Barcelona plotting €60 million swoop for Juventus superstar, Chelsea set to sign Barcelona star in January and more: Transfer Round-up, 5 December 2018

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's daily transfer roundup! December's here and we are being treated to a profusion of football matches. It is going to stay that way until the festive season is over and it surely is an exciting time for football fans across the globe.

Once we're done with December, we'll have even more reasons to be excited about. January 1 marks the opening of the winter transfer window and the rumour mill is already buzzing. There are several top teams that are looking for fresh additions and the transfer window affords them a chance to get a shot in the arm by making the right signings.

Without further ado, let's dive right in and take a look at the top transfer stories that made headlines on December 5, 2018.

Atletico Madrid planning to hijack AC Milan's move for Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas could be playing his last season at Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas' contract at Chelsea will run out this summer and it is growing more and more likely that the Spaniard will depart from Stamford Bridge this season. It is also quite probable that this is the last season in which we'll see the midfielder in Europe as Chinese and Japanese clubs are being linked with the 31-year-old.

However, Fabregas reportedly wants to stay in Europe and AC Milan have been keeping a keen eye on him. But there is a new twist in the tale and according to Tutto Mercato Web via Calcio Mercato, Atletico Madrid are looking to hijack Il Rossoneri's move for Fabregas.

The Rojiblancos are reportedly keen on signing the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder on a free in the summer. Diego Simeone wants reinforcements to his midfield and has identified the midfielder as the ideal choice.

Danny Welbeck to depart Arsenal on a free transfer

Danny Welbeck may have played his last match for the Gunners

According to Sky Sports News, Danny Welbeck is all set to follow Aaron Ramsey out of the club on a Bosman transfer.

The report claims that the Gunners are not planning on offering the former Manchester United striker a new deal and are ready to let him depart in the summer for free.

Welbeck has seen his role getting further limited as Aubameyang and Lacazette continue to fire on all cylinders this season.

Danny Welbeck may have, unfortunately, already played his last game for Arsenal after suffering a long-term ankle injury that required two rounds of surgery. As a result, it is unlikely that the 28-year-old will feature for Unai Emery's side again this season.

Thus, this could mark the unfortunate end of Danny Welbeck's career at the Emirates.

Mateo Kovacic wants to make stay permanent at Chelsea

Mateo Kovacic has taken well to life at Stamford Bridge

The Real Madrid midfielder who is on loan at Chelsea could very well end up making his move a permanent one in the summer. That's according to Spanish outlet AS via Sky Sports Transfer Centre.

The report claims that Real Madrid are displeased at Kovacic's attempts to make his stay at Chelsea permanent and have decided to close their doors on him.

Los Blancos are reportedly ready to sell him to Chelsea for €30 million so as to turn a profit on the initial sum they paid to Inter Milan in order to sign Kovacic.

Chelsea likely to sign Denis Suarez in January ahead of AC Milan

Suarez is struggling for playing time at the Camp Nou

Chelsea are favourites to sign wantaway Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez in January, according to Express. AC Milan are also interested in signing the 24-year-old Spaniard who has seen playing time come at a premium this season.

However, Chelsea are leading the race for the Spaniard's signature as they are willing to pay £45 million upfront as AC Milan are looking to get him onboard on a loan deal.

Barcelona prefer a cash deal and as such the West London outfit are expected to get their man in January. Denis Suarez has fallen down the pecking order at Barca and is rumoured to be wanting to move away as early as January.

And Barcelona are preparing for life without Denis Suarez and you can read that story on the next page.

Barcelona plotting €60 million for Rodrigo Bentancur

Bentancur is in demand

Barcelona are not going to waste any time in replacing Denis Suarez. As per Calcio Mercato, the Cules are going to launch a €60 million bid to sign Uruguayan international and Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

Sami Khedira and Emre Can have been unavailable for the Bianconeri this season owing to injuries and Bentancur has made the most of his opportunities and has done more than enough to stake a claim on a spot in Max Allegri's starting XI.

However, Barcelona will have to battle it out with LaLiga title rivals Atletico Madrid who have also been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.