Arsenal Consider January Swoop for Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-Jae
Arsenal are weighing up a January move for Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-Jae as they seek cover following Piero Hincapié’s injury, while Liverpool are reported to be leading the race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
January plans taking shape
- Arsenal have identified Kim Min-Jae as a possible defensive addition for the winter window. The 29-year-old South Korea international is under consideration as the club responds to Hincapié’s absence, although Bayern could yet offer Kim a new contract to keep him in Munich.
- Liverpool are regarded as the frontrunners for Scott, Bournemouth’s 23-year-old midfielder. His valuation stands at £100 million, with Chelsea among the leading clubs also monitoring his position.
- Scott is currently out injured after being hurt during his England senior debut. Liverpool have prepared alternatives should a deal prove impossible in January.
- Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Koné have both been assessed by Liverpool. Camara, valued at €55 million, is also attracting Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Koné has been linked with a broad group of elite clubs, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Defenders and emerging players under scrutiny
Tottenham Hotspur would seek £75 million before considering a sale of right-back Pedro Porro to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Porro, 27, agreed fresh five-year terms during the summer, leaving Spurs in a strong contractual position as they aim to retain him beyond 2027.
Borussia Dortmund winger Mathis Albert is considering a departure in pursuit of more regular senior football. The 17-year-old United States prospect has made only one appearance this season, in the German Cup. Paris Saint-Germain showed interest in 2025, while Manchester City and Chelsea had also considered a deal worth about €20 million.
Roma are tracking Stuttgart central defender Gabriel Zarrella, 18. Premier League scouts also attended Sturm Graz’s 3-0 Champions League loss to Bournemouth to watch 19-year-old attacking midfielder Jacob-Peter Hödl.
Striker searches and contract developments
- Tottenham have made a new striker their leading January priority. Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández, Real Madrid’s Endrick, Freiburg’s Igor Matanović and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta are among the names under consideration.
- AC Milan continue to explore a loan for Endrick, though José Mourinho could prevent the Real Madrid forward from leaving in mid-season.
- Everton have added Rennes attacker Esteban Lepaul and Dinamo Zagreb forward Dion Beljo to their winter shortlist.
- Premier League sides are following Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia, who is 22.
- Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, 21, has agreed a new contract despite previous interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.
Managerial and free-agent updates
Steven Gerrard has emerged as a potential candidate for the Wrexham job, with Phil Parkinson under growing pressure at the Championship club.
Jadon Sancho, now a free agent after his Manchester United spell, is considering a formal offer from Getafe. The LaLiga club could provide the former England winger with his next route back into regular football.
