Arsenal have added Portuguese striker Gustavo Varela to their list of summer targets, according to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport via Calciomercato. The 21‑year‑old, who has been in impressive form for Serie A side Monza, is also linked with a move to Napoli, while the club’s former team, Benfica, are reportedly interested in keeping him. Varela’s performances have attracted attention from several top European clubs, and Arsenal are said to be keen on securing his services before the transfer window closes.
In other transfer chatter, Crystal Palace are reportedly reluctant to sell Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr in January, despite the club’s willingness to discuss a new contract with the 28‑year‑old. Sarr has expressed a desire to join Liverpool during the summer, but Palace appear determined to retain him for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Brighton defender Luka Vuskovic, 19, continues to draw interest from the continent’s elite, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona all reportedly in the running for the young centre‑back.
Further movement is being watched across the league. Liverpool have expressed a keen interest in German midfielder Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund, though the German is not considered a priority for the Reds. On the managerial front, former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has reportedly hinted that he would bring his entire backroom staff if approached by Manchester United for the club’s managerial vacancy. Should United pursue Howe, they would need to pay Newcastle a substantial £6 million in compensation, according to the Telegraph.
Other notable transfer news includes Bournemouth owner Bill Foley offering a club‑record contract to England midfielder Alex Scott, 23, while Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are all monitoring the situation. Manchester United are also reportedly preparing to spend more than £70 million to sign Newcastle left‑back Lewis Hall, 22. Ajax have expressed interest in signing Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare on a permanent deal, with the 25‑year‑old currently on loan at the Dutch club.
Finally, Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a managerial change if they decide to part ways with Frenchman Pierre Sage. Former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank and ex‑Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest coach Sean Dyche are among the names being discussed as potential replacements.