Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all hunting some huge signings ahead of the January window. Arsenal are rumoured to be looking at an Atletico Madrid star, though it isn’t Julian Alvarez. Rather the Gunners are now said to have their eyes on Alex Baena, in addition to the likes of Kenan Yildiz and Antonio Nusa. However, it will be tough to secure a deal for top target Eli Junior Kroupi, while Martin Zubimendi could be on the move.
Manchester United are being linked with a sensational January swoop for Ivan Toney, though managerial target Unai Emery is set to pen a new contract at Aston Villa. JJ Gabriel looks poised to complete a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, while Chelsea could swoop for Harrison Armstrong and Tomas Aranda as they look to win the race for Alex Scott over Liverpool, who could sign Lamine Camara instead amid more reports over a shock Anfield comeback for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Tottenham could face a fight to keep both Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall away from Barcelona, while they continue to chase a host of strikers possibly including Younes Ebnoutalib and Gustavo Varela. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Harry Kane signs record-breaking Bayern Munich contract
The Ballon d’Or winner has been in talks with the reigning Bundesliga champions for months now regarding a lucrative extension to his previous deal that was due to expire next summer.
Kane is now tied to Bayern until 2029 on a record-breaking contract that is said to make him the highest-paid player in Europe by salary.
The England captain will be 36 by the time it expires, meaning he may well now never return to the Premier League and looks destined to stay second on the list of all-time top scorers behind Alan Shearer.
The struggling Red Devils are desperate for more firepower under Michael Carrick with first-choice striker Benjamin Sesko out until January with his lingering shin injury.
According to Football Insider, United want England star Toney, who now plays his football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.
They are more likely to make a loan move for the former Brentford frontman than a permanent offer, however.
Arsenal could be lining up a shock move for an Atletico Madrid star that ISN’T Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners chased a high-profile deal for the Argentine striker throughout the closing stages of a hectic summer transfer window and are understood to have retained their interest in his services.
However, it seems that one of Alvarez’s team-mates at the Metropolitano Stadium has now caught Mikel Arteta’s eye.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are keeping close tabs on highly-rated Spain midfielder Alex Baena, though could face serious competition for his signing.
Tottenham face triple transfer decision
Tottenham goalkeeper Luca Gunter will assess his loan options in January after being recalled from Boreham Wood last month, writes Sam Tabuteau.
Gunter joined the runaway National League leaders over the summer and immediately secured his spot as their first-choice option, but has returned to Spurs to train with the first team following an injury to third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin.
Standard Sport understands that Gunter will continue to be around first-team training before looking to go back out on loan when the January transfer window opens.
Gunter is one of several academy talents at Tottenham who are assessing their options ahead of the January window, with Tyrese Hall expected to have both loan and permanent offers on the table.
Under-21s captain James Rowswell is another player who will be potentially looking to leave Spurs on loan in the New Year, having failed to secure a summer switch.
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman and Luca Gunter of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 27, 2024 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman and Luca Gunter of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 27, 2024 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Javi Rodriguez attracting January interest
Celta Vigo defender Javi Rodriguez is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe, writes Sam Tabuteau.
Real Madrid are confident of winning the race to sign Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, who has not returned to Old Trafford since leaving the club in September.
The 16-year-old is currently training independently in Spain after deciding to pursue a pathway towards senior football elsewhere.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest, but Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are considered the leading contenders, according to BBC Sport.
Gabriel has impressed at youth level, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut, and has obtained an EU passport that could ease a move abroad.
United would receive compensation if he leaves, although the fee would be lower for an overseas transfer.
Man Utd in agreement over Carrick sack decision
Michael Carrick has eased pressure on his job with Manchester United ‘s come-from-behind win over Roma, but the threat of the sack remains alive.
Carrick will now hope his team have momentum ahead of a crucial clash with Aston Villa on Sunday before the international break. The head coach will now that he is not yet out of the woods.
United's hierarchy held crisis talks over the head coach's position after a 3-0 defeat home defeat to the hands Bournemouth earlier in October.
However, United opted against making an immediate change last month, allowing Carrick to remain in charge for defeat at Chelsea and Tuesday’s late triumph over Roma.
According to The Athletic, Man Utd chiefs last week agreed to keep Carrick in post for the visit of Roma and Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League before reassessing the situation during the break.
Man Utd chiefs are said to be happy for Carrick to remain in charge until the international break, at which point a new manager could be appointment and given extra time to settle in the job before domestic football return.
Martin Odegaard targeted as Arsenal fear raid on squad
Caught Offside claim that the German champions have reportedly maintained contact with Odegaard’s representatives ahead of a possible swoop.
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, the Ecuador international’s versatility has attracted interest, although Arsenal are reluctant to lose him during the season.
Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi is reportedly prepared to consider leaving the Emirates in January after struggling for regular minutes.
TEAMtalk claims several European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern, have been made aware of his situation.
Arsenal summer arrival admits surprise with key appointment
The Belgian began work at Arsenal in the summer, arriving from Strasbourg where he had been technical director since 2024.
De Maesschalck oversees the Gunners' academy programme, taking over from Per Mertesacker after he left at the end of last season having been in the role for eight years.
In an interview with Sporza, De Maesschalck revealed he viewed the interview process with Arsenal as a good opportunity in itself, before he ended up then getting the job.