With the summer transfer window firmly shut, attention across the Premier League's biggest clubs has already turned to January, as Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham lay the groundwork for their next moves.
Arsenal are reportedly casting their net wide in attack, having missed out on marquee targets such as Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr during the summer. Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Brentford's Kevin Schade have both emerged as names of interest for the Gunners as they look to add firepower in the New Year. Mikel Arteta's side are also said to be monitoring winger Rio Ngumoha and midfield prospect Luca Weinhandl, while young forward Max Dowman could be sent out on loan to gain experience.
The long-running Alvarez saga looks set to rumble on, with fresh reports suggesting the Argentine striker may be preparing to part ways with his current representation. According to sources in Spain, Alvarez is considering ending his working relationship with agent Fernando Hidalgo and has opened discussions with 'The Elegant Game', an agency headed by former Argentina international Javier Pastore. The 25-year-old was left frustrated after Atletico Madrid blocked a proposed exit last summer, when a move to Barcelona appeared to be his priority.
Elsewhere, former Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna has shed new light on Mykhailo Mudryk's controversial 2023 transfer, revealing the winger had initially been drawn towards a move to Arsenal rather than Chelsea. "Misha [Mudryk] talked to Arteta. I talked to the Chelsea coach. And, probably, at that moment he liked Arteta more," Srna said. "But it is the club that decides whether to sell a player or not. We told him that the club has found a common language with Chelsea. And then you decide for yourself: do you want to move or not? Either you go to Chelsea, or Arsenal offers the same conditions, or you stay at Shakhtar." Chelsea ultimately won the race for Mudryk, who is now on loan at Tottenham.
At Manchester United, the club is bracing for the potential departure of highly-rated 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who requested to leave Old Trafford last week. Gabriel's representatives are reportedly in advanced discussions with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also registered interest. The teenager is currently with his family in Barcelona as talks continue. In response, United appear to be shifting focus towards South America, with scouts from both United and Chelsea said to be closely watching Palmeiras' academy in search of the next Estevao or Endrick. United are also continuing to monitor Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are keeping tabs on several midfield targets, including Netherlands international Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar. The Reds are understood to have had scouts present for AZ's 1-0 Europa League defeat to Sunderland, though they face competition from Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Crystal Palace for the 20-year-old's signature. Liverpool also remain interested in a costly deal for Rayan, reportedly valued around £130million, and continue to track Felix Nmecha.
At Tottenham, Richarlison's future remains uncertain as the club continues to be linked with Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi and forward Arthur Dias, while Chelsea are said to be weighing up a renewed attempt to sign Lamine Camara after a failed pursuit earlier in the year.
With so many storylines developing simultaneously, the coming weeks promise plenty of movement before the January window officially opens.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.