Transfer news LIVE: Shock Arsenal move, Kroupi twist; Man Utd stunner; new Chelsea target; Liverpool latest

Transfer targets: Ivan Toney, Eli Junior Kroupi and Harrison ArmstrongGetty ImagesArsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all hunting some huge signings ahead of the January window. Arsenal are rumoured to be looking at an Atletico Madrid star, though it isn’t Julian Alvarez. Rather the Gunners are now said to have their eyes on Alex Baena, in addition to the likes of Kenan Yildiz and Antonio Nusa. However, it will be tough to secure a deal for top target Eli Junior Kroupi, while Martin Zubimendi could be on the move.Manchester United are being linked with a sensational January swoop for Ivan Toney, though managerial target Unai Emery is set to pen a new contract at Aston Villa. JJ Gabriel looks poised to complete a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, while Chelsea could swoop for Harrison Armstrong and Tomas Aranda as they look to win the race for Alex Scott over Liverpool, who could sign Lamine Camara instead amid more reports over a shock Anfield comeback for Trent Alexander-Arnold.Tottenham could face a fight to keep both Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall away from Barcelona, while they continue to chase a host of strikers possibly including Younes Ebnoutalib and Gustavo Varela. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!Latest transfer news and rumoursArsenal eye shock Alex Baena moveArsenal could be lining up a shock move for an Atletico Madrid star that ISN’T Julian Alvarez.The Gunners chased a high-profile deal for the Argentine striker throughout the closing stages of a hectic summer transfer window and are understood to have retained their interest in his services.However, it seems that one of Alvarez’s team-mates at the Metropolitano Stadium has now caught Mikel Arteta’s eye.According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are keeping close tabs on highly-rated Spain midfielder Alex Baena, though could face serious competition for his signing.GettyTottenham face triple transfer decisionTottenham goalkeeper Luca Gunter will assess his loan options in January after being recalled from Boreham Wood last month, writes Sam Tabuteau.Gunter joined the runaway National League leaders over the summer and immediately secured his spot as their first-choice option, but has returned to Spurs to train with the first team following an injury to third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin.Standard Sport understands that Gunter will continue to be around first-team training before looking to go back out on loan when the January transfer window opens.Gunter is one of several academy talents at Tottenham who are assessing their options ahead of the January window, with Tyrese Hall expected to have both loan and permanent offers on the table.Under-21s captain James Rowswell is another player who will be potentially looking to leave Spurs on loan in the New Year, having failed to secure a summer switch.GettyJavi Rodriguez attracting January interestCelta Vigo defender Javi Rodriguez is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe, writes Sam Tabuteau.Despite reports, though, there has not yet been any contact from Fulham for the 23-year-old. Rodriguez made his Spain debut in June and is expected to attract interest in January.Real Madrid confident of signing Man Utd wonderkid JJ GabrielReal Madrid are confident of winning the race to sign Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, who has not returned to Old Trafford since leaving the club in September.The 16-year-old is currently training independently in Spain after deciding to pursue a pathway towards senior football elsewhere.Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest, but Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are considered the leading contenders, according to BBC Sport.Gabriel has impressed at youth level, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut, and has obtained an EU passport that could ease a move abroad.United would receive compensation if he leaves, although the fee would be lower for an overseas transfer.PAMan Utd in agreement over Carrick sack decisionMichael Carrick has eased pressure on his job with Manchester United ‘s come-from-behind win over Roma, but the threat of the sack remains alive.Carrick will now hope his team have momentum ahead of a crucial clash with Aston Villa on Sunday before the international break. The head coach will now that he is not yet out of the woods.United's hierarchy held crisis talks over the head coach's position after a 3-0 defeat home defeat to the hands Bournemouth earlier in October.However, United opted against making an immediate change last month, allowing Carrick to remain in charge for defeat at Chelsea and Tuesday’s late triumph over Roma.According to The Athletic, Man Utd chiefs last week agreed to keep Carrick in post for the visit of Roma and Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League before reassessing the situation during the break.That stance is not expected to change despite a much-needed victory.Man Utd chiefs are said to be happy for Carrick to remain in charge until the international break, at which point a new manager could be appointment and given extra time to settle in the job before domestic football return.PAMartin Odegaard targeted as Arsenal fear raid on squadBayern Munich are keeping tabs on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard amid uncertainty over his next contract.Caught Offside claim that the German champions have reportedly maintained contact with Odegaard’s representatives ahead of a possible swoop.Barcelona are considering a move for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, with sporting director Deco including the 24-year-old on his list of centre-back targets.According to Sport, the Ecuador international’s versatility has attracted interest, although Arsenal are reluctant to lose him during the season. Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi is reportedly prepared to consider leaving the Emirates in January after struggling for regular minutes.TEAMtalk claims several European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern, have been made aware of his situation. AFP/GettyBrian Brobbey signs new Sunderland contractSunderland have announced that Brian Brobbey has signed a new long-term contract.Arsenal summer arrival admits surprise with key appointmentPascal De Maesschalck has admitted he was surprised to be appointed Arsenal's academy director.The Belgian began work at Arsenal in the summer, arriving from Strasbourg where he had been technical director since 2024.De Maesschalck oversees the Gunners' academy programme, taking over from Per Mertesacker after he left at the end of last season having been in the role for eight years.In an interview with Sporza, De Maesschalck revealed he viewed the interview process with Arsenal as a good opportunity in itself, before he ended up then getting the job.GettyScott Parker set to become new West Ham managerScott Parker is set to succeed Nuno Espirito Santo as West Ham head coach.Nuno was relieved of his duties with immediate effect on Tuesday morning following back-to-back home defeats to Southampton and West Brom.The Irons are four points off the automatic promotion places and have won six of their opening 13 Championship games this season.West Ham invested heavily over the summer, breaking the Championship transfer record to sign midfielder Arne Engels from Celtic for £22million, and were among the favourites for promotion back to the Premier League.Now, though, after a mixed start to the season, they have decided to part ways with Nuno and have landed on club legend Parker to take the reins as they look to get their promotion bid back on track.Getty ImagesWest Ham reach Scott Parker agreementWell, West Ham are not wasting any time in finding a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo.The Hammers announced this morning that they had parted company with Nuno and now the Athletic claim an agreement has been struck with former midfielder with Scott Parker.There is hope Parker will be in appointed in time to take charge for Wednesday’s match against Cardiff.Getty