Arsenal ‘to move’ for striker as Chelsea gain Kounde boost; Kane close; Balde linked

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are cranking up plans for January. Arsenal are said to be preparing a move for Inter prospect Pio Esposito, with interest in Antonio Nusa and Kenan Yildiz. Erling Haaland is believed to prefer LaLiga if he leaves Manchester City.

Chelsea are understood to be leading the chase for Alex Scott, with Real Madrid competition. Premier League sides are keen on Jules Kounde, and Barcelona are said to be open to significant offers. Per the Daily Telegraph, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are monitoring Noni Madueke for a January loan.

Liverpool are said to have joined the race for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, long linked with Manchester United, with Juventus also interested. They are also rumoured to be tracking Mexico youngster Gilberto Mora.

Wonderkid goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney, 15, set to join Arsenal next season in their 2027/28 scholar intake, has trained with Northern Ireland's senior squad before a Nations League tie against Georgia. He has a pre-contract to sign professional terms with the club.

JJ Gabriel, now eligible to sign a scholarship, is still expected to leave Manchester United this season despite appearing in the first-team squad photo after requesting deregistration last month to become a free agent. Talks over Harry Kane's new Bayern Munich contract are down to final details after agreement on salary, though the length remains unconfirmed.

Source: The Standard

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”