Arsenal are at the centre of a flurry of transfer activity as the Premier League leaders look to strengthen their squad both now and in the upcoming January window, while also tying down key players to new contracts.
The north London club have reportedly submitted an opening approach to Mexican side Tijuana for 17-year-old wonderkid Gilberto Mora, according to Mexican outlet El Porvenir. The move would represent a hijack of Liverpool, who had been strongly linked with the teenager in recent weeks. Mora has already earned 13 senior caps for Mexico and featured at this summer's home World Cup, attracting interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica. His release clause is reported to stand at around £21.2m.
Arsenal are also said to be among several European heavyweights monitoring Erling Haaland's situation at Manchester City. Speculation over the Norwegian's future, along with that of other City stars, has intensified since an independent commission found the club guilty on charges related to breaches of Premier League financial regulations between 2009/10 and 2017/18. City have denied wrongdoing and lodged an appeal. Football Insider reports that Arsenal are among the clubs keeping tabs on Haaland, though they face competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona. It has been suggested that Haaland's ambition to surpass Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record could play a part in any potential move to the Emirates.
Off the pitch, Arsenal appear close to securing their core group of players. Manager Mikel Arteta recently signed a new four-year contract running until 2030, and the club are reportedly working to finalise fresh deals for Declan Rice, captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber during the upcoming international break, according to TEAMtalk. Rice's new terms are said to edge him closer to Bukayo Saka's status as the club's top earner. Arsenal scouts have also been tracking Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, continuing to assess his versatility ahead of a possible move.
Elsewhere, Manchester United could see a financial boost from Napoli's handling of Scott McTominay. The Scotland international, who left Old Trafford for Napoli in a £25.7m deal in 2024, has impressed in Serie A and made his return from heart surgery in Napoli's 3-0 win over Frosinone. The Daily Star reports that Real Madrid are among several clubs showing renewed interest in the 29-year-old, with Manchester United retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause as Napoli reportedly struggle to finalise a contract extension with him.
At Real Madrid, reports from Fichajes suggest the club are prepared to consider selling Kylian Mbappe after growing frustrated with his conduct this season, opening the door for a potential departure if the right offer arrives. That uncertainty has reignited Liverpool's interest in the French forward, as the Reds also continue to compete with Chelsea for Lamine Camara and keep tabs on William Gomes.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are reportedly preparing a January move for Barcelona's Dani Olmo, with German reports suggesting Barcelona could demand between €80-90million to open talks. Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been made aware of the situation.
Chelsea remain in the hunt for Bournemouth winger Alex Scott and have also been credited with interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as a potential long-term successor to Enzo Fernandez, who departed for Manchester City on deadline day. The club also confirmed academy midfielder Jayden Malundama has signed his first professional contract, continuing his rise through the youth ranks since joining as an Under-8.
Tottenham, meanwhile, could turn to Vangelis Pavlidis to address their striker issues, while also being linked with Giuliano Simeone.
Away from transfer business, Everton's ownership situation is also in focus after The Friedkin Group confirmed they are exploring investment options, including a potential sale of a controlling stake, stating they will only consider offers from parties they believe can build on the club's recent progress.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.