The January transfer window is approaching, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all exploring moves to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season. Arsenal are reportedly targeting Antonio Nusa, while also keeping tabs on Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Juventus midfielder Kenan Yildiz. Mikel Arteta is also said to be interested in Alex Baena and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Didier Deschamps has reportedly rejected the opportunity to become Manchester United manager, with Sunday's trip to Aston Villa potentially crucial for under-pressure boss Michael Carrick. Tottenham are also understood to retain matching rights for Harry Kane, despite the England captain signing a record-breaking new Bayern Munich contract that reportedly makes him Europe's highest-paid player by basic salary.
Arsenal among admirers for Aston Villa star
Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki following his impressive start at Villa Park. The 24-year-old Japan international has attracted interest from several European giants after arriving from Parma for £30m in the summer. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham are also monitoring Suzuki's progress.
PSG previously considered signing him, while Real Madrid view him as a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois. However, Villa are under no pressure to sell, having tied the goalkeeper down to a five-year contract and viewing him as central to Unai Emery's plans.
Deschamps turns down Man Utd job offer
Didier Deschamps has reportedly told Manchester United that he is not interested in taking over as manager at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick's future as Man Utd boss remains hugely uncertain ahead of Sunday's crunch home Premier League clash with Aston Villa, which is likely to prove pivotal.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann had previously been considered as the leading candidates for the role if United - who will not consider an interim solution this time - were to sack Carrick, though FootMercato in France reported on Thursday that the club had also approached former long-time Les Bleus head coach Deschamps. However, he is said to have told them that he currently has no interest in the job in another blow to the beleaguered Red Devils.
Arsenal target Antonio Nusa in potential triple deal
Arsenal are tracking Antonio Nusa ahead of the January transfer window, reports claim. The Gunners are known to be keen on attacking reinforcements when the market reopens for business in the New Year and have reportedly had their eyes on Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz. However, The Sun say that Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on former Club Brugge star Nusa, who continues to impress for both RB Leipzig and Norway.
Elsewhere, Calciomercato claims that Juventus are considering a January move for Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko despite his injury. The Italian club have a €100million transfer budget following a capital injection and are assessing several attacking targets. Folarin Balogun is also under consideration as Juventus explore options to strengthen their forward line.
Reports in Spain say that Barcelona have identified Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie as a potential signing for the January transfer window. Sporting director Deco has made initial contact with the 24-year-old's representatives to explore a possible move. Hincapie has struggled for regular minutes, but Mikel Arteta is reluctant to let players leave Arsenal in January.
