Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd make Carrick sack decision; Arsenal want Bayern star; Chelsea, Liverpool latest

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are stepping up their transfer plans ahead of January, though Manchester United are first preoccupied with Michael Carrick's future as manager after another dismal defeat. The Gunners are said to be targeting Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena and Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl. Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be competing for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.Man Utd’s recruitment plans could depend on who is in charge, with Michael Carrick facing an uncertain future after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth extended the club’s winless run to eight matches. Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Unai Emery have been linked with the managerial vacancy as pressure mounts on Carrick.Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Kylian Mbappe’s situation and have been linked with a sensational return for former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has also emerged as a potential target. Tottenham, meanwhile, are being linked with Real Madrid forward Endrick. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!Latest transfer news and rumoursArsenal lead fierce race for Lennart Karl Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl amid uncertainty over his development.The 18-year-old has struggled for regular minutes this season after an impressive breakthrough campaign.According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have contacted potential suitors, with Karl’s situation potentially becoming a major transfer story in 2027.Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness has also warned the teenager to remain humble, insisting comparisons with Michael Olise are premature.GettyMan Utd make Carrick sack decisionMichael Carrick remains on the brink of the sack after Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth stretched their winless run to eight matches.Carrick came in to replace Ruben Amorim in January and inspired a stellar end to the 2025/26 campaign, qualifying United for the Champions League, but he has been unable to continue that form into the new season.A dismal start to the new campaign has seen United win just one of their first eight league matches, with a tally of just seven points leaving them 16th in the Premier League.Carrick was said to be close to dismissal after United were handed one of their worst Champions League defeats in recent memory on Wednesday night, losing 4-0 away at Cesc Fabregas’ Como, and the mood at the club has only worsened after their losing return to Old Trafford.Per reports from Sky Sports, Carrick’s tenure is now “hanging by a thread,” and there is an expectation he could be relieved of his duties in the coming days. GettyClear favourite to be new Man Utd managerEddie Howe is the clear favourite to take over as Manchester United manager, with Michael Carrick on the brink of being sacked.Carrick’s day appeared to be numbered after another humbling defeat, as Bournemouth brushed Man Utd aside at Old Trafford on Sunday to leave the club sitting in 17th in the Premier League table.The former midfielder was given a reprieve earlier this week despite a dismal loss in the Champions League at Como, but has now been sacked just five months after being appointed as permanent manager on a two-year deal.Julian Nagelsmann, out of work since leaving the German national team after the World Cup, has reportedly been sounded out as an option.Ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is available and said to be keen to take on a large-scale challenge at a club which has fallen on hard times. Antonio Conte is also out of work and made no secret of his desire for the job.AFP/GettyTottenham eye ex-Chelsea manTottenham and Newcastle have both looked into signing the ex-Chelsea pair of Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek when their AC Milan contracts expire.The two Englishmen will be out of contract in the summer, and are reportedly courting interest from across Europe.Per TeamTalk, Spurs and the Magpies have both made contact with their respective camps to explore a move.GettyChelsea transfer timeline predictedXabi Alonso and Chelsea need to finalise their January transfer plans after next month’s international break, according to Gus Poyet.The Blues bought 10 new first-team players in the summer and will continue to evolve their squad over future transfer windows.One position where Chelsea look light and may seek to add depth is in midfield.They sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City and missed out on sealing the signing of Lamine Camara from Monaco at the 11th hour on Deadline Day, before captain Reece James suffered a knee injury that required surgery and is expected to keep him out of action until mid-January.AFP/GettyArsenal plot January move for £42m striker Nicolo TresoldiArsenal are reportedly considering a January move for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options.According to Tuttosport, the Gunners are interested in the Germany Under-21 international, who has enjoyed an impressive start to the season. Tresoldi has scored nine goals in 12 appearances, including a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.The 21-year-old is reportedly valued at around £42m after Club Brugge rejected a £30m offer from Roma in August. Arsenal could face competition from AC Milan, while a potential reunion with former Brugge team-mate Christos Tzolis may appeal to the north London club.Arsenal are assessing their options ahead of the January transfer window as they look to add further firepower to their forward line. However, no agreement has been reached, and it remains to be seen whether the Premier League champions will make a formal approach for Tresoldi.GettyChelsea scout on Nico PazChelsea are said to be ‘hot on the trail’ of Como’s Nico Paz after he picked Manchester United apart in the Champions League on Wednesday night.Per reports from Tutto Mercato, Real Madrid hold a buyback option worth €80m for the Argentine, but Como will demand far more than that for any other interested clubs - Chelsea included.The Blues have dispatched scouts to watch him on multiple occasions.Tottenham reportedly saw multiple bids rejected for him in the summer.GettyArsenal and Liverpool in £60m Kevin Schade fightArsenal could fight Liverpool for the signing of Kevin Schade, reports claim.The German forward continues to go from strength to strength at high-flying Brentford, attracting plenty of interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen on a deal for Schade, who has scored three goals for the Bees so far this season.Brentford would apparently demand a fee in excess of £60m for the 24-year-old.GettyAlexander-Arnold considering Real Madrid futureCould Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool?Well, TEAMtalk claim the England international is considering his future at Real Madrid after growing frustrated with his lack of playing time.The report states Liverpool among a host of clubs monitoring his situation in the Spanish capital.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to be keen on Alexander-Arnold, as well as Bayern Munich.AFP/GettyTottenham keen on Real Madrid defender Tottenham are considering a summer move for Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger.The Germany international is yet to agree a new contract in Spain, who would be available on a free transfer next summer if Madrid do not trigger their option to extend by 12 months.According to SPORT BILD, Rudiger’s focus remains firmly on Real Madrid. Talks over his future are expected to take place in the spring.If a new deal fails to materialise, Tottenham, other Premier League clubs and Saudi Pro League sides could emerge as potential destinations.AFP/Getty