Arsenal's January Transfer Targets: Kroupi and Schade

The January window is still weeks away, but the market is already moving.

Arsenal have begun to shape their mid-season plans, with Eli Junior Kroupi and Kevin Schade both featuring on the club’s list of attacking targets, according to football.london. The pair are being monitored as Mikel Arteta looks at adding more pace and versatility to his forward options once the window opens.

At the other end of the Premier League, the pressure is rising but the backing remains. Michael Carrick still has the support of senior figures at Manchester United despite the club’s poor start to the season, report The Sun. Results have been under scrutiny, yet the hierarchy are standing by their man for now.

Cole Palmer’s form has been impossible to ignore. After a strong start to the campaign with Chelsea, the midfielder is expected to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, also according to The Sun. His sharp performances in blue look set to be rewarded with another chance in white.

Over at Liverpool, talk of a major midfield departure has been pushed back firmly. Alexis Mac Allister’s father has denied speculation that the Argentina international is looking to leave Anfield amid a stand-off over a new contract, The Mirror reports. The message from the family camp is clear: there is no push to quit the club.

Chelsea’s recruitment drive shows no sign of slowing. The London side are keen to explore a £69m move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, say Fichajes, as they continue to target wide players with direct running and end product.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been warned that Bournemouth winger Rayan will not come cheap. ESPN Brazil report that the Anfield club would need to pay £130m to land the player, despite manager Andoni Iraola’s strong relationship with the Cherries. Any move would demand a huge financial commitment.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

In Scotland, the managerial merry-go-round is already spinning. Steve Evans has emerged as the early front-runner to take over at Hibernian, according to The Scottish Sun, as the club weighs up its next step in the dugout.

Rangers, looking to shape their squad for the longer term, have a deal in place with AEK Athens that would allow them to sign James Penrice permanently for under £1m, report The Daily Record. It is the kind of low-cost option that can quietly reshape a season.