Manchester United have identified Nico Paz as the successor to Bruno Fernandes and the man to build their new team around.

That's according to a new report that puts the Red Devils in the midst of a bidding war for the Argentine superstar, with compatriot Mauricio Pochettino about to take the reins at Old Trafford.

Pochettino is stepping down from his role with the United States to become the eighth man to take the Manchester United job on a permanent basis since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 – and there could be a huge statement made in the market.

Manchester United are looking to replace Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has been arguably the greatest United buy of the post-Ferguson era, but after having the season of his life last term, the 32-year-old has shown his age this season, and FourFourTwo understands that for the first time, the Red Devils are starting to consider life beyond their talismanic captain.

While Pochettino is widely expected to build around the captain when he officially arrives through the door, Fichajes reports that United are one of a handful of European heavyweights vying to sign Como superstar Paz.

The outlet stars that the 22-year-old is seen as “a key figure to lead the team's rebuilding”, adding, “the club views him as a clear choice to replace Bruno Fernandes” – but it certainly won't be easy to lure him, with rivals able to offer more.

Premier League champions Arsenal are named among the suitors as they “see him as the ideal successor to Martin Odegaard”, with the 27-year-old Norwegian out of contract in 2028, while Chelsea are also mentioned in an ambitious plan to combine Paz with Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.

Paris Saint-Germain are named as the final giant in the quartet to “intensify contact” with Paz and Como in December, though two stumbling blocks remain for all four in their bid to secure the playmaker.

When the Northern Italian outfit purchased Paz from Real Madrid, Los Blancos inserted an €80 million buy-back clause – and while Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham are currently shining at the Bernabeu, they also have a 50 per cent sell-on clause for any future deal.

This could drive the price up for Paz – along with any potential bidding war – with Como keen on receiving a £100m fee for a player they believe to be a generational talent.

United's pitch to Paz will surely centre on something that none of the other suitors can offer, however, in making him the face of their new project.

While Pochettino could well draw on coaching a fellow Argentine and note his excellent work in the past with the likes of Dele Alli and Cole Palmer at No.10, United have the space to allow Paz to flourish – if he is willing to take the huge leap to a side who are nowhere near competing for the biggest trophies at this moment in time.

Balogun is worth €50m, according to Transfermarkt. United take on Liverpool when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Manchester United have identified their first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era, and have the go-ahead for a move.

The Argentine is set to become the fourth permanent head coach of the INEOS era after Manchester United decided to dismiss Michael Carrick, with the former Red Devils midfielder having won just once in the first 10 games of the season.

Pochettino has already decided on a first transfer target, too – with Arsenal's Hale End academy another source for the club.

Manchester United are in need of new impetus up front

Two of United's early INEOS buys came from the Gunners, with the new ownership looking for value in youngsters they could develop.

Ayden Heaven has proven to be a smart signing, while 18-year-old Chido Obi is still developing out on loan at Willem II.

TEAMtalk are now reporting that Pochettino is eyeing a move for Folarin Balogun in January, with United lacking a focal point in attack while Benjamin Sesko is injured.

The New York City-born centre-forward came through Arsenal's academy and made his first-team debut under manager Mikel Arteta, but after an excellent loan spell at Reims, the North Londoners found the idea of selling the star for pure profit too good to resist.

Balogun has struggled a little more at Monaco, however, and almost moved to Everton over the summer after a star turn under Pochettino for the USMNT at a World Cup on home soil.

The report states that Balogun has given his approval to a move to Old Trafford – should it materialise – with United looking at improving a floundering squad in the winter window.

Monaco, meanwhile, are open to business in January, preferring a sale to a loan – though would consider a temporary arrangement if a good clause was included in the negotiations.

TEAMtalk have also noted that US right-back Alex Freeman is a player that Pochettino regards highly, with both full-back roles problem positions for the Red Devils.

Tim Howard and Jonathan Spector remain the only American players to have represented the 13-time Premier League winners in the 21st Century.

Balogun is worth €50m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal take on Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Arsenal have been told the chances of signing Antonio Nusa in January are “almost impossible”.

The Gunners left themselves somewhat short in attack over the summer, bringing in Christos Tzolis to strengthen the frontline but losing Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who have all played a huge role under manager Mikel Arteta.

With Arsenal competing on three fronts and looking to retain a title, plenty are of the belief that the club simply need an A-list attacker to take them up a gear – with January earmarked as an opportunity for a purchase.

Antonio Nusa move to Arsenal looks unlikelier by the day

Arsenal currently have two senior players for each available position across their frontline, with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke primarily fighting it out for a spot on the right flank, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres splitting minutes up front and Tzolis competing with Eberechi Eze for a place on the left wing.

But while Tzolis is particularly inexperienced at the top level, Eze isn't a natural on the left, preferring a central spot, with Arteta seemingly reluctant to use him there permanently and Madueke even playing on that side on occasion this season, too.

Nusa has emerged as a serious target target, with Sport Witness noting that the Gunners sent a “delegation” to Leipzig last week to watch the Norwegian in action.

But Sky Germany are reporting that a deal is “almost impossible”, with RB Leipzig only about to consider an “astonomical offer”.

Arsenal have had previous in negotiating with the East German outfit, settling on signing Gyokeres when they couldn't negotiate a lower price for Slovenian forward, Benjamin Sesko – who eventually joined Manchester United instead.

It perhaps strengthens Leipzig's hand that they sold Yan Diomande to Real Madrid over the summer for a nine-figure fee, and with January not exactly the best time to grab a bargain, Arsenal are well aware that they're going to have to pay a premium to bring in game-changing talent to their squad.

The Premier League champions also have Eli Junior Kroupi on their shortlist, with Bournemouth likely to demand a record sale for their wonderkid after selling Antoine Semenyo last January, and the contract uncertainty over their other big-name talent, Alex Scott, meaning that a £100 million move may be slipping away from them with the Guernsey schemer.

Nusa has been in sparkling form this season, notching six goals and eight assists in just 15 appearances following the loss of Diomande to Madrid.

The 21-year-old also took on a starring role for his country during the summer, as Norway reached the quarter-finals of their first World Cup since 1998.

Nusa is worth €45m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal take on Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro has opened up about leaving N17 once again.

The World Cup winner signed a new deal with the Lilywhites over the summer to keep him in North London until 2031, after back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

After well-documented interest from Spanish giants, the Tottenham man has opened up to boldly tell reporters “it's true” he will return to his homeland, as Real Madrid and Barcelona circle for his signature.

Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro: 'I don’t want to get into any trouble - but it’s true, and no secret…'

In comments relayed by Sport Witness, Porro has opened up once again to link himself away from Spurs.

The outlet records this as the sixth time that the Spaniard has spoken about moving – despite the implication that he's talking about his long-term future – with Porro even prefacing his comments this time with, “I don’t want to get into any trouble”.

“I’ve just renewed my contract with Tottenham,” Porro began, “I have a great deal of respect for my club, and I’m very grateful for the support they give me.

“It’s true, and no secret, that I hope to return to Spain one day, as it’s my home country. But first and foremost, I want to emphasise my respect for the club I’m currently under contract with. As for the future, well, we’ll see.”

As long ago as March, the 27-year-old spoke of a “dream” when asked about Real Madrid interest, while most recently, he called Barcelona president Joan Laporte's praise of him “flattering” and said, “I’m focused on the national team now, and then we’ll see.”

Real were initially linked with a move for Porro towards the back end of last season but after purchasing Denzel Dumfries to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold – and manager Jose Mourinho deploying Federico Valverde at full-back, too – it appears as if the door has closed on Porro moving to the Bernabeu for now.

Barça, meanwhile, have their own defensive issues with Jules Kounde currently out injured – while La Masia duo Brian Farinas and Xavi Espart have both started at right-back for boss Hansi Flick.

With Ronald Araujo on loan at Liverpool and Kounde linked with an exit over the summer, there is certainly potential for the Blaugrana to shop for a new right-back in the coming months.

Whether Porro really is talking about returning to Spain now or in the distant future will surely become apparent, should Barça come calling for his services.

The Spurs man is worth €45 million, according to Transfermarkt. Spurs host Ipswich Town when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Liverpool have a deal in place for their first signing of the January transfer window.

The Reds enjoyed a solid summer improving their options in attack and defence, with nine-figure Bradley Barcola leading the charge, and Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Victor Munoz also signing.

But with Liverpool still somewhat lacking in the centre of the park, manager Andoni Iraola's next buy will address fans' concerns about the lack of bite in midfield.

Liverpool look to have beaten Chelsea to their first January signing

After Chelsea's electric start suggested new manager Xabi Alonso could muster a title challenge, the Blues have encountered a few stumbling blocks, with slow-starting Liverpool now above them in the table.

Iraola and Alonso both know each other from growing up in the Basque Country, and the former may now pip the latter to a signing that could transform either club's season.

According to Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail claimed that Lamine Camara is a name that “won't go away”.

“Chelsea sources I’ve spoken to believe Liverpool may have a deal in place with the player,” Steele mentioned, adding, “Trey Nyoni being brilliant but only 19, you do wonder if this is one [sporting director Julian] Ward could bring forward.”

Last month, TEAMtalk revealed that Liverpool had stepped up efforts to land the Monaco midfielder when they were knocked back in a move for controversial Borussia Dortmund man, Felix Nmecha.

Chelsea had a deal in place for Camara towards the end of the transfer window, but the move was called off when Monaco pulled the plug.

The principality outfit were in the process of selling Folarin Balogun to Everton, too, when the United States international pulled out of his medical and refused to travel to Merseyside – with both players remaining in Ligue 1.

Liverpool began the campaign with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in a double-pivot, though they lacked defensive awareness, with better form coming since the teenage Nyoni was drafted into the centre.

FourFourTwo understands that the Reds are on the hunt for full-backs and another right-winger, too, in the upcoming window.

Camara is worth €55 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool face Manchester United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Arsenal are on the cusp of losing a major star this January.

The Gunners enjoyed a solid if not spectacular summer transfer window, bringing in Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis to add quality and depth to a title-winning side.

But with competition fierce for places, it appears that one Arsenal player is set to leave to seek game time elsewhere.

Arsenal are flying at the top of the table - but not everyone is content

Mikel Arteta's side are top of the Premier League table, five points clear, unbeaten in the Champions League, and have only lost twice in all competitions this season.

But not everyone is happy with their role in N5, and now, RNE Deportes originally broke the news of a departure, with further updated relayed in a report by Sport Witness.

Martin Zubimendi is on the cusp of leaving for Atletico Madrid, as per Relevo, with his relationship with Arteta said to be “cold”, following “friction towards the end of last season”.

Another Spanish outlet, AS, adds that Arsenal need to sell, and would like to recoup the £50 million they spent on the Basque midfielder.

Zubimendi only moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2025, with the Gunners beating a host of rivals for his signature after a star turn in the Euro 2024 final.

The 27-year-old became an instant hit alongside Declan Rice in Arteta's engine room, providing the progression and anticipation that the side had missed in that area of the pitch, becoming almost ever-present in the first half of Arsenal's title-winning season.

But as the season neared the run-in, Zubimendi found himself dropped in favour of Hale Ender, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and didn't start the Champions League final – with Arsenal upgrading in the summer to sign Bruno Guimaraes.

Zubimendi has not started a single league game in midfield for Arsenal this term, finding himself fourth in the pecking order in midfield.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal would rather not sell the World Cup winner this January and would prefer to wait until the summer to assess the situation further.

Zubimendi is worth €65m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal travel away to Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Liverpool are looking to Bart Verbruggen of Brighton & Hove Albion as their successor in goal to Alisson.

Verbruggen has been in spectacular form for the high-flying Seagulls this season, keeping seven clean sheets in 10 Premier League appearances, with the Sussex outfit finding themselves second in the table – four points ahead of Liverpool.

Such good form means increased interest in some of Brighton's top performers, however, with the Reds turning attentions to the Amex.

Liverpool monitoring Bart Verbruggen of Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is out of contract at the end of the season, with his imperiously high level having perhaps dropped this season with age.

The Brazilian is now 34 and has made a couple of high-profile errors this season – while his comments admitting that he missed Liverpool matches last season “to prepare for the World Cup” have not gone down well with fans.

Now, TEAMtalk have revealed in a report that the Merseysiders have begun to look to the future between the sticks and have identified Verbruggen as a “credible candidate who could provide stability and quality” in taking the No.1 shirt at Anfield.

Alisson was a transformational signing for previous manager Jurgen Klopp in the wake of Loris Karius' two mistakes in the 2018 Champions League final, establishing himself as arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League since joining the Reds from Roma on what was an all-time record for a keeper at the time.

Liverpool looked to future-proof the position in 2025 when they swooped for highly-rated Georgian, Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the 26-year-old has struggled to command the same kind of aura as Alisson.

Next summer, manager Andoni Iraola will welcome 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans from Belgian side Genk in a move that could rise to an impressive £30 million – but a need remains for a senior figure to replace their current first-choice in goal.

Verbruggen is said to be happy at Brighton, though there is interest in his services from Real Madrid, too, who are looking to life beyond Thibaut Courtois themselves.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler will not entertain offers for the Dutchman in January, according to the report, with the player himself reiterating that he is fully focused on life on the south coast.

“I don’t know what will happen in the future: no one knows,” Verbruggen stated recently, adding, “All I know is that, at the moment, I’m very happy in Brighton.”

The Seagulls stopper is worth €40 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool face Manchester United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Manchester United could be about to land Jobe Bellingham as their long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes.

The Red Devils' poor start to the season has been punctuated by the uncertainty surrounding their captain, with Fernandes having fallen out with manager Michael Carrick earlier this season.

Looking to a future beyond the 32-year-old, recent England call-up Bellingham has now emerged as a potential option in the middle for Manchester United.

Bruno Fernandes out, Jobe Bellingham in for Manchester United?

Fernandes was dropped by Carrick for the match against Bournemouth, following comments made after the Red Devils' 4-1 humbling by Como in the Champions League.

United fans sang Carrick's name after the loss to the Cherries, however, and booed the players – with Fernandes making up with the manager and returning to the starting line-up ever since.

Yet according to Fichajes, the Portuguese is still a target for Atletico Madrid, as they look to take advantage of the situation.

The report names Bellingham as a “gamble” that the club could well take to replace their talismanic playmaker, with the 21-year-old thriving at Borussia Dortmund, just as brother Jude did previously.

Jobe has recently been named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the November internationals alongside his elder sibling, who he shares a similar profile with.

Despite Fichajes noting that “there is no evidence of an offer from United” just yet, however, the Red Devils were heavily invested in Jude Bellingham when he was on the move and could well take a similar interest in Jobe.

United offered £30 million for Jude when he was a Birmingham City youngster, as per Sky Sports, only for the player himself to choose the Bundesliga for his own development.

Jobe has had a similar path, moving from Birmingham to Sunderland before making the switch to Signal Iduna Park at the start of last season.

Bellingham is worth €40 million, according to Transfermarkt. Manchester United travel away to Liverpool when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been given a massive boost of three agreements all set to be signed.

The Gunners entered the season somewhat uncertainly with a squad that had lost the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus in attack – but after 10 Premier League fixtures, the champions are at the top of the table, five points clear, with nine of their 10 matches won.

With Arsenal looking to strengthen in attack in January, Arteta's side may well only be getting started, with more good news coming off the pitch.

Arsenal are nearing three huge agreements to be signed before the window opens

Perhaps the biggest signing that Arsenal have made throughout 2026 has been Arteta himself signing a new extension to remain in N5 until 2029.

And now, there are three more agreements in the works that the club are looking to get signed.

According to TEAMtalk, the contract extensions of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are all “on course to be finalised” before 2027.

While there have been rumours of the Norwegian being a target for Bayern Munich, Odegaard has been integral to the rise and consistency of Arteta's side since assuming the captaincy in 2022/23, and this season has a renaissance in terms of his performances for the Gunners after returning from injury woes.

Odegaard scored the goal that won Arsenal the match against Hull City at the weekend, while Rice won Player of the Match last week against Liverpool, with an assist for Kai Havertz' winner.

Rice is still Arsenal's all-time record signing and has emerged as arguably the club's most important player in the last year or so, with Bukayo Saka playing less due to injury – even taking the captaincy in Odegaard's absence on occasion, too.

Timber, meanwhile, remains Arteta's first-choice right-back – despite the return to form of Ben White – and is still only 25 years old.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal are assessing the transfer market for a possible move in attack this winter, with Antonio Nusa high on the list of targets.

Arsenal travel away to Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Aston Villa are bracing themselves for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain interest in one of their newest recruits.

Villa are in a strong position for the future, with Guillem Balague writing for the BBC this week that manager Unai Emery is close to agreeing a contract extension in the Midlands that will see him given even more responsibility over the long-term development of the club.

But the Europa League winners could well have to fend off interest in some of their newest stars, with more European giants circling for their new signings, after it was revealed earlier this week that Barcelona have interest in Johan Manzambi.

Aston Villa will have to fend off Real Madrid and PSG for their new signing

Emery oversaw a huge rebuild at Villa Park over the summer, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins all leaving the club.

With the spine of a successful side ripped from squad, the Basque has started strongly this term, bedding in replacements like Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson to keep Villa competing on four fronts.

One particularly impressive new signing, Zion Suzuki, has caught the eye for his elite distribution – and now, TEAMtalk are reporting that both Real and PSG are interested in the Japanese international.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a good World Cup and has been an outstanding replacement for Martinez in goal, despite big clubs having passed on signing him in the past.

Manchester United were linked with him at one point, while FourFourTwo understands that PSG have previously considered a move for Suzuki, only to pass up the opportunity.

Los Blancos are said to be working on a short-term extension for veteran glovesman Thibaut Courtois, but with the club looking to the future between the sticks, Suzuki has emerged as a serious target who could hold down the position for the next decade.

TEAMtalk have also noted Liverpool are monitoring the situation, given the uncertainty surrounding Alisson Becker's future.

Villa will, of course, be in no rush to sell a player that they have only just signed, with Emery keen to build around the new core that the club has assembled – and with the club back in the Champions League and upgrading their stadium, there is certainly hope that there isn't as much need to sell this group of players as there was with the last.

Arsenal and Manchester City are also named in the report as two clubs checking on the long-term viability of signing Suzuki.

The Japanese is worth €30 million, according to Transfermarkt. Villa travel to Manchester United this weekend as Premier League action continues.

The father of Arsenal star Mikel Merino has explained the conditions in which his son will depart the club.

Merino has established himself as a cult hero at Arsenal, playing as a makeshift centre-forward during injury crises and chipping in with vital goals, but since moving to North London in the summer of 2024, he hasn't established himself as a first choice in manager Mikel Arteta's midfield.

This has led to talk that he could depart the Emirates Stadium for a return to Spain, as he looks to play more regularly for club and country.

Mikel Merino's Arsenal situation is “impacting” his national team role

As relayed by Sport Witness, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has relegated Merino to a substitute role with the national team, while the midfielder played just 193 minutes at the World Cup.

Last month, Merino's father – Angel Miguel, a former professional footballer himself – laid out the conditions for his son moving back to La Liga, claiming, “he’ll want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation”.

Spanish outlet La Razon has since reported that Atletico Madrid want to sign the La Roja star on loan with a purchase option.

The 30-year-old has started just once in the Premier League this term but started three of Arsenal's four Champions League games, with Arteta using him as an alternative No.10 option to Martin Odegaard.

With Arsenal boasting the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, Merino's chances of starting regularly are slim, but Arteta has leaned on his hold-up play and close control to help see out matches this season, with the star appearing in every single fixture so far.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal value Merino as a key member of the squad, however, despite the limited minutes.

The Spaniard is one of Arteta's leadership group, taking the captaincy from Odegaard on occasion in the Norwegian's absence this season, with many suggesting that Merino will take up coaching in the future.

Merino's contract runs until 2028, but with Arsenal in no desperate need to raise funds or sell a player in his prime, they could still choose to hold on to the midfielder until the end of his deal.

No discussions have taken place about an extension for the midfielder.

Merino is worth €25 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Hull City this weekend when Premier League action resumes.

Manchester City’s start to the 2026/27 season under Enzo Maresca has received a blow, with reports emerging that Rayan Ait-Nouri’s representatives are actively and publicly seeking a way out of the Etihad Stadium for their client.

The Algerian international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s more dynamic attacking full-backs, has found himself out of the side under the Italian. Frustration has seemingly now reached a point of no return.

According to L'Equipe, which was subsequently relayed by Get French Football News, Ait-Nouri’s camp has lost patience with Maresca’s handling of the 25-year-old.

Ait-Nouri: 'I want out of Man City'

The player's entourage delivered a blunt assessment of his current predicament, declaring: "He can’t remain in a situation where his talent is wasted."

That admission provides a window into the growing disconnect between Maresca and certain members his squad. Since taking the reins at the Etihad, the former Chelsea boss has adhered to a tactical style that has bypassed Ait-Nouri’s natural overlapping instincts.

Ait-Nouri’s sidelining could be framed as particularly confusing given Man City’s recent struggles to break down low-block defences - a scenario where the Algerian’s ball-carrying ability and final-third delivery usually prove effective.

Instead, he has been restricted to cameo appearances and domestic cup starts, a downgrade in status that has not gone unnoticed by those representing him.

The January transfer window now looks a possible escape route for Ait-Nouri, following his camp's public agitating. With his entourage pushing for a resolution, there will no doubt be a host of Champions League contenders closely monitoring the situation, aware that a player of his calibre rarely becomes available mid-season.

For Maresca, the immediate challenge is finding a way to quell the mounting concerns within his ranks and restore order to the squad.

If players like Ait-Nouri feel their prime years are being squandered, and are emboldened enough to speak out about it, there is every chance more marginalised members of Maresca's squad will follow suit.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has blocked two outgoings from North London this January.

That's according to new reports that claim the champions are having to fend off interest from European giants for some of their biggest stars who have started the season slowly.

With the Gunners now top of the league and in a strong position to go deep in the Champions League, it appears that Arteta wants to keep the squad that won him the Premier League last term.

Arsenal won't be selling in January

It may only just be November, but Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been linked with an Emirates Stadium exit this January since the transfer window last closed.

The 2026 World Cup winner signed for Arteta last summer ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona in a huge coup for the club, but has already found himself fourth in the pecking order in midfield, following the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly as an option in the engine room and the signing of Bruno Guimaraes over the summer.

Now, Sport Witness have reported that Arteta has had to block Zubimendi leaving in the winter window along with Piero Hincapie, whose start to the season has been interrupted by injury and the excellent form of fellow left-back, Riccardo Calafiori.

Hincapie originally joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the same window as Zubimendi, becoming a valuable first-teamer by the end of the season and starting in the Champions League final ahead of Calafiori, before the Gunners made his signing permanent.

Now, reports from Spain have claimed that Barcelona would like to bring the versatile Ecuadorian to Catalonia in the midst of their defensive crisis – but that Arteta doesn't want to deplete his squad and sanction the sale.

The Gunners boss is equally “reluctant” to let Zubimendi go, having invested a lot of effort in his signing and fought off heavy competition, with FourFourTwo understanding that Arsenal see his role potentially increasing as the season progresses.

Last term, the Basque controller was almost ever-present alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park, before suffering burnout and dropping to the bench in favour of Lewis-Skelly – with Arteta recognising that he could well push himself into the first-team picture once again, if the reverse happens this season.

The Premier League champions understand that to compete for the biggest prizes this season, they will likely need to bring in players in January rather than sell, having left themselves somewhat short in attacking areas over the summer.

Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard all left before the season began, with just Christos Tzolis replacing the trio and Eberechi Eze given more of a chance to play on the left wing.

Arsenal travel to Slavia Prague as Champions League action continues tonight.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has rebuilt the Midlands outfit, and has his team looking steady on all fronts after a crazy summer.

After winning the Europa League, the Basque boss saw the spine of his side ripped out, with Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins all sold – and Aston Villa started the season understandably poorly as a result.

Emery has steadied the ship impressively, but with interest from Manchester United, could Villa's next transfer move be the one that sees him call time on his tenure in the Midlands?

Aston Villa to be raided again - what more can Unai Emery do?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are tracking on of Villa's major acquisitions of the summer, Johan Manzambi.

The Swiss midfielder featured for Emery's side last night at Camp Nou, as Barça ran out 3-0 winners in the Champions League.

According to the report, Blaugrana chief Deco and manager Hansi Flick took the opportunity to see Manzambi “up close”, as the Catalan outfit consider whether to launch a move for the Villa record signing in the future.

Villa have been open to selling their biggest talents in recent seasons, using the £100 million earned from the sale of Jack Grealish to reinvest in the squad, while battling Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) for much of Emery's tenure as manager.

Given that the 55-year-old has already rebuilt the squad once, however, a move for Manzambi may prove to be a catalyst that sees him leave Villa Park.

Emery surely can't take Villa too much further – having qualified for the Champions League through the club's league position twice and delivered major silverware – and should the Basque consider his job complete, the sale of a major cornerstone for his next Villa side, in Manzambi, could see any manager consider their future.

While FourFourTwo understands that Emery is fully committed to his project, the sale of major talents next summer – that Villa have only just invested in – would make his job even more difficult.

The former Sevilla, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain manager has been one of the most successful managers in Villa's history, leading the club to seventh, fourth, sixth, and fourth again in the Premier League.

In that time, Emery's side reached the semi-finals of the Conference League and the quarter-finals of the Champions League, before winning the Europa League last season.

Aston Villa travel to Manchester United this weekend as Premier League action continues.

Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha could become the next Red to head to Bayern Munich, with Die Roten eyeing up the star.

The 18-year-old has been fantastic since moving to Anfield at the start of last year, forcing his way into the plans of Arne Slot before the Dutchman was replaced by Andoni Iraola at the start of this season.

But Liverpool may well have shot themselves in the foot when it comes to keeping Ngumoha – thanks to another big-money move they made over the summer.

Bayern Munich to raid Liverpool for a left-winger - again - this time with Rio Ngumoha targeted

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich last summer, and have been busy investing in talents able to play on the left wing position ever since.

Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike can all play there – along with Ngumoha, and new signings Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola.

Now, BILD in Germany has reported that Bayern are eyeing Ngumoha as competition for Diaz, after losing out on signing Barcola.

The Bavarians were reportedly keen on signing the Frenchman but were put off by the fee that Paris Saint-Germain were demanding over the summer, with The Athletic reporting that Barcola signed for the Reds for a whopping £106 million, with £17m in potential add-ons.

Since opting not to sign anyone, Vincent Kompany's side have lost the likes of Diaz, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala to injury, which left Alphonso Davies as the starting left-winger against Arsenal in the Champions League two weeks ago.

Ngumoha would be considerably cheaper than Barcola was, and would follow the same pattern that Bayern followed when signing Musiala.

After the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham blazed a trail by going to the Bundesliga as teenagers to play competitive first-team football, Bayern convinced Stuttgart-born, London-raised Musiala to follow at the age of 16.

Musiala later switched allegiance from England to Germany internationally and has taken the No.10 shirt for club and country.

While Ngumoha has had plenty of first-team action on Merseyside already for his young age, Bayern are said to want to want to strengthen as soon as January to address their current injury crisis – leaving the England international with a major decision to make about the pathway he has under Iraola.

Ngumoha is worth €50m, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool travel to Fenerbahce as Champions League action resumes tonight.

When Barcelona scout an emerging talent, they traditionally expect to do battle with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Bayern Munich. But a new, highly sophisticated apex predator has entered the global transfer ecosystem in recent years, and they operate out of...Sussex.

The Catalan giants are discovering that one of their newest contemporary rivals for the world's most exciting youngsters is Brighton and Hove Albion.

According to a recent report from Portuguese outlet Record, scouts from both Barcelona and Brighton, alongside French side Lille, were in attendance over the weekend to watch 17-year-old defensive midfielder Jordan Arnolin in action for Estoril.

Barcelona and Brighton are fishing in the same ponds

Barcelona's talent-spotters are now rubbing shoulders in directors' boxes with representatives from the Seagulls speaks volumes about the shifting landscape of European recruitment - and the wealth of the Premier League's middle class.

For decades, the traditional super-clubs relied on vast, globe-trotting scouting networks and historical prestige to hoover up top-tier talent. Brighton, though, are rewriting the rulebook entirely.

Under the stewardship of owner Tony Bloom, Brighton have constructed one of the most formidable, data-led recruitment models in world football.

By leveraging highly guarded, unique algorithms, the Premier League club identify undervalued talent across global markets, often in oft overlooked leagues. This quantitative approach allows them to spot underlying performance metrics that suggest a player is destined for the elite level long before their mainstream reputation, and asking price, catches up.

Brighton’s ability to continually unearth promising young players and sign them before the bigger clubs can react has become the envy of European football.

The Seagulls snapped up Moises Caicedo from Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle for a mere £4.5 million, eventually selling him to Chelsea for a British record £115 million. Alexis Mac Allister was plucked from Argentinos Juniors, developed into a World Cup winner, and sold to Liverpool for a massive profit.

Similarly, Kaoru Mitoma was identified at Kawasaki Frontale and transformed, for a time at least, into one of the most feared one-on-one wingers in the English top flight.

For a club like Barcelona, this presents something of an operational problem. The LaLiga heavyweights' well-documented financial issues have severely restricted their ability to engage in £100m bidding wars for established superstars.

Therefore, finding the next big thing at the source is now an absolute necessity rather than a luxury. Yet, whenever they identify a target like Estoril's teenage anchor Arnolin, they find Brighton’s data analysts are already on the scene.

If Arnolin is indeed the next midfield gem to emerge from the Portuguese top flight, Barcelona’s pedigree and the allure of the Spotify Camp Nou will undoubtedly hold weight in negotiations. But the modern teenage footballer is acutely aware that the Amex Stadium is among the most effective finishing schools in the sport.

Liverpool look likely to sell one of their forwards this summer.

The Reds invested heavily in attack over the summer, bringing in Bradley Barcola for over £100 million and adding Victor Munoz to their ranks, too, as the club waved goodbye to Mohamed Salah after nine years of service.

With new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola having plenty of options to choose from in his frontline, however, there has been a slight imbalance, which may be fixed in the winter winter.

Liverpool star to make January exit

Despite the wealth of riches that Liverpool have in attack, it's safe to say that Iraola is still working out his best XI, with the frontline stuttering in recent weeks, and the Basque's side failing to register a shot on target against Arsenal at the weekend.

While Alexander Isak has been in form and Cody Gakpo has looked reborn under the new manager, there are still questions to be answered about where Barcola fits into the picture, how to get the best out of Florian Wirtz, whether Munoz or Rio Ngumoha play on the right flank, and where to play Hugo Ekitike when he returns from injury.

One star who has struggled for game time this season, however, is Federico Chiesa, who TEAMtalk now report is close to leaving the club.

Describing the Italian as “suffering”, Chiesa moved to Anfield in 2024, but made just 14 appearances in all competitions in his first season, as he became just the second Italian player ever to win the Premier League.

Injuries have heavily impacted the 29-year-old's time in England, and now, it's being claimed that he could well return to his homeland, having played just once all season under Iraola.

Chiesa has been consistently linked with Serie A sides during his two years on Merseyside, having failed to hold down a first-team spot – which now seems increasingly unlikely given the options that Liverpool now have.

FourFourTwo understands that the Merseysiders even came close over the summer to signing Yankuba Minteh to strengthen at right-wing, only for the Gambian's move to be called off due to his injury.

Liverpool are still in transition, with the futures of several stars such as Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister still unclear.

Chiesa is worth €10 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool travel to Fenerbahce this week as Champions League action continues this week.

Arsenal have been linked with a breakout star of Hull City's good start to the season.

Well plenty expected the Tigers to be rooted to the bottom of the table following a play-off win at Wembley over the summer, Sergej Jakirovic's men have thus far bucked expectations to find themselves midtable, having lost just twice in their opening nine games.

With Premier League champions Arsenal hosting Hull this weekend, too, North London eyes may well be on one of the stars of the Yorkshire club.

Arsenal linked with surprise move for Hull star

Arsenal are back at the top of the table after a win at Anfield over the weekend saw the Gunners climb to the summit for the first time since winning the league last term – but there have been stutters already this season, as they look to conquer on all fronts once again.

Manager Mikel Arteta is apparently already identifying targets in forward areas, according to The Mirror, with dramatic defeats to the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Fleetwood Town in the League Cup highlighting the lack of depth that the Basque boss seemingly has in attack.

One potential option is Mohamed Belloumi, according to a new report from Maghreb Foot, via Sport Witness.

The winger has been a revelation in the top flight this season, leading the scoring charts for his club and making his international debut for Algeria this season, scoring two goals in his first three caps for the Fennecs.

Sport Witness relays that Beloumi “couldn’t refuse an offer” from Arsenal, who are now linked with a move for the star.

The 24-year-old certainly fits the profile of an Arteta attacker with excellent work ethic, while his ability to play on both flanks if necessary makes him a potential option for cover.

Arsenal already have the likes of Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and 16-year-old Max Dowman to play on the right wing – but with Madueke able to play on the left, Belloumi could be an option to become Saka's deputy, should Arsenal see him as better on that side.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal have their eye on a number of attackers who could strengthen their side either in January or next summer.

RB Leipzig star Antonio Nusa is one particular left-winger who has been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks.

Belloumi is worth €18 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal travel to Slavia Prague this week as Champions League action continues this week.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has agreed his next transfer.

The Argentine centre-back was sent off at the weekend for Man United against Chelsea in manager Michael Carrick's third successive defeat, in what is fast becoming a nightmare campaign at the club.

It follows comments that Martinez made criticising the Red Devils' hierarchy, as things begin to unravel at Old Trafford.

Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has agreed to leave

Martinez joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 in a move worth £57 million, as reported by the BBC, with the Red Devils beating Arsenal to the signing of the defender and then-manager Erik ten Hag reuniting with one of his generals from the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Martinez has shown good form at times during his four years in Manchester, though concerns over the 5ft 9in centre-back's height have persisted during his time in English football.

Recent errors and controversy, meanwhile, have led to rumours that the World Cup winner could be for the chop, after being hauled off at half-time against Leeds United, being excluded from Carrick's squad against Como, and only featuring as a substitute in the defeat to Bournemouth.

Now, Fichajes in Spain has cited insiders in a report saying Martinez has reached a “preliminary agreement” on personal terms to join Atletico Madrid.

Martinez's contract runs until 2027, with United holding an option for an extra year, making this a good time to cash in – and with the player apparently unhappy at Carrington, La Liga giants are circling for his signature.

Barcelona have also reportedly held an interest, with Frenkie De Jong filling in at centre-back recently for manager Hansi Flick.

While FourFourTwo understands that Martinez is still some way off from a full agreement for his exit from United, both player and employer appear to be content to go their separate ways as soon as possible.

The report states that the Rojiblancos “have to decide whether to try to bring the move forward into the winter transfer window or wait until the summer”, citing financial considerations for opting not to sign Martinez in January.

Martinez is worth €45m, according to Transfermarkt. United take on Roma this week, as Champions League action continues.

This kind of nonsense usually only surfaces around the international break.

An incredible stat, however, has re-emerged concerning Manchester City goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus (remember him?) and his opposite number Nick Colgan (remember him? No?) from around 20 years ago that's sure to blow your mind.

And after digging, it gets even stranger.

The weirdest stat in football? Yeah, possibly

Back in 2004/05, only two matches across the entirety of Great Britain in all competitions ended 7-1 – which is not that strange, given that it's an unusual scoreline.

The first came when Man City smashed Barnsley in the League Cup in September, with Waterreus between the sticks for the Citizens and Colgan conceding those seven goals for the Tykes.

The other match that ended with that scoreline, you ask? Well, obviously it was another League Cup game – this time north of the border – between Rangers and Dundee United.

The goalkeepers in that match, you ask? Take a wild guess.

That's right: David James' back-up, Waterreus, had moved to the Gers in search of more game time in January, while Colgan joined United on loan in January 2005.

But the oddness doesn't end there: both matches were club debuts for Waterreus.

The symmetry is startling, especially when you consider that the Dutchman played just a handful of times at City, while Colgan made just two appearances during that stint in Scottish football.

With the fact making its way back onto social media recently, it's probably time to remind everyone of just how much of an incredible coincidence it really is.

So much so, that it featured on a list of extraordinary football facts we published last year…

Arsenal full-back Riccardo Calafiori could leave the club in a shock move.

That's according to a new report, which claims that the champions have to be wary that their superstar Italian could be about to depart North London after three years.

Calafiori has been excellent for Arsenal this season – but with the star's contract reaching the two-year mark next summer, the Gunners might have to consider cashing in if they can't extend.

Riccardo Calafiori a huge target across Europe, with Arsenal on alert

The Gunners won their first fixture at Anfield in 14 years yesterday, with Calafiori a member of the back four that kept yet another clean sheet in the Premier League to go top of the table.

The 24-year-old has arguably been the North Londoners' player of the season thus far, chipping in with goals and assists in attack, while remaining a part of the most impressive back four on the continent.

This has alerted Real Madrid, who are weighing up a move for the defender, as per TEAMtalk.

Los Blancos signed Marc Cucurella over the summer to bolster their options at left-back, but with Calafiori able to play centrally, Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho is said to value the Arsenal man's versatility, considering him a “dream” signing and Real “enquiring” about a move, after playing the star nine times during his time as Roma manager.

FourFourTwo understands that Real were in the race for the Italian when he eventually left Bologna for North London in 2024, with Arsenal rushing to complete the signing, believing that it was a significant upgrade in that area of the pitch.

But while Calafiori has unlocked a new dimension to manager Mikel Arteta's attack when he's been fit, his contract ticking down – with an expiry in 2029 – may represent an opportunity to sell the star.

FourFourTwo understands that the champions plan to address his extension along with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, though with Calafiori having suffered a number of injuries during his time in English football, Arsenal may have to weigh up whether an attractive bid – and Calafiori's own interest in Real – makes a sale appealing.

Calafiori suffered a potentially career-ending knee injury as a teenager, only to bounce back impressively and rebuild his career via a spell in Switzerland.

Since moving to the Premier League, however, the Rome-born star has suffered eight separate injuries, missing 13 matches in all competitions after Christmas last season, and seeing Piero Hincapie start the Champions League final ahead of him.

Calafiori is worth €65 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal travel to Slavia Prague this week as Champions League action continues this week.

Manchester City have been given a lifeline to sell an underperforming player, after defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion made it three losses in four.

The Citizens started their campaign with seven straight wins in the Premier League under new manager Enzo Maresca, but the last two weeks have brought Manchester City back down to earth, with champions Arsenal replacing them at the top of the league over the weekend.

Despite heavy investment over the summer, there are several questions over Maresca's best XI – and now, City could be offered an option to offload one of their bigger signings in the coming months.

Real Madrid want Manchester City star - giving the club an easy out

Over the past three seasons, City have invested over a billion pounds in their playing squad, buying the likes of Ayyoub Bouaddi, Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson over the summer transfer window of 2026, for a combined £300 million.

Despite the Premier League's charges hanging over the club, it's business as usual for the transfer team – but now, one of the club's biggest-ever signings could be offered an exit route after a disappointing start to his City career.

According to Fichajes and Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid still have an interest in Enzo Fernandez – despite the Argentine becoming City's all-time record signing over the summer for a fee worth around £125m.

Los Blancos are monitoring City's charges, and although they're linked with Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool, historic interest in his Argentina colleague hasn't died down.

Fernandez was a nine-figure move for Chelsea in January 2023 after his breakout performances for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, finding some of his best form under Maresca: but despite City buying both Anderson and Bouaddi over the summer – and having the likes of Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden as options at No.10 – City smashed their transfer record for the star to reunite the two Enzos in another blockbuster transfer.

The midfielder hasn't set the world alight so far at the Etihad Stadium, however, with Erling Haaland visibly frustrated with his team-mate on Saturday after he failed to win a single duel in the defeat to Brighton.

Fernandez ranks in the 66th percentile for duel-winning this season, as per Gradient Sports – and when Anderson plays alongside the 25-year-old in a double-pivot, the England international is left with much of the dirty work.

While FourFourTwo understands that City are committed to Fernandez and wouldn't have broken their transfer record for the Argentine unless they were convinced of his abilities, Fernandez's role at the club is closely linked to manager Enzo Maresca's.

Should City suffer this season and Maresca leave the club, that would place Fernandez's future on shakier ground – and with a wealth of options in City's midfield, it's not inconceivable that City would listen to offers for the star next summer: whether they have been relegated from the Premier League or not.

Fernandez is worth €120m, according to Transfermarkt. Manchester City travel to RB Leipzig as Champions League action continues this week.

Manchester United are lining up their next signing after yet another defeat to Chelsea.

It's no win in the past in all competitions for manager Michael Carrick, who watched his 10 men suffer yet another loss at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, with Lisandro Martinez dismissed for two yellow cards in quick succession.

With January fast approaching, Manchester United are looking to address the glaring issues with their squad – and Martinez may well be a beneficiary of the club's next signing.

Manchester United looking to strengthen in January

The Red Devils had a modest summer in the transfer window, strengthening with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos in midfield – but neglecting other areas of the pitch.

Left-back has been a concern all season, with first-choice Luke Shaw currently out injured, and young prospect Patrick Dorgu failing to impress there (also injured right now), with Diego Dalot filling in in recent weeks.

Sport Witness have now reported on United's interest in Alejandro Balde, with the full-back struggling for game time under Hansi Flick's high-flying Barcelona.

After bursting into the first team from Barça's famed La Masia academy, Balde hasn't held down a first-team place this season, with Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart preferred in Flick's back four.

Now, Mundo Deportivo sources claim the 23-year-old is up for sale, with the Blaugrana concerned about his concentration in defence.

United tested the waters over the summer for Balde, only for the Spanish international to opt to remain in Catalonia and fight for his spot at Camp Nou – but following the start of this season, he is now “attracted to the idea” of a move to revitalise his stagnating career.

While a new left-back could well give the struggling Martinez a new lease of life next to him, there are certainly concerns over Balde's recent form, should United rekindle their interest.

While Carrick's side have their issues in attack – and an overlapping full-back like Balde would certainly bring more out of whoever plays on the left wing – the defensive frailties at Old Trafford are just as worrying.

The 20-time English champions have conceded nine in their previous three fixtures across the Premier League and Champions League.

Balde is worth €40 million, according to Transfermarkt. United take on Roma this week, as Champions League action continues.

Liverpool climbed into the top four in the Premier League with back-to-back wins against Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, beating LASK and Villarreal in the Champions League for good measure.

The Reds have made a broadly positive start to the season under new manager Andoni Iraola, and the form of loan signing Ronald Araujo has been integral to their best moments.

Araujo joined Liverpool from La Liga giants Barcelona in August on a loan deal with an option to buy, and the Uruguayan has quickly become an Anfield favourite because of his all-out style.

Barcelona have reportedly approached Liverpool about signing Ronald Araujo

According to TEAMtalk reporter Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have an opportunity to sign the 27-year-old permanently, and on their terms, ahead of schedule.

"Barcelona have approached Liverpool about turning Ronald Araujo’s loan move into a permanent transfer in January, with the Spanish giants keen to secure his departure and raise funds for their own defensive recruitment," Bailey reports.

"Liverpool are delighted with the Uruguay international’s impact and, crucially, sources confirm they are open to making his move permanent.

"An agreement was included in the original loan deal that values Araujo at €55 million (£47 million). Barcelona are now looking to bring that arrangement forward, having made the first moves towards a permanent transfer in the January window.

"We understand initial talks between the clubs have already taken place, while Araujo himself has indicated that he is open to making the move permanent."

It would be an opportunist move on the part of the Blaugrana, who are perhaps seeing the Uruguayan defenders excellent individual performances at right-back and seeing a chance to commit Liverpool to an early move that fills the coffers for their own transfer business in January.

According to Bailey, the Spanish champions want to bring in a left-sided central defender and could free up the funds by expediting an Araujo move that already looks like the desired outcome for all parties.

Araujo has been playing a starring role for Liverpool, starting six of their Premier League fixtures so far and featuring in all of their league and Champions League matches.

He's been used primarily at right-back, where he's been able to thrive in the absence of injured alternatives Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

After a midweek win on penalties to knock Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup, Iraola's Liverpool welcome second-placed Arsenal to Anfield for Sunday's only fixture in the Premier League.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is at risk of leaving Arsenal for Bayern Munich.

This year, the Norwegian became the first Gunners skipper to lift a Premier League title since Patrick Vieira in 2004, when Arsenal brought the trophy back to N5 in May, cementing himself in the minds of many fans as a genuine legend of the club.

But Odegaard now 27 and approaching the final year of his current contract next summer, manager Mikel Arteta has a decision to make over whether he builds his next team around a playmaker who has been so influential for him over the past five years.

Martin Odegaard's Arsenal career could be about to come to an end

Odegaard has been one of Arteta's greatest signings, joining the Gunners initially on loan from Real Madrid before Arsenal triggered a deal worth around £30 million and build a midfield around the former wonderkid.

While the 27-year-old has been back to his best this season, however, the last 18-24 months have been difficult for Odegaard, with injury and poor form opening the door to Eberechi Eze to stake a claim in the first team – and some suggesting that the Norway captain is less of a No.10 and more of a No.8 that the Gunners don't need alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice in the engine room.

Sky Deutschland have reported via Sport Witness that Odegaard can “envision a future move” to Bayern Munich, with the Bavarians having already discussed a move for the star.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are working on a contract extension for a player who is still key to Arteta's side both in and out of possession, as shown in the early stages of this season.

While the champions have held informal talks with the star over remaining at the club, it's now being reported that Arsenal “would be open to selling” their skipper for the first time, should they fail to tie him down before the end of the summer.

This marks the first time in Odegaard's Arsenal career that it's been reported that the club are genuinely looking to cash in on the player – even throughout the injury troubles and more fervent criticism online of the player's role within Arteta's system.

The Basque boss has built around the midfielder since his first full season, with Odegaard almost untouchable, despite options such as Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Ethan Nwaneri and the signing of Eze all challenging for a spot in Arteta's midfield.

For now, Sport Witness claims that “It looks like his camp are using Bayern Munich’s timid interest to put pressure on Arsenal to secure an improved deal for the renewal.”

The Drammen native will be 30 years old when Arteta's current deal at the Emirates Stadium comes to an end.

Odegaard is valued at €80 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal travel to Liverpool this weekend as Premier League action continues.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro has revealed a 'big dream' to return to Spain's La Liga despite signing a new Spurs contract in the summer.

Spurs offered new terms to Porro before he left for the World Cup, where he helped Spain to lift the trophy for the second time in their history. They conceded just one goal in the tournament.

Porro had already committed to a new deal that runs to the summer of 2031 and has the option for another year, but he has spoken about his wish to play in Spain for one of La Liga's top clubs.

'Tottenham probably asked for a lot of money for me'

Porro, who joined Manchester City from Girona and had a loan spell at Valladolid, was interviewed by Cadena Ser and explained that he feels happy and loved at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"I finalised my renewal before the World Cup to be at ease during the tournament, because that greatly influences performance," said the 27-year-old.

"Afterwards, they gave me a great tribute; I feel very loved, and that’s very important to me. They’ve given me a good contract, although if I had waited until after the World Cup, I would have gotten more.

"There were rumours, but I was focused on doing well for my country. If there’s real interest, they call you directly, and that didn’t happen. There were clubs that enquired about my situation, but there wasn’t any real interest.

"I didn’t want to listen too much. Tottenham probably asked for a lot of money for me because they value me as one of the best."

Like most players of his age, Porro is beginning to cast an eye towards the end of his career and considering where he might like to spend his footballing twilight. Returning to Spain is an obvious choice and he told Cadena Ser that he's keen.

"Obviously, I’d love to return to Spain someday. It’s my country, and I like the league," he said. "Right now, it would be very unfair to talk about anything other than my club because I’m under contract, but obviously, I’d love to go back to Spain; it’s a big dream of mine."

The right-back was sure not to indicate any preference between Real Madrid and Barcelona, smartly keeping his options open for a 'dream' swansong back home.

Porro left Man City to make permanent his long loan spell at Sporting CP without making an appearance for the Premier League club. He joined Spurs three years ago with a Portuguese league title to his name.

He's been a reliable performer in a turbulent period for the North London club. Porro played 90 minutes in the Europa League final in 2025, helping Spurs to a clean sheet and 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is a target for Premier League rivals Everton ahead of the January transfer window, according to report.

Rashford has been in Man United limbo since the deterioration of his relationship with former head coach Ruben Amorim. The 28-year-old joined Aston Villa on loan in January 2025 after Amorim's public criticism of his work ethic, and was then loaned to Barcelona for the entirety of last season.

Amorim was sacked in January and replaced by Michael Carrick, offering some hope of a positive outcome for Rashford at United, but the forward's playing time has again become diminished in recent weeks.

Everton reportedly want Marcus Rashford on loan but a deal could be difficult

Rashford has made just one extremely brief appearance in the Premier League since the extended international break, coming off the bench in the fifth minute of stoppage time against Tottenham Hotspur.

He was an unused substitute against Leeds United and was not included in the squad for last weekend's defeat to Bournemouth because of a poorly timed injury that's not expected to keep him out of contention for much longer.

The England international's situation will have interested clubs on alert, with Everton understood to be keen to take him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the second half of the Premier League season. United appear to be open to the idea.

"[Rashford] has struggled for form and minutes since returning from his successful loan at Barcelona, prompting the Old Trafford hierarchy to explore opportunities to potentially move him on again this winter and help him regain fitness after injury," reports TEAMtalk.

"However, significant hurdles remain. His substantial wages – including a base salary of around £325,000 per week – would represent a major commitment for a club currently up for sale. Even if United were willing to cover a portion of his wages as part of a loan.

"Rashford’s own preference has long been to continue playing at one of Europe’s biggest sides rather than drop into a mid-table Premier League environment, so whether he’d be willing to join Everton is unclear."

The 28-year-old hasn't been able to recapture his best form but left Villa and Barcelona with positive reviews.

Villa stabilised in the Premier League after Emery turned to the loan market to sign Rashford and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Asensio. They reached the FA Cup semi-final and Champions League quarter-final, with Rashford instrumental in both.

He won La Liga with Barcelona to become a league champion for the first time in his career.

The Man United man made 32 appearances in Spain's top flight in 2025/26, scoring eight goals in the league and another five in the Champions League for Hansi Flick's team.

Manchester City full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is heading for the Etihad Stadium exit door and could make the unlikeliest move of all in January, according to reports.

Man City are extremely well-stocked in all departments and are harbouring a number of players who are capable of improving other teams but are unlikely to ever establish themselves with the current Premier League leaders.

Manchester United won't be the destination for many of those players when their time at City comes to an end, but Ait-Nouri's future could take him to Old Trafford in a rare cross-city transfer.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly 'holding discussions' with Man United

The Algeria defender is a target for several clubs and TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Man United are among them. The Red Devils were interested at the end of the last transfer window and a January switch could be on the cards.

"Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to leave Manchester City in January, with intermediaries already holding discussions with a host of clubs, including Manchester United," reports Bailey.

"Ait-Nouri is yet to feature in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca, who has now delivered his verdict on the full-back to City sporting director Hugo Viana.

"We understand that Viana is working on an exit plan, with the club keen to resolve the defender’s future before the January transfer window opens."

25-year-old Ait-Nouri joined Man City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2025. He signed a five-year contract but has been unable to establish himself at his new club, playing in less than half of City's Premier League matches in 2025/26.

His appearances this season have been limited to the Carabao Cup and the league phase of the Champions League. The left-back played a handful of minutes in wins against Porto and AEK Athens but was an unused substitute when City lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Algerian international featured on Wednesday night, when Man City knocked Brighton & Hove Albion out of the Carabao Cup on penalties. He played the full 90 minutes against Norwich City in the previous round.

That's the sum total of Ait-Nouri's involvement this season and it's obvious that a parting of ways is best for the player at this stage of what's still a promising career.

"Lines of communication between the clubs have reopened, with intermediaries working to establish whether a move can be agreed in the New Year," reports Bailey.

"We understand Ait-Nouri would be open to a switch across Manchester, which would make him the first player to move directly from City to United since Owen Hargreaves made the switch in 2011."

Liverpool's interest in 19-year-old Valencia winger David Otorbi could cool after the Spanish club elected to upgrade his contract ahead of schedule, according to reports.

The Reds were understood to be keen to pay Otorbi's €30 million release clause to take him to Anfield, but the young Spaniard's circumstances have changed significantly.

In addition to sustaining an injury that will disrupt his progress on the pitch, Valencia-born Otorbi has had a renewal option in his contract activated early by the club. It's believed the deal, which has not yet been formally announced, includes an increased €60 million release clause.

Valencia have doubled David Otorbi's release clause to deter Liverpool interest

"Valencia CF has responded by exercising the renewal option included in Otorbi's contract," reports Fichajes. "His contract, initially set to run until 2028, has been extended for another three seasons, until June 2031 .

"This modification increases his release clause from €30 million to €60 million. Furthermore, the club has improved the player's salary terms and is considering a future review of his contract.

"The contract extension was initially contingent on Otorbi playing ten matches with a minimum of 45 minutes in each. However, Valencia decided to expedite this process due to interest from England."

Otorbi, a Spanish under-18 international, made his senior debut as far back as August 2024, but has been cautiously integrated into the first team. The 19-year-old didn't play a single minute in La Liga last season but has been given three league starts by head coach Javier Aguirre in 2026/27.

He scored his first La Liga goal against Racing Santander in a 2-2 draw earlier this month but was withdrawn through injury within 15 minutes of kick-off in Saturday's loss to Villarreal.

"The player will focus on his recovery while Valencia finalises the official announcement of his new contract," according to Fichajes.

"Looking ahead to the January 2027 transfer window, the next move will depend on whether English clubs are willing to negotiate for less than €60 million or ultimately rule out signing David Otorbi."

Liverpool in particular are unlikely to be inclined to break the bank, having signed 23-year-old Victor Munoz and 24-year-old Bradley Barcola during the summer transfer window.

Cody Gakpo is enjoying a positive start to the season and can operate to varying degrees in different attacking positions, while the need to keep a path to more regular football open for Rio Ngumoha, 18, becomes more and more obvious every time he plays.

The Reds will have a chance to close the gap on second-placed Arsenal to just three points when they meet in Sunday's only fixture in the Premier League.

Arsenal are looking to a bargain move for a new midfielder – with could spell the end for Martin Zubimendi at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners beat a whole host of European giants to the signing of the Basque controller in midfield, who enjoyed a fantastic start to his first season in English football, before losing his place in the Arsenal midfield to Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Hale End graduate played in the run-in, as the Premier League title came back to North London for the first time in 22 years – and Zubimendi hasn't reassumed his place next to Declan Rice since.

Martin Zubimendi could be about to leave Arsenal

The signing of Bruno Guimaraes has pushed Zubimendi down to fourth in the pecking order in the midfield, as the World Cup winner made his first start of the season in the engine room in a Fourth Round Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town midweek.

Zubimendi looked a frustrated figure in Munich last week, too – and even Mikel Merino started in the middle of the park against Everton at the weekend, with his compatriot limited to a late cameo in which his broke his nose.

Now, Sport Witness have relayed reports from ESPN Brasil that the Gunners are in for one of the “greatest talents and rising stars” of Brazilian football in midfield.

17-year-old Cruzeiro youngster Eduardo Pape has been compared to Rodri, with the South American outfit fishing for a record sale for the young midfielder – who could be groomed to replace Guimaraes for club and country.

Intriguingly, Guimaraes' former club Newcastle United are also interested in the starlet, with Cruzeiro's director of youth development, Adilson Batista, telling UmDois Esportes about his assessment.

“He’s intelligent; he anticipates plays. He’s clear-headed and facilitates the entire build-up,” Batista explained.

“He reminds me of Rodri and Falcao, players who really know how to play. He’s been impressing me; I like him a lot. I see a very bright future for his career. He’s a simple, humble, hardworking, and responsible young man.”

With manager Mikel Arteta having recently extended his contract until 2029, the Gunners boss may well have an eye on the future as to how to rejuvenate his midfield.

A move for Pape, however, will have to wait until the star turns 18, either way.

Arsenal travel to Liverpool this weekend as Premier League action continues.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is reportedly a priority transfer target for Serie A giants AC Milan.

Man United's defensive options have been criticised after heavy defeats against Como in the Champions League and Bournemouth in the Premier League, with former Red Devils right-back Gary Neville pointing out that Yoro playing at right-back is evidence of negligence in the transfer market.

Yoro made a big mistake that led directly to United conceding a goal in the home loss against Bournemouth, thrusting the patchwork nature of their defence back under the microscope, but the Rossoneri could be set to offer him a fresh opportunity.

Ruben Amorim reportedly wants a Leny Yoro reunion at San Siro

Calcio Mercato reports that Milan's recruitment officials are planning a defensive rebuild in the January transfer window, with a central defender prioritised. Milan have some inexperienced options at the back, but injuries to Matteo Gabbia and Mario Gila have left Amorim with limited flexibility.

Roma's Daniele Ghilardi, Lecce's Thiago Gabriel and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP are also under consideration for January, but the longer-term plan is understood to include Yoro too.

"A player AC Milan are particularly interested in for next season is the talented 2005-born French defender Yoro from Manchester United," reports Calcio Mercato.

"The Rossoneri are hoping for the work of his agent, [Jorge] Mendes, to help them finalise a deal this summer. The deal is expected to cost between €40 and €50 million."

20-year-old Yoro joined the Red Devils from Lille in the summer of 2024, when they paid a reported initial fee of around £52 million, but had to wait for his competitive debut after suffering a foot injury in pre-season.

By the time he made his first competitive appearance for United in December, both manager Erik ten Hag and caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy had left Old Trafford. Amorim was appointed in November, integrated Yoro, and oversaw his most settled spell in a United shirt.

Yoro has started three times in the Premier League under Michael Carrick this season, all of them at right-back, and his cause hasn't been helped by his presence in the Red Devils' 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup or his red card in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

Carrick has selected Harry Maguire in every starting line-up in the Premier League this season, with Lisandro Martinez also starting regularly before his criticism of technical director Jason Wilcox.

Yoro's opportunities at centre-back have been limited in 2026/27 and his suitability on the right is not ideal.

As his stock deteriorates in what is a troubled environment in general, it's not hard to imagine that Mendes and Yoro, who played more than 50 times for Amorim at United, would see the potential benefits of a move.

Arsenal are targeting Eli Junior Kroupi to strengthen their attack, with Bournemouth having made a decision on the striker's future.

The Gunners sold three attacking players in the summer in the form of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, but only signed Christos Tzolis as a replacement.

Kroupi missed the start of the season with a foot injury – and with Arsenal lacking firepower up front, Bournemouth could well face interest in the January transfer window.

Bournemouth looking to block Eli Junior Kroupi to Arsenal

Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 games in his first season in English football – the most a teenager has ever netted in a season in the Premier League – as the Cherries achieved a record position in the table of sixth.

The Frenchman's 13th goal even made him an Arsenal cult hero, as it came against Manchester City to secure a first title for the North Londoners in 22 years.

While Bournemouth have endured a tough start to the season, however, TEAMtalk sources are reporting that Bournemouth are adamant that they won't be selling Kroupi midseason.

Last season's push for Europe could have been derailed by the January sale of Antoine Semenyo to City, with the seasiders powerless to prevent the Ghanaian winger from leaving Dean Court for Eastlands, due to a release clause in his contract.

The Guardian have reported that Kroupi has a release clause of £87 million in his contract – though the Premier League champions would likely look to negotiate that down, should they firm their interest.

Kai Havertz has led the line for Arsenal for much of the season with Viktor Gyokeres playing more of a backup role for manager Mikel Arteta – but with neither player particularly impressing in recent weeks, there have been calls from fans to strengthen in the winter market.

Tzolis's recent injury on international duty with Greece has complicated matters in the front three, as Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have both looked to step into that role – while Bukayo Saka has also picked up an injury lately.

Arsenal could well use Kroupi from the left flank, should they make the move, though FourFourTwo understands that they face heavy competition from the likes of Manchester United for the 20-year-old's signature.

Kroupi is valued at £70 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal travel to Liverpool this weekend as Premier League action continues.

Manchester United have bigger problems to solve than getting ahead of the game when it comes to identifying an upgrade on striker Benjamin Sesko.

Winning their next match will be high on the Man United agenda, certainly. Deciding whether their captain should be allowed to play will be top-of-mind. Praying that head coach Michael Carrick can justify the patience of the higher-ups will take up some time too.

Nevertheless, goals are goals and the Red Devils are scoring too few as well as conceding too many. One of Europe's most in-form frontmen has been tipped as an unlikely candidate to put that right.

Victor Osimhen 'has the profile' to inspire Man United revival

Galatasaray's Nigerian international striker, Victor Osimhen, is on a goalscoring tear. The 27-year-old has scored nine goals in his last nine matches in all competitions for the Istanbul giants, including both in their derby win over Fenerbahce on Monday night.

He's scored eight league goals in fewer than 500 minutes. In Europe's top five leagues, only Barcelona's Raphinha is more prolific per 90 minutes in league football this season.

According to former Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers centre-forward Djibril Cisse, Man United should have Osimhen at the top of their transfer window shopping list.

"Victor Osimhen has the profile to play in England," the former French international told Mr Gamble. "I think Manchester United could suit him, and I believe there was already some interest at the start of the year or last year.

"He loves the Premier League. He’s unpredictable, he scores goals, he’s complete, he has the profile for English football, and I think that’s what United are missing right now."

Sesko might disagree. At 23 years old and with a considerable scoring record before his own move to Old Trafford, the Slovenian striker has struggled to stay injury-free and leave the desired impression.

'Profile' isn't really what's missing for Sesko and United's goals have been coming from Bryan Mbeumo, whose Premier League suitability is beyond doubt. Osimhen or any other striker following in the footsteps of Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund would need genuine steel to rise above the circumstances.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Napoli last year after spending the 2024/25 season on loan at the Istanbul club. The masked man's relationship with Napoli deteriorated in the months after the club posted a video on TikTok that was interpreted as racially offensive.

There was significant interest in signing him from Napoli in the summer of 2024 but his options gradually fell away as teams turned their attentions elsewhere.

Galatasaray was seen as a premature sidestep out of the spotlight but Osimhen has thrived in Turkey's Super Lig, which he has won twice to add to his Serie A title in Naples.

Erling Haaland is planning his next transfer move and has put La Liga titans Real Madrid and Barcelona on alert, according to reporting in Spain.

Haaland is committed to Manchester City until 2034 after signing a blockbuster new contract early last year but is sure to be a target for any club that gets a realistic sniff of signing him in the meantime.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are no exception to that rather obvious fact, and a transfer reporter has claimed that the Norwegian striker wants to head for Spain when his time in the Premier League comes to and end.

Erling Haaland 'undecided' between Real Madrid and Barcelona

"According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the striker plans to make the move to Spanish football in the future, although he has not yet chosen a team nor is there a set date for his departure," reports Fichajes.

"Moretto revealed during MARCA's 'Los 100' special that Erling Haaland considers the Spanish championship the next step in his career."

Haaland's contract and commitment to Man City do not paint the full picture. City were found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League rules and are awaiting both the outcome of their appeal and confirmation of the potentially catastrophic punishment heading their way.

Football is a short career and City players, Haaland included, are sure to be reviewing their options if multiple seasons outside the Premier League became definite or likely as a result of the charges.

Most of them wouldn't be short of lusty suitors if the Man City situation were to evolve into a fire sale of their expensively assembled squad of top talents and household names.

"[Premier League] regulations stipulate that fines, point deductions, and other sporting measures could be among the consequences," reports Fichajes.

"A sanction that significantly impacts the team's competitive standing could alter the plans of some players. In Haaland's case, any departure would still depend on the financial terms demanded by his current club."

Haaland is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. He has scored 121 goals in just 140 Premier League appearances and helped Pep Guardiola's City team to their last two Premier League titles and a historic treble.

Having fired Man City to a Champions Legue win in 2022/23, Haaland came second in the Ballon d'Or voting behind Lionel Messi. England's Harry Kane went one better in 2026 and the pair, along with Kylian Mbappe, are widely considered to be the world's most lethal marksmen.

Whether Haaland's departure is expedited by sanctions or forms part of his twilight adventure many years from now, he can be sure the top teams in his preferred league will be on the phone.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and manager Jose Mourinho have turned their attentions to the Premier League in the hunt for a marquee midfield signing, according to reports.

Los Blancos closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona with a 2-1 El Clasico win on Sunday, but they have not won the title or Champions League since 2023/24. That's only a couple of years for any other club, but Real Madrid seldom suffer droughts without a throaty reaction in the transfer market.

Perez is a man of big promises and Liverpool could be the next club who can expect to have to resist Real Madrid's overtures for one of their most important players.

Real Madrid reportedly want Alexis Mac Allister to bolster their midfield

According to reports in Spain, Perez and Mourinho have 'once again' identified Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as their top target for the summer of 2027. The Argentinian international's contract status is a factor in their temptation.

"Perez wants to take advantage of the fact that the player has yet to renew his contract to try and convince him to join in January 2027, although his contract expires in June 2028 and any early signing would require negotiating a transfer fee," reports Fichajes.

"The Argentine has rediscovered his form since Andoni Iraola took over at Anfield, but his contract situation remains uncertain. The English club has yet to initiate talks to extend his contract, a circumstance that Real Madrid could capitalise on.

"Mourinho would welcome the addition of a player capable of winning back possession and contributing to the team's attacking play.

"His profile fits the need for a midfielder who provides balance without sacrificing creativity. Mac Allister can play in front of the defence, press opposing midfielders, and link up with attackers through through balls."

Mac Allister, a World Cup winner, signed for Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023 and added the Premier League title to his personal honours list under Arne Slot in his second season at Anfield.

Now 27, the midfielder joined the Seagulls from Argentinos Juniors in 2019 and starred in the Premier League after loan spells with both his former club and Boca Juniors between 2019 and 2020.

Liverpool parted with an eventual fee in the region of £55 million to take him to Merseyside and he has lived up to his promise, albeit without being a perfect tactical fit at times under both Slot and his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.

Mac Allister signed a five-year contract when he moved to Anfield and is now in the last two years of that deal, alerting potential suitors to the opportunity to test Liverpool's need to bring in a transfer fee if and when he leaves.

The looming interest from Spain could play a part in any contract negotiations that do take place, but Real Madrid can expect to spend big if they want to make their move before Mac Allister's deal runs out.

Liverpool should be open to a shock return for former right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to Reds legend Jamie Carragher.

Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer after winning the Premier League under Arne Slot in 2024/25, ending a lengthy contract saga in a way that many Liverpool supporters were less than thrilled about.

After spending 20 years on Liverpool's books, the England full-back headed off to La Liga with some fairly fruity criticism ringing in his ears. He is reportedly reluctant to entertain a return to Anfield but his status at the Bernabeu could tempt him into a move.

Alexander-Arnold has dropped down the Real Madrid pecking order under Jose Mourinho

Returning Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has turned to other options at right-back in recent weeks, leaving Alexander-Arnold in the cold and sparking speculation about what would be a shocking and divisive return to Merseyside.

"I’d have him back anyway," Carragher revealed on The Overlap in association with Sky Bet. "I think he made a mistake, I do. I think he made a big mistake."

Carragher is broadly in favour but it's difficult to imagine Alexander-Arnold being warmly welcomed back to Anfield. The Sky Sports pundit suggested that bygones should be bygones in the case of a player who would serve a purpose.

"If something benefits Liverpool Football Club going forward… and we do have, when you think of the problems Liverpool have in terms of the right-back. Ronnie [Ronald Araujo] has been fantastic... but we do have a problem in terms of full-backs passing," said Carragher.

"At the moment, he’s actually third choice right-back for Real Madrid. They’re playing a midfield player at right-back, so even [on Sunday] night in El Clasico, Denzel Dumfries, the first-choice right-back, if you like, comes on as a sub.

"So when you’re third choice at a club, they’re obviously wanting you to… move on."

Alexander-Arnold was a beloved figure at Anfield for years. As a proud Merseysider and Liverpool youth product, he was a key player in two Premier League title wins and a Champions League triumph.

His relationship with the fans went south last year, and he's as likely as not to be inclined to continue fighting for his place in the Spanish capital. At 28, and with fully five years remaining on his contract, there's plenty of time for him to do so.

Alexander-Arnold has started just three times in La Liga this season, playing fewer than 270 minutes, and has played only once in the Champions League under Mourinho.

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde was deployed at right-back against Barcelona on Sunday, with new signing Dumfries introduced to replace him on the hour while Alexander-Arnold was not in the matchday squad.

Arsenal have been handed a potential boost in their protracted transfer pursuit of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr.

The 26-year-old, who finished second in the voting for the Ballon d'Or in 2024, has been an influential player for Real Madrid since joining from Flamengo in 2018. His standing at the Bernabeu has become diminished, however, and interested parties will be watching closely.

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been told to consider selling Vinicius Jr in the January transfer window or next summer.

Vinicius Jr sale 'recommended' by Real Madrid board members

The Brazil international was sent off against Villarreal and slapped with a four-match ban, leaving the door open for 19-year-old new signing Yan Diomande to stake a claim on a starting spot.

Diomande has seized the opportunity with both hands, reportedly leading to conversations about Vinicius Jr's future behind the scenes at the Bernabeu.

"Diomande's rise has reportedly led several board members to recommend that Florentino Perez consider selling Vinicius. The asking price to initiate negotiations would be approximately €150 million," claims Fichajes.

"The deal would bring in a significant sum for a player who recently extended his contract until June 30, 2032. The club officially announced the renewal in August, guaranteeing his continued presence for another six seasons.

"This contract puts Real Madrid in a favorable position to negotiate. There is no immediate contractual obligation to sell, and any suitor would have to submit an offer that compensates for the loss of the Brazilian."

Vinicius Jr was suspended for Sunday's El Clasico win over Barcelona, which allowed Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico to close the gap on the La Liga leaders. Kylian Mbappe scored both Real Madrid goals and Diomande has been applauded for another encouraging display.

The Brazilian has scored once and laid on three assists in his eight La Liga appearances this season but Diomande's impact could present Arsenal and other suitors with another chance to sign a proven star with his prime possibly yet to come.

The Gunners were persistently linked with a move for Vinicius Jr in the last summer transfer window but ultimately pointed their focus elsewhere.

Mikel Arteta has no shortage of talented wide players at his disposal, with Max Dowman able to play on the right and joining Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Christos Tzolis as winger options for the Premier League champions.

But medium-term injuries for Saka and Tzolis have left Arsenal with limited immediate options on the right and left in a busy part of the season. Adding strength, depth and proven quality is always on the agenda for the top clubs and the Gunners could go after their man in Madrid after all.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is edging closer to a move to Atletico Madrid.

The reigning PFA Player of the Year found himself on the bench at Old Trafford this Sunday for criticising Manchester United manager Michael Carrick after last week's defeat to Como in the Champions League, claiming the tactical decisions that lost the Red Devils the game were “on the manager and staff to see”.

With United losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at the weekend and Carrick opting not to bring his skipper on in the second half, the home crowd cheered the manager's name before booing the players – suggesting a relationship with the beloved Bruno had taken a hit.

Manchester United looking like selling Bruno Fernandes to Atletico Madrid in January

Fernandes has come under significant criticism in recent days, with United legends vocal in their disapproval of how things have unfolded at the club this season.

After United crashed to a sixth defeat in all competitions on Sunday, Gary Neville stated that the Portuguese had “conned” Michael Carrick, following Roy Keane tearing into “the mindset of a Manchester United player” last week.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that the 32-year-old is “considering leaving”, and has been for some time, with Atletico Madrid monitoring the situation and “accelerating” a move this January.

Although Pablo Barrios is having a good season, Los Colchoneros have lacked a little creativity in advanced areas of the pitch since the departure of Antoine Griezmann to Major League Soccer, with Fernandes one of the most expressive players in Europe on his day.

The biggest obstacle remains negotiating with United over signing their captain and talisman at a time when fan opinion of the ownership and directors is at a record low.

Despite the plummeting public opinion of the Red Devils captain, selling a player midseason who contributed 20 assists last term, while the club are struggling this season, would be a monumentally unpopular decision.

Though Carrick has a contract at Old Trafford that runs until 2028, it is increasingly unlikely that the former midfielder is relieved of his services sooner rather than later, with a replacement boss beginning with a fresh slate and a better relationship with Fernandes.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2026/27 season, but the 20-time English champions have the option to extend his deal for another year, should they wish to exercise it.

In 338 fixtures for United, Fernandes has contributed 111 goals and 109 assists.

Fernandes is worth €35 million, according to Transfermarkt. United take on Chelsea this weekend when Premier League action continues.

The transfer market doesn't stand still for anyone, and even Manchester United are aiming to keep their plans on track while a decision on their managerial situation remains untaken.

Man United are still firmly in the blast radius after an explosively miserable Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. The Red Devils' 3-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League has left Michael Carrick on shaky ground as the club's head coach.

Should Carrick be dismissed, United technical director Jason Wilcox is reportedly prioritising former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe over Julian Nagelsmann as his preferred realistic successor.

Man United could revisit a familiar transfer target if Eddie Howe gets the gig

If Howe does end up with the job, he's unlikely to disagree with United's apparent top transfer target. Having looked to strengthen in midfield instead at the expense of defensive additions in the summer, Man United are reportedly ready to turn their focus back to one of Howe's former players.

Magpies full-back Lewis Hall was the man the Red Devils wanted in the summer. According to Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, their interest in the England international is as strong as ever.

"Hall remains a leading target for Man United and they could make a fresh move next summer," reports O'Rourke, who has revealed that the club can expect to pay at least £70 million if they're able to sign him next summer.

Former Man United full-back Gary Neville believes that the decision to spend on three midfielders rather than two was a mistake in the summer transfer window, and also suggested that his old club need to spend big money to rectify what he calls the 'absolute negligence' of leaving the team with Lenny Yoro at right-back and Diogo Dalot at left-back.

Hall is an obvious target for a club with financial clout and a major gap at left-back. Luke Shaw has been available more consistently in the last 18 months than the two previous seasons, but the Red Devils need a long-term replacement and have evidently identified Hall as their candidate of choice.

"He has since penned a new deal at St James' Park to extend his stay until 2031, but that has done little to deter the long-term interest in eventually luring him to Old Trafford," adds O'Rourke.

"His new contract has put Newcastle firmly in control of his future, and any deal will have to be on their terms, while he remains a crucial part of Matthias Jaissle's plans."

Hall has missed some football with an injury of his own but has been following a positive trajectory since leaving Chelsea for Newcastle, initially on loan, in 2023. The young full-back has made 80 Premier League appearances for the Magpies in the last four seasons.

A regular at under-age international levels, Hall was among the young players handed England debuts during Lee Carsley's Nations League campaign in 2024, and has made five senior appearances under Thomas Tuchel this year.

Howe can take a huge amount of credit for his former player's development into a Premier League fixture and senior international, and a reunion would be the stuff of dreams for Man United. Newcastle can be expected to resist their interest with a vengeance.

Chelsea are eyeing up a battle with Spanish capital giants Real Madrid for their next headline-grabbing transfer, according to reporting in Italy.

The Blues invested heavily in new players during the summer transfer window, equipping new manager Xabi Alonso with a squad boasting the likes of Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Martinez, Maxence Lacrois and Valentin Barco, as well as the senior influence of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.

Now, Chelsea are looking to go big again. Tuttomercatoweb reports that the West London club are keeping an eye on talented Argentinian attacking midfielder Nico Paz.

Chelsea are reportedly watching Como star Nico Paz

The 22-year-old has been consistently impressive since joining Como from Real Madrid in 2024 and has flourished under the guidance of former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Real Madrid have a buyback clause worth €80 million next summer but Chelsea are watching closely with a view to pulling a rabbit out of the hat to kick off their new ownership era in style.

"Nico is on a new path, even on a personal level: he is growing physically and athletically. He may have lost 5% of his brilliance, but he has gained it in muscle, center of gravity, stamina, and strength," reports Marco Conterio.

"This is why Europe's big clubs are constantly monitoring him. Sure, he'll cost a fortune, but Chelsea , for example, isn't afraid to invest. In their latest league outings in Serie A, and even in the Champions League, Blues [officials] have been keeping a close eye on him, both at De Kuip and during the last match in Florence.

"Real Madrid have an exclusive buyback agreement of €80 million set for the summer of 2027, otherwise they'll get a percentage of the resale price. In other words: if Chelsea want Paz, then they'll have to pay dearly."

Paz was the star of the show when Como thrashed Manchester United in the league phase Champions League last week, scoring twice and setting up a third goal in between.

He scored 12 Serie A goals last season, helping to lead Como into the Champions League for the first time in their history. He has two goals in his first seven league games this season and is on track to have his most productive season in terms of goals and assists combined.

Born in Tenerife, Paz developed in the local club's academy before he was picked up by Real Madrid 10 years ago. He played nearly 50 league matches for the club's second team and made a handful of appearances in La Liga before his switch to Italy.

The youngster has been one of Serie A's foremost talents over the past couple of seasons, during which Fabregas and Como have matched his evolution into a household name.

Paz chose Argentina over Spain at international level and was included in Lionel Scaloni's squad for the World Cup in 2026, playing twice in the group stage.

Arsenal were rejected by Nico Williams, after an offer came through.

That's according to the winger himself, who has revealed why he turned down a move to North London, along with other European giants to remain in the Basque Country.

Despite interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, Williams spoke over the weekend in comments relayed by Sport Witness about his commitment to hometown outfit Athletic Club, with whom he has a contract until 2035.

Nico Williams: "I told Barcelona, Arsenal, PSG, and many others… no"

Williams shot to prominence just before the 2022 World Cup, following in the footsteps of elder brother Inaki for Athletic – but unlike his sibling, he received an international call-up for Spain and has become a key player in two major titles for La Roja.

Arsenal are among a throng of European giants who have kept tabs on the 24-year-old in the past few years, with interest seemingly ending last year after the Athletic wide man penned an extraordinary decade-long extension to his deal at San Mames.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness reported on Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, naming Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain as interested parties in Williams in 2024 after the star won the European Championship – noting “having a player say no to all these clubs isn’t easy”.

Inaki Williams reportedly wasn't happy with Tainta's comments, with Nico now addressing the talk after Athletic smashed Getafe 4-0 over the weekend.

“Felix was wrong with what he said; things aren’t like that,” the World Cup winner assured. “The final decision is made by me, my brother, and the family. What happens at home, only the three of us know.

“I’ve never doubted being here. I’ve had countless offers. I could have left, and I’ve always been clear about staying here. My intention to be here cannot be questioned.

“I told Barça, Arsenal, PSG, and many others no, because I want to be here. I hope people understand.”

Over the summer, there were renewed rumours that Arsenal could return for the Basque star after failing to lure either Vinicius Jr or Julian Alvarez from La Liga – but the Gunners opted to stick to only bring in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

Since European interest peaked in Athletic's No.10 after Euro 2024, he has scored just 12 league goals, however, as injury and poor form have prevented him from reaching the next level in the Basque Country.

Williams is worth €40 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal travel to Fleetwood Town as Carabao Cup action continues this week.

Manchester United are set to go head-to-head with Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Portuguese teenager Flavio Goncalves, according to reports.

Man United are in a state of disarray on and off the pitch but transfer planning doesn't slow down for chaos. Sporting CP winger Flavio Goncalves is a target and the Red Devils aren't going to hold back if they get the chance to snap him up.

Goncalves has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the European game. At 19 years old, he has played just a handful of senior league matches since his debut late last year but has attracted the attention of the Premier League clubs in next to no time.

Manchester United 'have scouted Goncalves extensively' and an offer is reportedly imminent

The teenager has a release clause in the region of £51 million and any buying club can expect to pay that in full to sign him. Caught Offside reports in its Daily Briefing that Sporting want to extend his deal and elevate his release clause, but interest from elsewhere is bound to influence his decision.

"Chelsea and Man United have scouted Goncalves extensively and they’re now prepared to make offers directly to Sporting," according to a Caught Offside source. 10 Liga Portugal matches into his career, he'd represent a bold investment even for clubs with their clout in the transfer market.

Goncalves was born in northern France to Portuguese parents, and it was in a six-a-side tournament in Paris that he was identified by Carlos Rente, who worked for the Gestifute agency and is the uncle of Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana.

The youngster moved to Portugal with his parents to join Rio Ave, where he spent three years playing junior football before he was picked up by Lisbon giants Sporting, aged 12, in 2019.

He played 45 times for Sporting's B-team in the second and third tiers of Portuguese football, and was given his first-team debut in a cup match in October 2025. Goncalves made three league appearances last season and was handed his first league start in August.

With three goals in seven league appearances this term and a Champions League debut now under his belt, Goncalves has caught the eye of plenty of observers besides Man United and Chelsea.

The Premier League pair could face further competition from Germany, with RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund all reported to be monitoring Goncalves.

Unnamed clubs in Spain and Italy are also believed to be interested in the Portuguese teenager, whose current contract runs to the summer of 2030.

Goncalves is a modern attacking midfielder, as adept in a creative central role as he is on the left wing. He's played on the right, too, and there have been comparisons drawn to players as diverse as Cristiano Ronaldo and Florian Wirtz.

He will be in action on Sunday evening, when third-placed Sporting host Academico Viseu in the Liga Portugal.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has reassured supporters that the Cherries have not 'given up hope' in their attempts to persuade Alex Scott to sign a new contract.

Scott is one of the hottest properties in the Premier League and has attracted the attention of all of its wealthiest clubs, but Foley hopes to keep him at the Vitality Stadium beyond this season by extending his contract.

The current deal ends at the end of 2027/28, putting him firmly in a position where Bournemouth will need to decide soon whether, and how, to make sure they get the best possible transfer fee.

Bournemouth the 'right place' for Scott despite interest from rivals

Currently injured, the Guernsey-born England international was the target of a reported £64 million bid from Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Bournemouth are believed to want £100 million and rejected the offer outright.

Chelsea's interest remains, and both Liverpool and Manchester City have been credited with an interest in signing the 23-year-old. La Liga titans Real Madrid are also reported to be tracking the midfielder.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Foley reiterated Bournemouth's position but also admitted that 'players' can be tempted away by clubs like Chelsea and Man City.

"At this point, we're convinced we're the right place for Alex to be and to stay, and we'll keep on addressing the contract issues with Alex as we move through this year." said Foley, who also owns A-League side Auckland FC and the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights.

"We'd love to have Alex stay here and sign a new contract and be part of this team for the long haul. We haven't given up, but sometimes players get stars in their eyes and they think that Chelsea or Manchester City is the right place to go.

"We have to respect the fact that a lot of our players are younger, and they've come to Bournemouth with the expectation that they'll get time to play and perhaps move on to a bigger team."

Scott picked up a thigh injury on England duty and missed Bournemouth's last two Premier League matches against Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as their Europa League game against Sturm Graz and Thursday's win against AC Milan.

The Cherries have won all three of their Europa League matches, including successive 3-0 wins in the two European home matches in their history in Scott's absence.

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan gave them a helping hand in the face on Thursday, earning himself a straight red card with the Rossoneri already behind to a Justin Kluivert penalty.

Marcus Tavernier converted Bournemouth's second spot kick before Amine Adli rounded off a historic victory with a free kick.

Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool as a Premier League champion but under a cloud at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The right-back had agreed to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer, a switch whose circumstances left some Liverpool supporters disgruntled with a player who had grown up at Anfield.

Jumping to Real Madrid was the sort of opportunity few professional footballers feel they can turn down but it doesn't always work out as planned. Alexander-Arnold has dropped down the pecking order at the Bernabeu and a move away is believed to be a genuine possibility after just a year and a half.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could move back to England - but maybe not to Liverpool

The England international linked up with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso in the summer of 2025 but has since experienced two managerial changes, with Real Madrid alighting on a return for Jose Mourinho after briefly promoting another ex-Liverpool man in the form of Alvaro Arbeloa.

Whether moving to Real Madrid was a dream come true or just a chance Alexander-Arnold didn't think he could refuse, reports indicate that the journey could soon be at an end for the 28-year-old.

It has been reported that Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City could have an interest in competing with Liverpool for Alexander-Arnold's signature, and that the player is 'weighing up' the possibility of heading back to the Premier League.

And Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips has claimed that the Blues are at the front of the queue, thanks in part to Alonso's wish to reunite with Alexander-Arnold in London after a brief spell together in the Spanish capital.

"Should a move for Alexander-Arnold materialise, [Malo] Gusto would be given the green light to leave," reports TEAMtalk. "Liverpool launched a deadline day loan bid for the France international over the summer. Chelsea were willing to offload Gusto, though only in a deal with permanence attached."

England teammate Reece James is the natural first-choice for Chelsea but his injury record has become a problem for successive Blues managers and a more reliable alternative would be a sensible acquisition.

Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill and provide the attacking impetus from right-back that's expected in a team expected to play with the ball as much as Chelsea. Wanted at the Bernabeu or not, he's not a player who'll be going on the cheap.

His Real Madrid contract will still have four years left to run at the end of the 2026/27 season, but Chelsea have shown little reluctance to buy high if they want a player.

Their hand might be strengthened by Alexander-Arnold arguably being third choice at Real Madrid behind not only new signing Denzel Dumfries, but Federico Valverde too. He's played just 343 minutes in La Liga and the Champions League this season.

He started 14 times in La Liga last season. While he has three starts this season, it's not hard to imagine him failing to get another 11 in the league between now and May.

Manchester City are waiting to find out how they will be punished for 114 major Premier League rule breaches and have lodged their appeal in the aftermath of the long-awaited verdict.

The extent of the potential punishment is unknown but Man City must prepare for every eventuality regardless of the stack of 'irrefutable' evidence they have at their disposal but elected not to introduce during the lengthy investigation.

That includes the best case scenario as well as the worst. With a January transfer window fast approaching, it's business as usual for City's scouts. According to reports in Portugal, repeat visits to Porto could point to some potential targets.

Manchester City scouts returned to Porto on Tuesday

The possible sanctions facing Man City are significant. Expulsion from the Premier League is on the table along with stripped titles won under Pep Guardiola, points deductions, limits on registering players and even an enforced change of ownership under the powers of the independent football regulator.

A transfer ban of some description is perhaps among the more likely punishments – it has been suggested in some quarters that the club's recent transfer strategy could serve as futureproofing for that – but recruitment will remain a focus until such time as a ban is in place.

According to A Bola via Sport Witness, members of City's scouting team were in attendance for Porto's Champions League loss to PSV at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday evening.

Sport Witness reports that City have had scouts at Porto matches twice in a month, both times since the club's own visit to Portugal in the Champions League in September.

The player suggested is Victor Froholdt, who 'impressed' when he was watched against Benfica last time City officials were in town. "Unfortunately, the 20-year-old Danish midfielder wasn’t so good on Tuesday as Porto lost 1-0 to PSV," says Sport Witness.

It was a bad night for Porto and none of their players caught the eye, though 18-year-old Oskar Pietuszewski was given a start on the left and Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa, 22, has long been a player of note for Premier League scouts.

Esmir Bajraktarevic, 21, of PSV produced a more notable performance and is offered up as another possible target of City's interest. Yarek Gasiorowski, also 21, put in a commanding performance at centre-back.

Rumours are rife but it has been reported that a 'multi-year transfer ban' is one of the sanctions under discussion.

That would have a big future impact on City but Guardiola's former player, Philipp Lahm, has highlighted the shadow cast on the club's past achievements by the independent commission ruling.

"From the outside, City fundamentally did not do much differently from the other 10 or so top European clubs," Lahm wrote in his column for The Guardian. "But what are achievements on the pitch worth if they are accompanied by rule-breaking?"

Arsenal are interested in a ‘complete striker’ to challenge Kai Havertz for the No.9 role.

That's according to a new report, which casts Viktor Gyokeres' position at the club in further doubt, with the Swedish hitman failing to start a single Premier League fixture this season.

Despite being the Gunners' top scorer in all competitions last season as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, Gyokeres has struggled at times in North London – and now, it appears that he could have even more competition up front.

Viktor Gyokeres heading for Arsenal exit, with new striker lined up

Gyokeres has already noted this season that he wants to “play football as much as possible”, but with Havertz returning from an injury that sidelined him for much of last season, the Swede has found himself playing second fiddle.

Disappointing cameo appearances in the Champions League and Carabao Cup have led to rumours that the 28-year-old will be sacrificed in the coming months, as Arteta looks to bring in a more rounded centre-forward able to hold the ball up.

Sport Witness, meanwhile, have relayed a report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport today that link Arsenal with Monza frontman, Gustavo Varela.

Varela arrived in Serie A from Benfica over the summer and has already struck six goals from six in the division, with Napoli said to be leading the race for his signature at this early stage.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have an eye on the situation, with transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio adding that “major offers could be on the way for the striker”.

Benfica have the right to match any bid for the 21-year-old, but could well choose not to make an offer if Arsenal propose a deal out of their range.

The Gunners may well have to look for left-field targets in their bid to improve a squad that reached the latter stages of three competitions last season, as they struggled to land their big targets over the summer.

Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez both opted to remain in Madrid, with the Gunners only strengthening in attack by signing Christos Tzolis – with that sole deal perhaps indicating the direction that the club must go in to outsmart rivals.

Varela is worth €5m, as per Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Bayern Munich tonight as Champions League action resumes.

Manchester United legend has delivered both barrels to Bruno Fernandes – again – in the wake of another Red Devils defeat.

After defeat in the Champions League this week, Manchester United have won just two of their nine games since Michael Carrick was appointed as permanent manager over the summer.

With the club in crisis once more, Lisandro Martinez criticised the club's hierarchy in an explosive post-match interview – and Keane has had his say on the state of the mentality at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick given Manchester United future update

When asked about the leaders at Carrick's disposal, The Overlap regular Keane took a pop at club captain Bruno Fernandes and his predecessor, Harry Maguire, suggesting that the former isn't “a happy lad” at the club and that he struggles with criticism himself.

“Bruno, Maguire... They're probably busy doing podcasts, I can't imagine them pulling him [Martinez],” Keane began. “Bruno's body language, he doesn't seem a happy lad at the moment.

“They're pulling nobody. This reflects where Manchester United are and where this dressing room is. Maguire gets left out of the England squad: he's all upset with that. Instead of rolling his sleeves up during the summer, ‘I'm going to go to New York and do a podcast for a few weeks.’

“That's his mindset. I made a mistake with Bruno on this programme [criticising the Portuguese in a previous podcast]. Bruno goes on a podcast with [Steven Bartlett] this is the Man United captain, he goes on there, has a little dig at me, no problem, he's entitled to respond.

“"That's the mindset of a Man United player, I'm going to start doing these little gigs instead of getting Man United competing at the very top. So this idea, when I see a player have a little b**** the last few days, I'd be more annoyed at Maguire and Bruno for getting things off their chests on podcasts. You get your priorities in place as a footballer.”

Keane went on to compare the difference between the modern-day and his own playing career, noting that he was more likely to feature on a magazine cover instead – as he does on the current issue of FourFourTwo – but said that United currently lack players to hold each other to account.

“Back in our day it was more magazines than podcasts, but if a player went off and said something, even silly, he'd come in the dressing room, and lads would say: 'What are you talking about?'

“You'd put him in his place in that sense, not a big bust-up. Man United is a circus. If you can, try and do your talking on the pitch. If you have to let off a bit of steam, ok, but try and do it on the back of some victories, or when you've won a league title or something like that.

“These players have done nothing for the last few years at Man United. Two years ago we were finishing [15th] or whatever, getting knocked out by Grimsby, and they're coming up with all these comments.”

United travel to in-form Leeds United this weekend, as Premier League action returns.

Liverpool have been given an indication that another nine-figure move is on for January.

Florian Wirtz – the first of three £100 million signings that Liverpool have made in the last 18 months – could well make way in manager Andoni Iraola's line-up, too, with the German struggling to adapt to English football since his arrival last summer, despite an excellent performance in Europe last night, signalling a potential return to form.

In 57 appearances in a red shirt, Wirtz has managed just seven goals and 12 assists, with fans expecting a little more from such a high-profile signing.

Liverpool ready for yet another £100m signing

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Iraola is prepared to bring Dominik Szoboszlai forward to his preferred No.10 role, after a spell of using the Hungarian in a double-pivot deeper in the team.

This could pave the way for a new midfielder, with the Reds needing more bite and defensive presence in the engine room at the start of this season.

According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC, Bournemouth are open to offers for Alex Scott in January, with Liverpool leading the way for his signing alongside Chelsea.

According to influencer Fabrizio Romano in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the price tag is expected to be £100m.

The Guernsey-born schemer has enjoyed a positive start to the season, making his England debut and establishing himself as the Cherries' standout player in the opening five fixtures of the campaign, with new manager Marco Rose still yet to taste victory in Dorset.

Scott missed out on the trip to Chelsea at the weekend, however, with his side thrashed 5-1 in his absence.

The 23-year-old has a contract at the Vitality Stadium that runs until 2028, and despite attempts from the club to persuade him to commit his long-term future to the seasiders, Scott has resisted, with a move becoming ever-more likely.

The midfielder played all but one game in the Premier League last season under Iraola on the south coast, as Bournemouth recorded a record finish of sixth and qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.

Scott is worth €70 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool travel to LASK tonight, as Champions League action returns.

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi could make a move to Real Madrid, with the “door open” for a move.

The midfielder signed for Arsenal last summer as a replacement for the ageing Jorginho and lit up the Premier League in the first half of last season alongside Declan Rice in midfield – but after his form tailed off in the second half of the campaign, manager Mikel Arteta introduced academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly to the midfield.

The teenager started in most of the run-in and last term's Champions League final, with Zubimendi struggling to win back his spot even this season, as rumours persist that he could be about to leave North London.

Martin Zubimendi's Arsenal career appears to be hanging by a thread

Arsenal beat stiff competition to convince Zubimendi to depart his hometown club of Real Sociedad after six years and over 200 appearances.

Manchester City and Liverpool were both vying to bring the 27-year-old to English football, with Real Madrid insistent that they could offer the perfect environment, too, with links with Los Blancos long after reports had surfaced that the Gunners had actually struck an agreement with the player.

That Real Madrid interest hasn't subsided either, with Sport Witness now relaying comments from the Spanish media that the World Cup winner is still a “perceived opportunity” for Jose Mourinho's side.

Defensa Central have reported that Cadena SER's Javier Herraez says he “wouldn’t close any door” on the transfer happening.

“Real Madrid aren’t doing well right now and they’re worried about how the team is playing,” he said, “I don’t think they’ll go for him now, but I wouldn’t rule anything out, especially in football: above all, in that position.”

The Galacticos have failed to replace the control of Toni Kroos in their midfield since the German's surprise retirement from the game at the age of just 34, with Rodri a serious target for the club before rivals Barcelona poached him over the summer.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have stacked their central midfield to add Bruno Guimaraes over the summer, with the Brazilian having scored twice in the Premier League from limited appearances already, completing an impressive first 90 minutes in a red-and-white shirt last night in the Champions League victory over Lille.

FourFourTwo understands that Zubimendi is one of the more likely departures for the summer of 2027, given the promises that Arsenal must have made to him when he signed and the adjustment that he could well spend the season as fourth-choice in his position – but with Arteta's side competing on four fronts, the Spanish international may well find his importance increase as the season continues.

An injury to Piero Hincapie has already seen Lewis-Skelly return to left-back this season, perhaps paving the way for Zubimendi to compete with just Guimaraes when he himself returns from his recent knock.

The Basque is worth €65 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Nottingham Forest at the weekend, as Premier League action resumes.

Manchester United fans have received an update on manager Michael Carrick's future, following another defeat away to Atletico Madrid last night.

The Red Devils were comfortably beaten 2-0, before Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered an extraordinary post-match interview in which he singled out technical director Jason Wilcox for the shortcomings at Old Trafford over the summer transfer window.

It leaves the club with just two wins since the start of the season, heaping further pressure on Carrick.

Michael Carrick given Manchester United future update

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester United's owners are “right behind” Carrick – despite the former midfielder being “under pressure” in his role as manager.

“You are under pressure constantly at Manchester United, from ownership, executives, managers, staff, players, and so on,” Ornstein wrote. “That’s testament to the expectations. Carrick knows that better than anybody.

“He will be aware of what comes with that territory. It’s a results business. However good the intentions are of United as a hierarchy, and the goodwill given to him by the fanbase, he’ll be judged on how he does.

“And ultimately, those that have gone before him have paid the price when they’ve gone on a poor run. So he needs to improve things.

“I don’t know of any desire to get rid of Carrick. On the contrary, they are right behind him and want him to succeed. But you’re right behind somebody at any club until you’re not. And there will be concern about the results and certainly the performances.”

The former England international was given the managerial job on a permanent basis over the summer after taking over from Ruben Amorim for an interim stint last season that saw United's fortunes soar, with a third-placed finish in the league and wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.

But after just six points from his first six fixtures in the league, the Red Devils were booed off the pitch at Old Trafford at the weekend, after dropping two more points to bottom-placed Tottenham Hotspur – who were down to 10 men.

“What we saw against Tottenham wouldn’t have been deemed acceptable by Carrick or the powers that be,” Ornstein continued. “The support were really unhappy. We heard it, we’ve seen it, we’ve read about it. I know a lot of United fans and I’ve detected it, too.

“There will also be questions about the people around the structure at United: recruitment, executives, owners. We’ve been in this position so many times before and the one who pays the price is the manager. I do think the goodwill gives him time and faith. But at a club of this stature, if you don’t deliver, you’ll pay the price.”

United travel to in-form Leeds United this weekend, as Premier League action returns.