Arsenal agree deal with Real Madrid for €65 million-rated superstar, Barcelona make a decision on Coutinho's future and more: Transfer Roundup, 7 January 2018

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. It's been a week since the January transfer window happened and we have no dearth for captivating transfer news and rumours.

Some high-profile transfers have already been wrapped up while a few others are expected to go over the line over the next few weeks.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 7 January 2019.

Brahim Diaz undergoes medical at Real Madrid

Brahim Diaz up against Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool

Brahim Diaz will be announced as a Real Madrid star shortly. He underwent a medical on Monday ahead of this official unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to The Daily Mail.

The former Manchester City starlet sealed a £22 million transfer to the Champions of Europe and has signed a 6-year contract at the club. Diaz decided to pack his bags and move out of the Etihad as the battle for a spot in midfield at Manchester City showed no signs of abating.

Real Madrid have had their own struggles domestically and the club's ageing midfield is a cause for concern. Diaz hopes to take advantage of the current situation and lay the groundwork for a flourishing future in Madrid.

However, it won't be an easy task. To stake a claim on a starting berth, Diaz will have to prove his worth against the likes of Gareth Bale, Vinicius Jr, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.

Brahim Diaz had earlier rejected the opportunity to secure a loan move to Girona FC in the hopes that he will have a part to play in City's title defence. However, he never featured in the league for Pep Guardiola's side. After Vinicius, Diaz will be the second teenager that Los Blancos will have placed a lot of hope and faith in as they continue to rope in mercurial young talents to the club.

Manchester United to rival Chelsea for Nicolo Barella

Manchester United have launched a 'take-it-or-leave-it' £30 million bid for Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to Corriere dello Sport. The youngster has impressed several top clubs across Europe and United are the latest to enter a distinguished group of admirers.

Chelsea were earlier reported to have been eyeing the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Cesc Fabregas who is set to leave the club soon.

The report claims that David Williams, Manchester United's scout who discovered Giuseppe Rossi 15 years ago, has been watching the Italian extensively and is impressed with what he's seen so far.

Cagliari want a sum close to £45 million for Barella. However, Manchester United are not willing to offer any more than £30 million.

AC Milan to battle Barcelona and Juventus for Krzysztof Piatek

According to Calcio Mercato, AC Milan have now registered an interest in Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek. LaLiga champions Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus are also interested in the 23-year-old.

AC Milan Sporting Director Leonardo Araujo has already made contact with Genoa's president Preziosi. Genoa are looking at doing business in the summer for an astronomical sum of €60 mllion.

Gonzalo Higuain, the AC Milan striker on loan from Juventus is widely tipped to make a permanent switch to Chelsea by the end of January and that is the reason why AC Milan are lining up a replacement.

Barcelona officially state that Coutinho will stay at the club

Coutinho is no longer a regular starter for Barcelona

There have been a flurry of reports hinting at a Premier League return for Philippe Coutinho. The midfielder has now been forced to warm the bench as Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele reclaimed their spots in the starting XI.

It's been a month since Coutinho last started a LaLiga game for Barcelona. However, Barcelona have now given their stance on the issue and the club has made it clear that the Brazilian has a future at Barcelona.

Barcelona director Guillermo Amor revealed to Movistar,

"Coutinho's a player with a lot of experience, one of the best players in Europe and he is ready to play [for] five minutes or 90 minutes,

"He's a player that thinks more about the team than himself and there are no doubts about him being one of the best players in the world. He's always played well for Barca, he could play [every game] from the off.

"Barça signed him because he's one of the best in the world and he's going to give us a lot. He's got many years left on his contract and a lot to give to Barcelona."

Arsenal's £63 million bid for James Rodriguez accepted by Real Madrid

Much like Ronaldo, James' future seems to lie away from the Bernabeu

Arsenal are bracing themselves for the potential exits of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil. But they're already plotting for the future and have now got their £63 million bid for the talismanic Columbian, James Rodriguez accepted by Real Madrid, as per The Mirror.

Rodriguez who fell down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane secured a 2-year loan move to Bayern Munich and is currently serving his second season in Germany. The report claims that Bayern will not stand in the way of the deal.

The report also suggests that Real Madrid do not see him fitting into their future plans and are hence, ready to offload him. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is yet to hit his stride this season owing to injury.

Edited by Sripad