The January transfer window is approaching, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all looking to strengthen their squads moving into the second half of the season. Arsenal are believed to be chasing Endrick in their pursuit of a new striker, but Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig are also thought to be admired at the Emirates Stadium. Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz is another that Mikel Arteta likes as the Gunners look to reinforce their frontline. Rumours of a move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez just have not gone away either.
Arsenal's Striker Targets
Arsenal are keen on signing Endrick, according to AS. It comes after reports that the Brazilian has decided to leave the Bernabeu as a result of a lack of game time. However, reports in Spain claim the Gunners will face competition from Roma and Sporting for the Brazilian, who are both keen to take him on loan until the end of the season. A loan move may favour Endrick as he is not yet ready to give up on his Real Madrid career.
German newspaper Bild have reported that Arsenal have already sent scouts to take in Antonio Nusa’s recent performances in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old had a solid World Cup, helping Norway to reach the quarter finals, and so far this campaign Nusa has scored four goals and set-up a further seven for teammates in nine Bundesliga games. It is reported that Arsenal previously tracked the winger prior to his move to Germany, Leipzig paying Club Brugge €21m for his services in 2024. Arsenal’s fellow Londoners Brentford pulled out of a move for the then-teenaged Nusa, their total package worth €37m before doubts over the winger’s back and knees during the medical led to the Bees cancelling the transfer. Leipzig are said to be reluctant to sell in the winter transfer window, explaining why the Saxony-based outfit have slapped a €80m (£67m) asking price on their asset. This is more than the £50m fee that was mooted recently.
Manchester United's New Manager and Targets
Mauricio Pochettino was announced as the new Manchester United manager yesterday, replacing the departed Michael Carrick, and he could make Como’s Nico Paz his first signing in the winter window, with the Red Devils hoping he will propel them away from the relegation zone. Man Utd have confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino will stay to oversee the double-header before starting work at Old Trafford mere hours later on Wednesday, November 18. That would give the Argentine just a few training sessions with his new players before his first match in charge – the Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, November 22. Pochettino is expected to bring four members of his backroom staff with him to Manchester as he prepares for a return to English football.
Pochettino inherits a side with just one win in 10 top-flight games this term, a string of results that have left Man Utd in the relegation zone. The Argentine’s style of play centres around a high-press and an ability to build from the back - two things United have struggled with so far this season. Injuries across the pitch will impact Pochettino’s selection, with Carlos Baleba and Benjamin Sesko definitely ruled out for the trip to Anfield. TEAMtalk report that two familiar faces are already being eyed up by Pochettino. The report claims Pochettino has designs of bringing two members of his USA national squad, with defender Alex Freeman and striker Folarin Balogun of interest after closely working with the pair for the past two years.
Chelsea and Liverpool Transfer News
Chelsea are confident of securing a deal for Alex Scott when the window opens, but Bournemouth insist that he is not for sale in another U-turn from the Cherries. Liverpool are eyeing Gilberto Mora, the Mexican starlet, and they also like Lamine Camara, who almost joined Chelsea on Deadline Day in the summer.
Arsenal have been told they lead the race for Antonio Nusa ahead of a £50million January transfer battle for the RB Leipzig winger. Former Norway midfielder Kristoffer Lokberg believes Nusa is now ready to make another step in his career and says Arsenal are the strongest option. Speaking on NRK's Bakrommet podcast, via Sport Witness, he said: “He is one of the world’s most exciting left-wingers. We have been waiting for his potential to come to full bloom, but now it is exploding. Big clubs can no longer sit on the fence, they must act quickly before he disappears, or they will be left regretting it.” Lokberg continued: “The completely obvious option in the Premier League is Arsenal. The player fits their playing style, and the club has a real need. They basically only have Tzolis and a slightly half-hearted Eberechi Eze as options on the left wing. I think Arsenal sit around every day, weighing whether to pull the trigger.”
