Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are intensifying their preparations for the January transfer window, which opens in less than two months. Arsenal are expected to target a striker after Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz struggled for consistency, with Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi among their leading options. Real Madrid's Endrick and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez have also been linked with moves to north London.
Manchester United and Chelsea Updates
Manchester United are sticking with Michael Carrick for now, but his future remains uncertain ahead of matches against Roma and Aston Villa. The club are expected to pursue reinforcements regardless, with former Brentford striker Ivan Toney linked with a move to Old Trafford and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite reportedly on their radar. Chelsea, meanwhile, are making progress towards a potential deal for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, while their interest in Lamine Camara has cooled, leaving Liverpool in contention.
Tottenham Monitoring Targets
Tottenham are also monitoring Scott and Kroupi as they look to strengthen their squad. A new striker is expected to be among their priorities when the window opens, with several Premier League rivals already assessing their options ahead of a busy January.
Manchester United Scout Dortmund Stars
Manchester United sent scouts to watch four Borussia Dortmund players during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich as they assess potential transfer targets. Serhou Guirassy, Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha and Daniel Svensson are all reportedly on their radar. According to TEAMtalk, Guirassy, Bellingham and Nmecha have been monitored throughout the season, although deals for the trio would be difficult due to their high valuations. Svensson has also emerged as an option to strengthen United's left-back position, but a move for the 24-year-old is considered more likely next summer than in January.
Arsenal Transfer Targets
Victor Ozhianvuna has bid an emotional farewell to Shamrock Rovers ahead of his move to Arsenal. The highly-rated midfielder will head to north London after turning 18 in January, following a deal that was first agreed in October 2025. Ozhianvuna is viewed as one of the brightest young talents in Irish football and has already made 37 senior appearances for reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers. He also became the second-youngest player ever to feature in the UEFA Conference League last year. His performances quickly caught the attention of Arsenal, who will add the Republic of Ireland Under-17 international to their academy ranks in the New Year.
Arsenal have Eli Junior Kroupi and Kenan Yildiz firmly on their transfer radar ahead of the January window, new reports claim. Bournemouth forward Kroupi was understood to have been a prominent target for the Gunners during the summer, only to suffer a foot fracture during pre-season that required surgery. The France Under-21 international was sidelined for three months, halting his significant momentum after a fantastic debut season in English football following a move from Lorient in which he netted 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Other Club News
Tottenham Hotspur value Pedro Porro at €70million–€80m amid links with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Sport claims that the 27-year-old right-back has expressed his desire to return to Spain but says neither club has shown firm interest. The World Cup winner's contract runs until June 2031 in north London.
Teamtalk claims that Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun in January. The 25-year-old has made just four Ligue 1 substitute appearances, with Monaco willing to let him leave. Everton, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Juventus have also been contacted, after the Toffees saw a Deadline Day move collapse at the 11th hour for the American.
Tottenham have joined Man City and Man United in tracking Villarreal defender Alex Freeman, Football Insider has revealed. The 22-year-old has scored once in 14 appearances, while Pedro Porro's uncertain future could influence Tottenham's plans.
Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea are monitoring AS Monaco forward Paris Brunner ahead of the January transfer window. El Nacional claims that the 20-year-old German has impressed this season, attracting interest from several major European clubs. Monaco's financial problems could force a winter sale, with the French club demanding at least €50millon.
Manchester United view Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White as a realistic transfer target. Ekrem Konur claims that Liverpool and Tottenham are also monitoring the 26-year-old England international's situation. United consider Gibbs-White a more achievable signing than several other attacking midfield options.
Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena, with Mikel Arteta keen on the Spaniard, El Nacional claims. The Gunners reportedly plan to open talks soon and could offer the winger a higher salary and a prominent role. Atletico have no intention of negotiating his departure unless they receive an irrefutable offer.
Barcelona are considering Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho as a potential January signing, El Nacional reports. The move could depend on them selling Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo to fund defensive reinforcements. Pacho is under contract until 2031.
