Alex Scott, Michael Carrick, Eli Junior Kroupi
Alex Scott, Michael Carrick, Eli Junior Kroupi
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are stepping up their transfer plans ahead of January, though Manchester United are first preoccupied with Michael Carrick's future as manager after another dismal defeat. The Gunners are said to be targeting Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena and Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl. Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be competing for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
Man Utd’s recruitment plans could depend on who is in charge, with Michael Carrick facing an uncertain future after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth extended the club’s winless run to eight matches. Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Unai Emery have been linked with the managerial vacancy as pressure mounts on Carrick.
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Kylian Mbappe’s situation and have been linked with a sensational return for former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has also emerged as a potential target. Tottenham, meanwhile, are being linked with Real Madrid forward Endrick. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Sean Dyche is frontrunner for Crystal Palace job
Sean Dyche has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace following Sunday’s damaging 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United. Palace are just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
According to The Telegraph, Dyche is a prominent option as Palace assess Sage’s future. The former Burnley and Everton manager has been out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest in February and is renowned for guiding teams away from relegation trouble.
Thomas Frank and Vitor Pereira could also enter the frame if Palace make a change. Sage is under mounting pressure after winning only two league matches since his appointment, with crucial fixtures against Tottenham and Liverpool approaching.
Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United is in serious doubt following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. The result extended United’s winless run to eight games, increasing pressure on the club’s hierarchy to make a decision.
According to Sky Sports, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the leading candidates if Carrick departs. Howe would consider the role, while recruitment chief Christopher Vivell is understood to favour former Germany boss Nagelsmann.
Unai Emery and Antonio Conte have also been considered, although Emery remains committed to Aston Villa. United’s decision-makers are expected to accelerate their search as Carrick’s position becomes increasingly precarious.
According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have contacted potential suitors, with Karl’s situation potentially becoming a major transfer story in 2027.
Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness has also warned the teenager to remain humble, insisting comparisons with Michael Olise are premature.
Man Utd make Carrick sack decision
Michael Carrick remains on the brink of the sack after Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth stretched their winless run to eight matches.
Carrick came in to replace Ruben Amorim in January and inspired a stellar end to the 2025/26 campaign, qualifying United for the Champions League, but he has been unable to continue that form into the new season.
A dismal start to the new campaign has seen United win just one of their first eight league matches, with a tally of just seven points leaving them 16th in the Premier League.
Carrick was said to be close to dismissal after United were handed one of their worst Champions League defeats in recent memory on Wednesday night, losing 4-0 away at Cesc Fabregas’ Como, and the mood at the club has only worsened after their losing return to Old Trafford.
Per reports from Sky Sports, Carrick’s tenure is now “hanging by a thread,” and there is an expectation he could be relieved of his duties in the coming days.
Clear favourite to be new Man Utd manager
Eddie Howe is the clear favourite to take over as Manchester United manager, with Michael Carrick on the brink of being sacked.
Carrick’s day appeared to be numbered after another humbling defeat, as Bournemouth brushed Man Utd aside at Old Trafford on Sunday to leave the club sitting in 17th in the Premier League table.
The former midfielder was given a reprieve earlier this week despite a dismal loss in the Champions League at Como, but has now been sacked just five months after being appointed as permanent manager on a two-year deal.
Julian Nagelsmann, out of work since leaving the German national team after the World Cup, has reportedly been sounded out as an option.
Ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is available and said to be keen to take on a large-scale challenge at a club which has fallen on hard times. Antonio Conte is also out of work and made no secret of his desire for the job.
Chelsea transfer timeline predicted
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea need to finalise their January transfer plans after next month’s international break, according to Gus Poyet.
The Blues bought 10 new first-team players in the summer and will continue to evolve their squad over future transfer windows.
One position where Chelsea look light and may seek to add depth is in midfield.
They sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City and missed out on sealing the signing of Lamine Camara from Monaco at the 11th hour on Deadline Day, before captain Reece James suffered a knee injury that required surgery and is expected to keep him out of action until mid-January.
Arsenal plot January move for £42m striker Nicolo Tresoldi
Arsenal are reportedly considering a January move for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options.
According to Tuttosport, the Gunners are interested in the Germany Under-21 international, who has enjoyed an impressive start to the season. Tresoldi has scored nine goals in 12 appearances, including a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
The 21-year-old is reportedly valued at around £42m after Club Brugge rejected a £30m offer from Roma in August. Arsenal could face competition from AC Milan, while a potential reunion with former Brugge team-mate Christos Tzolis may appeal to the north London club.
Arsenal are assessing their options ahead of the January transfer window as they look to add further firepower to their forward line. However, no agreement has been reached, and it remains to be seen whether the Premier League champions will make a formal approach for Tresoldi.
Chelsea are said to be ‘hot on the trail’ of Como’s Nico Paz after he picked Manchester United apart in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Per reports from Tutto Mercato, Real Madrid hold a buyback option worth €80m for the Argentine, but Como will demand far more than that for any other interested clubs - Chelsea included.
Arsenal and Liverpool in £60m Kevin Schade fight
The German forward continues to go from strength to strength at high-flying Brentford, attracting plenty of interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen on a deal for Schade, who has scored three goals for the Bees so far this season.