With less than two months until the January transfer window opens, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are stepping up their preparations. Arsenal are expected to prioritise a new striker after Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz struggled for consistency, with Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi among their leading targets. Real Madrid's Endrick and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez have also been linked with moves to north London.
Manchester United and Chelsea transfer plans
Manchester United are keeping faith with Michael Carrick for now, but his future remains uncertain ahead of fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa. The club are expected to strengthen regardless, with former Brentford striker Ivan Toney linked to Old Trafford alongside Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Chelsea are reportedly making progress towards signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, while their interest in Lamine Camara has cooled, potentially leaving Liverpool in contention for the Monaco star. Tottenham are also monitoring Scott and Kroupi as they assess their January options, with a new striker expected to feature prominently on their recruitment agenda.
West Ham sack Nuno Espirito Santo
West Ham have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach with immediate effect. A club statement said: "West Ham United can confirm that men's first-team Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has left his position with immediate effect. Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the Club's objectives and expectations remain on track."
The statement added that Assistant Head Coach Rui Pedro Silva and Goalkeeper Coach Rui Barbosa have also departed, and that the process of recruiting a new Head Coach is already underway. Former midfielder Scott Parker is set to succeed Nuno, with hope he will be appointed in time to take charge for Wednesday's match against Cardiff.
Other transfer rumours and developments
Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard amid uncertainty over his next contract, with Caught Offside reporting the German champions have maintained contact with his representatives. Barcelona are considering a move for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, with sporting director Deco including the 24-year-old on his list of centre-back targets, according to Sport. Martin Zubimendi is reportedly prepared to consider leaving the Emirates in January after struggling for regular minutes, with TEAMtalk claiming Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern have been made aware of his situation.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, with the 28-year-old said to be keen on joining Diego Simeone's side. Manchester United scouts watched four Borussia Dortmund players during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, with Serhou Guirassy, Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha and Daniel Svensson on their radar, according to TEAMtalk. Chelsea and Liverpool have both made approaches to sign Brentford left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the 21-year-old Senegal international under contract until 2031.
Victor Ozhianvuna has bid an emotional farewell to Shamrock Rovers ahead of his move to Arsenal, with the midfielder heading to north London after turning 18 in January. Sunderland have announced that Brian Brobbey has signed a new long-term contract, and Pascal De Maesschalck has admitted he was surprised to be appointed Arsenal's academy director.
