Although the summer transfer window has long closed, England's top clubs are already laying groundwork for the January market, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all reportedly active behind the scenes.
Arsenal have moved to secure their long-term future by agreeing a pre-contract arrangement with Andria Bartishvili, while continuing to track Julian Alvarez, Eli Junior Kroupi, Kenan Yildiz and Como playmaker Nico Paz. The Gunners are said to be preparing a formal approach for Paz as early as January 2027, though Real Madrid hold an €80million buy-back option on the Argentine that activates next summer, potentially complicating any move. Paz has continued to shine in Italy, recently providing two assists in a Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig, and chose to stay at Como rather than return to the Spanish capital.
Elsewhere at the Emirates, midfielder Martin Zubimendi's future has been called into question amid reported interest from Chelsea, who view Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal as a potential January option to bolster their midfield following Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City. Chelsea have also tied down winger Pedro Neto to a new contract.
Manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, appears close to agreeing fresh terms at Arsenal, with the Spaniard stating his ambition to turn the club into the best in the world. His current deal runs out at the end of the season, but there has been no suggestion that an extension will not be finalized in the near future.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United continue to monitor Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall as a possible successor to Luke Shaw, even after the Magpies handed Hall a new contract that reportedly lacks a release clause. United, along with Tottenham, are also said to be watching Genoa's Nicolo Tresoldi.
Liverpool are looking to strengthen their midfield options in the new year having missed out on additions last summer. The Reds are reportedly tracking four players — Monaco's Lamine Camara, Aleksandar Stankovic, Alex Scott and Manu Kone — with Camara understood to be a priority target after Liverpool made contact with his representatives before his proposed transfer to Chelsea unraveled. Monaco are said to be willing to sell the Senegalese international for around £60million, with Camara reportedly keen on a switch to the Premier League himself.
Chelsea had believed they secured Camara for £47million on a six-year deal before Monaco unexpectedly withdrew from the agreement. Speaking publicly for the first time since the collapse, Camara said he has now "turned the page" and is focused on Monaco, though he did not fully rule out a future move.
Across Europe, several major clubs — including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid — are keeping tabs on 15-year-old Norwegian sensation Gabriel Rajkovic, who has broken Martin Odegaard's record as the youngest Eliteserien debutant.
At Tottenham, Richarlison looks set to remain after a proposed switch to Vasco da Gama fell through over personal terms, while Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract following reconsideration of his Spurs future. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has also given a fitness boost, suggesting striker Dominic Solanke could make his first start since April against Everton.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit weighed in on the club's decision not to pursue Vinicius Junior, suggesting the Brazilian's temperament might not suit Arteta's dressing room culture. "I think he is probably a bullet dodged for Arsenal," Petit said, pointing to recent incidents involving Vinicius and referee confrontations.
With the international break approaching, further transfer developments are expected as clubs continue preparing for the January window.
Based on reporting from London Standard and TEAMtalk.