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Chelsea target Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae as Crystal Palace turn to Josh Acheampong - Paper Round
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Published 24/01/2026 at 22:58 GMT
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Chelsea are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae this summer, while Josh Acheampong could join Crystal Palace after Marc Guehi’s exit to Manchester City. Elsewhere, Manchester United want to sign both Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton for their midfield next season and City worry Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the campaign after recent struggles at the Etihad.
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Chelsea linked with Bayern defender
Bayern Munich central defender Kim Min-jae is a summer target for Chelsea as they look to strengthen their backline.
The 29-year-old South Korean international is wanted after Enzo Maresca became unhappy with the defenders at his disposal before his sacking.
The Sun writes: "Chelsea are finally focusing on fixing their defensive woes after being linked with Kim Min-jae.
"Enzo Maresca complained about the Blues’ defensive options before he was sacked by the club.
"Reports in Germany have claimed that Chelsea could be interested in a move for Bayern Munich‘s South Korean defender.
"It is stated that the Blues could make a swoop for Min-Jae, 29, in the summer transfer window."
Forest keen on Mateta as Palace target Acheampong
The Daily Mail believes that Nottingham Forest are interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace despite signing Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli.
In addition, Palace may look to Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong to strengthen their defence after Marc Guehi joined Manchester City.
The paper reports: "Nottingham Forest have joined the growing list of clubs showing interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation at Crystal Palace.
"Juventus have moved on to Youssef En Nesyri from Fenerbahce after being rebuffed in their approach for Mateta a week ago. Aston Villa enquired as have AC Milan.
"Forest have signed Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli but with Chris Wood out for the season they still want another forward plus better options down their left flank.
"Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong has emerged as a potential target for Palace who are considering options to fill the gap left by former captain Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City."
United expect Anderson to join City
Manchester United expect Manchester City to beat them to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to The i Paper.
However, they will instead pursue the signings of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The paper states: "United’s hierarchy have had three marquee midfield targets – Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson – for a long while. One of the myriad mistakes Ineos are keen to learn from is the scattergun approach to transfers, instead looking to identify options early.
"A January move for one of those three was entertained, but none of their clubs were interested in losing a key figure mid-season.
"Further summer exits could leave an already depleted United midfield department desperately short – meaning more than one of their top picks could be pursued.
"The i Paper has been told that of the three, Wharton and Baleba would be the most likely, as there is a growing belief Anderson would snub United for a move to rivals Manchester City."
City worry over Guardiola future
Manchester City are worried that manager Pep Guardiola could call time on his tenure this summer.
The Spaniard has a contract until the summer of 2027, but there are suggestions he could step down before then.
The Mirror claims: "Manchester City insiders are more concerned that Pep Guardiola could leave the club than the looming verdict into 115 Premier League charges. City, who strenuously deny the breaches, have been locked in a legal battle with top-flight bosses for the last three years.
"But for those at The Etihad, Guardiola’s uncertain future is causing considerably more consternation.
"Guardiola’s contract stretches until the summer of 2027, but he has consistently suggested he will address his future this year. The Catalan coach will reach a decade in charge ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, where he has won everything on offer, including six Premier League titles."
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