Arsenal's January Transfer Plans: Key Targets and Contract Updates
Arsenal are already sharpening their plans for January, with teenage forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Brentford winger Kevin Schade both featuring on their list of potential targets, according to football.london. The north London club are weighing up wide and attacking reinforcements as they look to strengthen mid-season.
At Old Trafford, pressure is rising in the stands but not, it seems, in the boardroom. The Sun reports that Michael Carrick still retains the backing of senior Manchester United figures despite the club’s poor start to the campaign. Results have stuttered, questions have grown louder, yet the hierarchy are said to be standing firm behind their head coach for now.
Cole Palmer’s impressive opening to the season with Chelsea looks set to be rewarded. The Sun claims the playmaker is poised for a recall to Thomas Tuchel's England squad after his bright early‑season form at Stamford Bridge, with his creativity and end product putting him back on the international radar.
Over at Anfield, speculation around Alexis Mac Allister’s future has been pushed back firmly. The Mirror reports that the Liverpool midfielder’s father has denied talk that his son wants to leave the club amid a stand-off over a new contract. The message from the family camp is clear: Mac Allister is not agitating for an exit.
Chelsea’s recruitment drive shows no sign of slowing. Spanish outlet Fichajes says the club are keen to explore a £69m move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, a deal that would add yet another high-profile wide option to their squad if they can persuade the Basque side to sell.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are being warned that any move for Bournemouth star Rayan will come at a huge cost. ESPN Brazil reports that the Cherries have set a £130m price tag for the winger, despite manager Andoni Iraola’s existing relationship with the player. If Liverpool want him, they will have to pay elite, statement-signing money.
North of the border, the managerial carousel is already creaking into motion. The Scottish Sun names Steve Evans as the early front-runner to take over at Hibernian, with the club assessing options after another turbulent spell.
Rangers are positioning themselves for a quieter but potentially shrewd piece of business. The Daily Record reports that the Ibrox side hold an option to sign James Penrice permanently from AEK Athens for a fee of under £1m, a deal that could offer value and depth if they choose to trigger it.
The window is still weeks away. The manoeuvring has clearly started.
