look to seal the deal in January.

Chelsea close in on Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic's move to Chelsea is set to be confirmed next month
Christian Pulisic's move to Chelsea is set to be confirmed next month

According to reports from The Daily Mail, Chelsea are on the verge of completing a deal worth around £60 million for Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic. The American star has been linked with a move to the Blues for a while now, and these reports claim that the deal could soon be completed.

The 20-year-old had previously indicated his interest in moving to Chelsea and could see his wish come true as early as next month. As per the report, the only remaining formality is for Chelsea to agree upon a fee with Pulisic's current club, Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester United open to Paul Pogba sale in January

Paul Pobga's time at Manchester United could be drawing to a close
Paul Pobga's time at Manchester United could be drawing to a close

As the relationship between manager, Jose Mourinho, and Paul Pobga continues to be strained, Manchester United are reportedly looking to sell the 25-year-old superstar in January, according to reports from The Daily Mirror.

The manager and the club are reportedly losing patience with the Frenchman at a rapid pace, and could look to get rid of him in January. It is reportedly believed that letting Pogba go could be the best step forward for the club, who will allegedly listen to offers for the World Cup winner in the winter transfer window.

Notably, his former club, Juventus, have reportedly registered an interest and could be drawn into a swap deal which would see Miralem Pjanic or Alex Sandro go the other way.

Keylor Navas unlikely to leave Real Madrid

Keylor Navas has made just 8 appearances for Real Madrid this season
Keylor Navas has made just 8 appearances for Real Madrid this season

Since the arrival of Thibaut Courtois, Keylor Navas has visibly seen sidelined as the second-choice goalkeeper at Real Madrid. This season, the Costa Rican has only made 8 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos and was rumoured to be looking for a move away from the club.

However, the latest reports from Marca (via Goal.com) claim that despite his frustration, Navas is extremely unlikely to the leave the club. The 32-year-old is well-settled in Madrid and is believed to be reluctant to move elsewhere. Further, a move to any other club would entail a massive pay-cut as well.

Barcelona step up their pursuit of Andreas Christensen

Chelsea's Andreas Christensen has stated that he will consider his options in January
Chelsea's Andreas Christensen has stated that he will consider his options in January

Despite making 40 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season, Andreas Christensen seems to have tumbled down the pecking order under the new manager, Maurizio Sarri, making just 1 Premier League appearance so far this season.

The 22-year-old is believed to be desperately in the hunt for first-team football and has reportedly said that he will consider his options in January. Now, according to reports from The Sun, LaLiga giants, Barcelona, are looking to swoop in and acquire the Danish star.

Barcelona reportedly view the young centre-back as a suitable replacement for the injured Samuel Umtiti. 22-year-old Christensen is reportedly aware of Barcelona's interest and is believed to be keen to hear what the club has to say.

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Edited by Sripad
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