WINDOW WATCH

■ CHELSEA are optimistic they can complete a deal for Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Talks over a move to Stamford Bridge for the former Arsenal striker have progressed over the last 48 hours. Sportsmail understands that the discussions have been positive and a deal for Aubameyang to return to London is now a realistic possibility. Provided a transfer fee can be agreed with Barca, who want £21million, there is confidence at Chelsea that the 33-year-old is open to joining them. Meanwhile, the Blues have signed midfielder Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan.

÷ REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti is set to recommend Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as Casemiro’s replacement. The Italian tried to sign the Denmark midfielder during his time at Everton and

believes Hojbjerg has the

attributes to fill the void left by Casemiro, who is joining Manchester United. With Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Oliver Skipp — who is nearing fitness — all options in midfield at Spurs, Hojbjerg faces a fight to be a regular starter.

■ SOUTHAMPTON are monitoring Norwich full back Max Aarons. Saints are keeping tabs on number of right backs amid growing interest in Kyle Walker-Peters, who is admired by Chelsea. Italian sides Atalanta and Monza have had loan enquires rebuffed for the defender, while Borussia

Monchengladbach, managed by former Canaries boss Daniel Farke, have also had an approach turned down.

÷ ARSENAL’S club-record signing Nicolas Pepe is set to join French side Nice on loan. The winger, 27, has struggled since his £72m move from Lille in 2019. The clubs are in talks and the move could be confirmed early next week. His departure could pave the way for a new wide man to join Mikel Arteta’s squad. ‘We’ve made some decisions and allowed some players to leave,’ the manager said yesterday when asked about Pepe. ‘Until

the end of the window, it’s possible that anything can happen with any player.’ Gunners youngster Salah Oulad M’Hand is set to join Hull on loan. ■ TOTTENHAM’S Bryan Gil is close to joining Valencia on loan. ÷ FULHAM are closing in on a deal for Brighton forward Neal Maupay and are continuing to weigh up a move for Willian.

■ DANNY WELBECK has signed a new two-year Brighton deal.

÷ EVERTON are in talks to sign Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus, 22, as a potential replacement for Dele Alli.