The Premier League's leading clubs are already plotting ahead to the January transfer window despite the summer market having only recently closed, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all working behind the scenes on potential deals.
One of the most significant developments concerns Martin Zubimendi, who could be poised to leave Arsenal just months after his £60m arrival from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder, who turned down Liverpool before joining the Gunners and played a prominent role in their Premier League title triumph, is reportedly ready to push for an exit in January if he cannot secure a regular starting berth under Mikel Arteta. Both Chelsea and Real Madrid remain heavily interested in the 26-year-old, who is also said to be attracting attention from Saudi Arabia.
While uncertainty surrounds Zubimendi, Arteta's own future at the Emirates appears more settled. According to BBC Sport, Arsenal are in the closing stages of agreeing a new contract with their title-winning manager, whose current deal is set to expire next summer.
Arsenal are also continuing to explore additions to their squad, with Julian Alvarez and Eli Junior Kroupi named among their targets. The club is further said to be monitoring Nico Paz and Kenan Yildiz, alongside scouting missions on Lucien Agoume and Kike Salas.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are expected to revisit their interest in Roma's Manu Kone when the window reopens in the new year. The Blues had attempted to sign the France international last week as cover following Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City, but could not agree a deal with Roma, while a separate £47m Deadline Day move for Monaco's Lamine Camara also collapsed. Reports suggest winger Jamie Gittens, previously a target for Roma, could be included as part of any renewed offer for Kone. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with interest in the midfielder. Chelsea are additionally said to be eyeing Barcelona's Marc Bernal and Tomas Aranda, while Liverpool could rival them for both Camara and Kone as well as Marco Palestra.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have received encouraging news regarding a potential move for Newcastle's Lewis Hall, who is understood to be Michael Carrick's primary target as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw at left-back. United failed to complete a deal for Hall over the summer but remain interested in either January or next summer. Despite Newcastle reportedly extending Hall's contract, it is claimed the new terms do not include a buyout clause, potentially leaving the door open for a sale. United are also keeping tabs on Nicolo Tresoldi. On the pitch, Patrick Dorgu impressed supporters in a start at left-back during United's 4-0 win over Sabah, deputising for the rested Shaw in a Champions League return.
At Tottenham, Richarlison's situation continues to escalate as he explores terminating the remaining nine months of his contract, with a return to Brazil looking increasingly likely following the collapse of a proposed move to Trabzonspor. The Brazilian forward has reportedly given his approval to a switch to Vasco da Gama, with talks ongoing ahead of Brazil's transfer deadline. Spurs, however, remain unwilling to consider terminating his deal for now.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid have moved to tie down Arda Guler, with the Turkish forward agreeing to a new six-year contract running until 2032, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Mauricio Pochettino also made headlines by revealing he was approached about the Tottenham job last season before the club turned to Thomas Frank's successor amid their relegation battle.
Based on reporting from standard-football.