ARSENAL, CHELSEA AND TOTTENHAM EYE JANUARY TRANSFER MOVES

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are preparing for the January transfer window, which opens in under two months. Arsenal are prioritising a new forward after Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz struggled for consistency, with Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi a leading target, though Bournemouth are reluctant to sell him. Real Madrid's Endrick, Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and Juventus's Kenan Yildiz have also been linked with Arsenal, while Chelsea are closing in on Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. Tottenham are monitoring both Scott and Kroupi, and Liverpool could move for Monaco's Lamine Camara after Chelsea's interest in him cooled.

Manchester United are continuing with Michael Carrick ahead of fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa, his future uncertain. The club have been linked with former Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Arsenal's William Saliba has returned to training after injury, with summer signing Ezri Konsa deputising for him in defence. Arsenal hold a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League, having exited the Carabao Cup to League Two's Fleetwood Town on penalties. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reportedly had a difficult few weeks at the club, with reports suggesting the £60million-rated player wants to leave.

Tottenham are expected to make a new striker a priority for January, alongside their continued interest in Scott and Kroupi. At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing to resolve the club's attacking concerns before the market reopens. Manchester United are expected to strengthen their squad in January regardless of Carrick's situation, with Branthwaite and Toney among the names under consideration. Arsenal travel to Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday, ahead of a congested festive period following the season's second international break.