Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and City Monitor Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is weighing up his position after a restricted start under José Mourinho, with four Premier League clubs monitoring developments. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are all following the 27-year-old, while Madrid are also preparing to confirm a fresh one-year agreement for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
What changed for the club
Alexander-Arnold has started only three LaLiga matches this season, with Denzel Dumfries providing strong competition on the right side of Madrid’s defence. His lack of regular minutes has put his longer-term future in focus, particularly as Liverpool require cover at right back following Jeremie Frimpong’s injury.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have opened discussions with the representatives of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott before a possible January move. Bournemouth have yet to settle a new contract with the 23-year-old and could consider a winter sale, although a bid of at least £100 million would be required.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United are assessing Roma full back Wesley. The 23-year-old can operate on either flank, and Roma are expected to seek €60 million for him.
- Manchester United have also made an approach over Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 26. Liverpool are interested and view him as an alternative to Scott.
- Real Madrid have lodged an offer for Manchester United youth player JJ Gabriel, with a decision on his future expected shortly.
- Liverpool and Bayern Munich are interested in Barcelona defender Gerard Martín.
- Liverpool are monitoring Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, valued at €55 million, as they plan for a significant midfield addition in 2027.
- Aston Villa are nearing a deal to extend Emiliano Buendía’s contract through the summer of 2029.
Competition context
Barcelona and Bayern Munich have sent scouts to watch Aston Villa attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi after his rapid impact in the Premier League. The 21-year-old joined Villa from SC Freiburg for about £60 million in the summer and has recorded two goals and two assists across four appearances.
Bayern’s interest in Manzambi could become more significant should uncertainty develop around Michael Olise’s future. Villa will be aware that the midfielder’s early form has already drawn attention from two of Europe’s leading clubs.
Inter are tracking Southampton’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder Jay Robinson, who is impressing during a loan spell. In Italy, AC Milan have put Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio and Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae near the top of their January defensive targets.
Juventus continue to follow Bologna striker Antonio Raimondo during his productive loan period at Frosinone. FC Alverca defender Carlos Lopes Rodrigues is also attracting Italian interest, with Sampdoria, Pisa and Empoli scouting him.
What is scheduled next
Madrid are expected to make Courtois’ new one-year extension official, securing the 34-year-old goalkeeper while Alexander-Arnold’s playing-time situation remains under scrutiny.
The January window is the immediate decision point for several of the reported situations. Chelsea could test Bournemouth’s stance on Scott, while Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle may decide whether to meet Roma’s valuation of Wesley. United and Liverpool are also set to keep Nmecha under consideration as their midfield planning develops.
Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock is considering a pre-contract arrangement with Beşiktaş once he becomes eligible to sign one in January. Villa, meanwhile, will look to finalise Buendía’s extension while managing growing interest in Manzambi.
