Premier League Transfer Wars: Gunners Plot Liverpool Teen Star Poach, Reds Eye £130M Right-Flank Ace
Both the Gunners and the Reds have set their sights on the winger recruitment race — under Arteta's leadership, Arsenal hope to unearth teenage prodigy Nguomo from Anfield, while Liverpool have their eyes firmly on Bournemouth's Rayan. Below is this week's comprehensive scan of the global transfer market.
- Multiple internal sources confirm that Arteta's Arsenal are actively monitoring the situation of Nguomo. The 18-year-old Brazilian winger, if unable to secure a regular starting role at the Reds, will prompt Arsenal to launch a full-court offensive. A look at his career trajectory: Nguomo moved from Chelsea's youth setup to Liverpool in September 2024 and made his first-team debut in January 2025. He is currently expected to sign a new contract with the club, though Bayern Munich are equally circling.
- Multiple reports suggest that the Reds plan to make a blockbuster bid for Rayan in the summer 2027 window. The 20-year-old Brazilian international has been highly rated internally at Anfield, with former Bournemouth boss Iraola praising his talent repeatedly. Notably, Rayan's contract contains a £130M release clause expiring in 2027, which paves the way for Liverpool's recruitment plans. The Reds are eager to find a long-term right-wing core figure, despite Rayan's deal with the Cherries running until June 2031.
- Reports from Germany indicate that Borussia Dortmund have officially entered the race for Leicester City midfield prospect Luis Pacey. The 18-year-old England U19 international drew significant interest from Manchester United last month, but the two sides ultimately failed to reach an agreement. Pacey has showcased remarkable individual talent this season in League One, with three assists in five league appearances, making him undoubtedly the Foxes' top performer. Beyond Manchester United and Dortmund, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton, and Newcastle United have also sent scouts to assess him in recent weeks.
- Internal sources reveal that the name of Borussia Dortmund's Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has been placed on the table at Real Madrid. The Galacticos are maintaining continued interest in the Swiss shot-stopper but have not yet initiated any concrete contact. Courtois remains Real's undisputed number one and is set to extend his contract through 2028. However, given that Kobel is only 28 and possesses world-class quality, should he leave the Ruhr Valley in the coming years, he would be the most ideal successor for the Whites.
- Relevant media reports suggest that the Red Devils' plan to sign Juventus French centre-back Pierre Kalulu in the winter window is looking unlikely to materialise. The Old Lady are planning to offer him a lucrative renewal, and despite the French international's transfer value being approximately €50M, Juventus are unwilling to part with him mid-season, believing he plays an indispensable role in the current squad.
- Since parting ways with Manchester United, Sancho's camp has entered discussions with several Premier League clubs. The former Dortmund star has also attracted attention from multiple clubs across Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and the Turkish league.
- Celtic's efforts to sign Liverpool defender Luke Chambers are facing headwinds, as several Championship clubs have also set their sights on him.
- Grealish has made it clear to Manchester City that he wishes to make a permanent move to Everton once his loan spell concludes.
- Calhanoglu himself is keen to sign a new deal with the Nerazzurri, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2027. However, as of press time, his agent's camp has not received any renewal communication from the club.
- The Spanish side holds an €8M release clause that allows them to permanently sign winger Bryan Zaragoza after his loan spell concludes next summer.
- In recent weeks, Inter Milan's scouting team has travelled to Cagliari to assess two of the club's key players — Alessandro Romano and Paulo Mendes.
- Olympiacos have submitted a bid for Icardi, but the striker's deal is unlikely to go through unless he is willing to reduce his personal demands.
- Both Manchester United and Barcelona are closely monitoring the contract situation between Dimarco and Inter Milan, as recent renewal talks between the parties have stalled.
- Full-back Biraghi recently completed a contract renewal with Serie A side Torino, with the new deal running through 2028.