Arsenal have reportedly made contact over a move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland following developments in City's financial case, while Chelsea have confirmed the signing of former Tottenham youngster Leo Black. Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are also making plans for January, with a host of big names linked after the summer window closed.
Arsenal's striker targets
According to Football365, Arsenal have made contact with Haaland's camp as they assess their striker options for 2027. However, reports elsewhere have claimed the Gunners have not made an approach. Haaland is under contract until 2034 and has no relegation release clause, meaning any departure would still require a significant fee.
Julian Alvarez remains a key target for Arsenal alongside Eli Junior Kroupi, Dani Olmo and Ibrahim Maza. The Gunners have also been credited with an interest in Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch, who is reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid. Sport Witness report Stuttgart have set an asking price of €45million (£38.5m) for the 20-year-old.
Chelsea confirm Black signing
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of former Tottenham starlet Leo Black. The versatile 20-year-old, who can play as a right-back and in midfield, ended his 12-year association with Spurs in June. Black joined Chelsea on trial earlier this summer and made a bright start, with two Premier League 2 goals earning him a nomination for the division's September player of the month award alongside team-mates Reggie Watson and Chizaram Ezenwata.
Meanwhile, Joao Felix has revealed he dreams of returning to Europe, 18 months after leaving Chelsea. The Portuguese forward signed for the Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023 before a permanent deal worth a reported £46.3m including add-ons. He struggled to crack the first-team, left on loan to AC Milan six months later, and was subsequently sold to Al Nassr.
Manchester United and Liverpool latest
Manchester United are considering a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and could rival Arsenal and Liverpool for Brentford winger Kevin Schade. Rio Ferdinand has urged United not to let JJ Gabriel leave, worrying more youngsters could follow if he departs. The 15-year-old reportedly requested to be deregistered, allowing him to leave as a free agent.
Liverpool have been linked with a shock move to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield, with Lamine Camara also reportedly on their radar following Julian Ward's appointment as sporting director. The Reds maintain interest in Aurelien Tchouameni despite the midfielder signing a new contract with Real Madrid. Liverpool are not actively pushing for a deal, but could revisit their interest if his situation changes.
Other clubs' plans
Tottenham are said to have expressed interest in Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, potentially as a replacement for Micky van de Ven, who is reportedly on the radar of United and Liverpool. Spurs and Aston Villa are also keeping close eye on Benfica attacking midfielder Gianluca Prestianni.
Besiktas president Serdal Adali has vowed to sign Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock in January, claiming Willock has already chosen a house in Turkey. Adali said: "There were players we couldn’t sign in the summer. Our manager wanted Joe Willock from day one, it was Willock, Willock, Willock." He added: "He could sign in the mid-season. They asked for £20m. We can sign in January, and I will."
Manchester United and Arsenal are both monitoring Porto right-back Alberto Costa, alongside Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, although no formal bids have been made. Porto have Costa under contract until 2030 with a €65m (£55.6m) release clause.
