Arsenal have been in the headlines as attention already appears to be on the January transfer window. Despite a solid start to the season, it has been suggested that the Gunners still need reinforcements - particularly in attack - if they’re to retain their Premier League crown and go one step further in the Champions League.
‘Green light for Alvarez move’
Barcelona have ruled out a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports in Spain. The decision can be seen as a boost for Arsenal, who tried and failed to convince the Argentine to join during the final days of the window.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly made a left-sided centre-back the club’s priority, with the attack considered well covered after Raphinha’s strong start to the season. Alvarez’s representatives are expected to assess his situation over the coming months.
Martinelli ‘dreams of return’
Gabriel Martinelli "dreams of returning" to one of his former clubs - but it is not Arsenal. The winger left the Gunners over the summer to join Al-Hilal in a £60million move, making him Arsenal's record sale. Martinelli's contract in Saudi Arabia runs through to 2030, but his agent Marcos Casseb is already looking at the future beyond that.
Corinthians are the club Martinelli grew up supporting and he spent four years at the club's academy after joining at the age of six. Asked if Martinelli wanted to return to Brazil before he retired, Casseb told Brazilian news outlet Itatiaia Esporte: "I think a little further down the line, yes. He has four years left on his contract there, until he's 29. He does dream of returning, playing for Corinthians, the club he left, his passion. He wants to come back someday. He has every chance of returning to the Brazilian national team. What he needs is to perform his football well."
Ngumoha ‘contract latest’
The Athletic have reported that Rio Ngumoha’s future is something for incoming Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward to address. As the young winger turned 18 last month, it means Liverpool need to get him committed to a long-term contract beyond the maximum three-year first pro deal he signed last September. While Ngumoha’s current deal expires in 2028, the aforementioned report states discussions with his representatives are ongoing.
This development comes hot on the heels of The Athletic’s David Ornstein’s claim that Arsenal are among a number of clubs said to “like” the player. "I think there is some interest from Arsenal in Rio Ngumoha," Ornstein told The Athletic FC podcast. "There’s interest from a lot of clubs in him. I did hear over the summer that Arsenal like him. They are allowed to like him… it doesn’t mean Liverpool will sell him. They want to renew his contract."
