Transfer news LIVE: Alvarez to Arsenal, Haaland interest; Man Utd left-back decision; Chelsea, Liverpool latest
Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are already making plans for January, with a host of big names being linked with moves after the summer window closed. Arsenal are, sensationally, said to be interested in both Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki following the latest developments in Manchester City's financial case, while they appear to have been handed a boost over a deal for Julian Alvarez.
Man United are set to solve their left-back dilemma by extending the contract of Harry Amass, but will still keep tabs on Alejandro Balde. Chelsea have signed former Tottenham youngster Leo Black, while Barcelona are weighing up their options over Estevao. Liverpool have been linked with a shock move to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield, with Lamine Camara and Kevin Schade also reportedly on their radar following Julian Ward's return as sporting director.
Tottenham are said to have expressed an interest in Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, potentially as a replacement for Micky van de Ven who is reportedly on the radar of United and Liverpool. The Spurs captain is attracting interest after establishing himself as a key part of Tottenham's defence, although any move would likely require a significant fee. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Arsenal have been handed an Eli Junior Kroupi transfer update, as Bournemouth’s stance on a January deal has reportedly, been revealed.
As reported by Standard Sport in the summer, Kroupi was a target for Arsenal after scoring 13 goals in his first Premier League season, having joined Bournemouth for £10million from Lorient.
Amid significant interest in Kroupi, it was understood that a bid of close to £100m would likely be required to test Bournemouth's resolve.
However, the Cherries' stance was that the 20-year-old was not for sale, with club insiders believing that Kroupi would benefit from another season with them and their position being strengthened by securing European football.
Eyebrows were raised this summer when Chelsea agreed to pay £40million for an 18-year-old centre-back with just 41 senior appearances to his name.
The Blues spending lavishly on young talent is nothing new. But during a window when they pivoted towards adding more experience to their squad, the move for Honest Ahanor from Atalanta came as a surprise.
Ahanor, who is currently on loan at Crystal Palace, will officially join Chelsea ahead of the 2027/28 season and will expect to challenge for minutes straightaway.
The two-cap Italy international has enjoyed a rapid rise since making his senior debut as a 16-year-old for Genoa in September 2024. For those who have followed his career closely, this feels like a natural step.
Speaking exclusively to Standard Sport, Genoa sporting director Diego Lopez describes Ahanor as part of a new generation of Italian defenders who are stepping out of the shadow of the Catenaccio style that has dominated in the past.
Arguably Tottenham’s most glaring oversight this summer was their failure to bring in an out-and-out striker, writes Sam Tabuteau.
The versatile Omar Marmoush arrived from Manchester City on loan, with a £60m obligation to buy at the end of the season, but has so far looked an awkward fit.
The Egyptian is not particularly adept at leading the line, instead looking to drop deep and receive the ball, and that has placed great emphasis on Dominic Solanke to be Spurs’ talisman, despite the England forward clearly lacking sharpness.
TEAMtalk claim Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in signing Benfica defender Tomas Araujo.
The report states both clubs have made multiple checks on the 24-year-old, including watching him during Benfica’s 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Europa League last month.
Jonathan David is starting to convince Atletico Madrid of a permanent transfer.
The Canada international joined Madrid from Juventus in the summer window and has now scored three goals in his last three appearances, including one against Real Madrid.
As such, reports in Spain claim Atletico are now weighing up a permanent move for £21million.
This deal could be a boost for Arsenal as it may open the door for Julian Alvarez to leave.
Portugal have named Rafael Leao as their new No7 after Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning decision to leave their international camp.
Ronaldo, the Iberian side’s captain, abruptly departed midway through Portugal’s Nations League campaign having fallen out with new manager Jorge Jesus.
Barcelona are monitoring Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda after his impressive rise in Portugal.
O Jogo reports that the Catalan club had already tracked the Spaniard before his move to Sporting, while Roma showed interest this summer.
Sporting want to renew Fresneda's contract after he established himself as a key player under Rui Borges.
Football Insider reports that Manchester United have an improved chance of signing Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in January.
The 22-year-old is now more open to leaving after playing just 12 minutes in La Liga this season. Barcelona will only consider selling Balde if their £30million asking price is met.
Liverpool are firmly in the race to sign Tijuana attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora.
Football Insider claims that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also keen on the 17-year-old.
Tijuana plan to sell Mora next summer, with a January move to Liverpool considered difficult.
Joao Felix is dreaming of a return to Barcelona and wants to play Champions League football again, Sport claims.
His agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly already informed Barca of the forward’s desire to return to the club, where he spent the 2023-24 season on loan from Atletico Madrid.