Arsenal's January Transfer Targets: Kroupi and Schade

Arsenal are already sketching out their plans for the January window, and two young forwards sit high on the page. Eli Junior Kroupi and Kevin Schade are both on the Gunners’ list of potential targets, with the club weighing up options to add more pace and depth to Mikel Arteta’s front line, according to football.london.

The interest underlines Arsenal’s intent to stay aggressive in the market as the season heads towards its halfway point. Kroupi’s emergence and Schade’s Premier League experience have pushed both into the conversation in north London as the club look to sharpen their attacking edge for the title run-in.

Carrick backed despite United’s stuttering start

At Manchester United, the hierarchy are standing firm behind Michael Carrick despite a poor opening to the campaign, report The Sun. Results have raised familiar questions around the club’s direction, but the board are keeping faith with Carrick as they try to ride out early-season turbulence rather than reach for another reset.

Palmer to be rewarded with England recall

Cole Palmer’s sharp start to the season with Chelsea is set to carry him back into the international spotlight. The Sun say the playmaker is in line for a return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad after impressing in the opening weeks, his form forcing its way into the national-team debate once again.

Mac Allister camp plays down Liverpool exit talk

Speculation around Alexis Mac Allister’s future has been firmly pushed back by his camp. The Mirror report that the Liverpool midfielder’s father has rejected claims the player is looking to leave amid a stand-off over a new contract, insisting there is no push from Mac Allister to quit Anfield.

Chelsea eye big-money move for Nico Williams

Chelsea’s recruitment drive could next turn towards Bilbao. Fichajes report the club want to explore a £69m deal for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as they continue to hunt for wide players capable of stretching defences and lifting the goal threat at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool told Rayan price as Bournemouth stand firm

Liverpool know the size of the financial hurdle if they want Bournemouth’s highly rated winger Rayan. According to ESPN Brazil, the Cherries will demand £130m for the forward, despite Andoni Iraola’s relationship with the club. Any move would require Liverpool to make one of the biggest outlays in their history to get it done.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Evans emerges as early favourite for Hibernian job

In Scotland, Hibernian’s search for a new manager has an early frontrunner. Steve Evans is leading the race at this stage, report The Scottish Sun, as the Easter Road club weigh up their options after another period of upheaval.

Rangers line up cut-price Penrice option

Across the city, Rangers have already positioned themselves for a permanent deal. The Daily Record say the Ibrox side hold an option with AEK Athens to sign James Penrice for under £1m, a move that would give them a low-cost, long-term solution if he continues to convince in Glasgow.

The rumours are starting to harden into numbers and names. January is still on the horizon, but the market is already awake.