The January transfer window is approaching, and Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all chasing key signings. Julian Alvarez is now said to be “seriously considering” a high-profile switch to Arsenal in a huge U-turn, with Barcelona targeting Erling Haaland instead. The Gunners are also believed to be eyeing Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora as Declan Rice prepares to sign a new contract.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are said to be leading the race for Kylian Mbappe amid reports the France superstar wants out of Real Madrid. Manchester United have competition for Adrien Truffert, while Chelsea still lead the race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott amid much competition including from Los Blancos, who could make a shock move for Scott McTominay. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all rumoured to be watching Jarell Quansah, with Tottenham chasing a striker in January as they also step up interest in Arthur Dias.
Liverpool make contact for Mbappe move
Liverpool have made contact with Kylian Mbappe's representatives over a blockbuster move for the Real Madrid superstar. That is according to Spanish journalist Francois Gallardo.
“Several Premier League teams are interested in Kylian Mbappe, but the player’s priority is Liverpool,” Gallardo told outlet Defensa Central. "They have already contacted [Mbappe's mother and representative] Fayza Lamari in recent weeks."
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard set for new Arsenal deals
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard both appear to be in line for new contracts at Arsenal. Yesterday, the Gunners confirmed that manager Mikel Arteta had put pen to paper on a bumper extension in north London lasting until 2030.
He looks set to be followed by his two most trusted midfield lieutenants, with BBC Sport reporting that Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term deal of his own at the Emirates Stadium. Per TEAMtalk, influential Arsenal captain Odegaard is expected to do likewise soon.
Tottenham face fight to keep Luca Williams-Barnett
Tottenham are attempting to ward off growing transfer interest in teenage sensation Luca Williams-Barnett. The England Under-19 international has a reputation as one of the top young players in the country and is pushing for more first-team opportunities under Roberto De Zerbi.
According to The Sun, Spurs are in talks over a new contract for Williams-Barnett, who is being monitored by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in a player whose current deal in north London is due to expire in the summer of 2028.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool want Jarell Quansah
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool could all compete for the signing of Jarell Quansah. The Gunners were most strongly linked with the versatile England defender during the summer window, but Liverpool have a buy-back option on a player they sold to Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all interested in Quansah, who is also being scouted by Real Madrid. An exit from Leverkusen looks likely in the summer of 2027, with reports that there is already “movement behind the scenes” in that regard. Plettenberg also says that Liverpool’s buy-back clause for Quansah is worth just shy of £60m and valid until June 15, 2027.
Man Utd face Liverpool fight over Adrien Truffert
Manchester United and Liverpool look to be locked in a battle over Adrien Truffert. The left-back has impressed since joining Bournemouth from Rennes last summer and has made two starts for France during the current international break.
Truffert has emerged as a top option for Man Utd in their search for a long-term successor to Luke Shaw on the left side of defence, though TEAMtalk now say they are expected to face real competition from fierce rivals Liverpool.
Arsenal plot Gilberto Mora move
Arsenal look to be among the plethora of clubs on the trail of Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has already established quite a reputation in Liga MX with Tijuana, while he has also earned 13 senior caps for his country and featured at the World Cup in the summer.
Liverpool are among the teams said to have been chasing Mora, though TEAMtalk now claim that Arsenal are seriously considering a swoop for the player.
Julian Alvarez wants Arsenal after Erling Haaland twist
Julian Alvarez is now said to be “seriously considering” a transfer to Arsenal in a huge U-turn. The Gunners could not clinch a high-profile deal for the former Manchester City star during the late stages of the summer window as he held out for a dream switch to Barcelona that never came.
However, according to TEAMtalk, Alvarez is now seriously pondering a potential move to north London as he still pushes to leave Atletico Madrid. Arsenal are helped by Barca reportedly now targeting other options up front, including Erling Haaland.
Former Barcelona and Chelsea winger retires
It’s official, Pedro has announced his retirement. The Spaniard has enjoyed a glittering career with Barcelona, Chelsea, Roma and Lazio, winning numerous trophies at club and international level. But now he’s called time.
Writing on X, Pedro wrote: “I feel that the time has come. The time to take a step forward and begin a new stage in my life. I leave proud of having lived my dream and of all the people who were by my side to make it come true. “Thank you, soccer, for making me so happy.”
Arsenal announce new Mikel Arteta contract extension
Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal, taking his time at the club beyond a decade. The Spaniard's previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season, though he and the club have been relaxed about the situation.
Both sides were confident that an agreement would be reached and a three-week international break has provided the time to finalise the fresh terms and make it official.
Mateta to Man Utd update
Standard Sport understands that reports linking Jean-Philippe Mateta to Manchester United are wide of the mark, writes Sam Tabuteau. All options remain on the table ahead of the transfer window reopening in January, with Mateta having failed to secure a move away from Crystal Palace in the summer.
