Key Highlights
- Arsenal have contacted Bournemouth about England midfielder Alex Scott, while Aston Villa are considering a move for Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia.
- Manchester United have added Nathan Collins and Calvin Bassey to their defensive target list, alongside Jarrad Branthwaite.
- Barcelona are monitoring Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri, while Chelsea insist Colwill is not for sale.
Arsenal and Aston Villa assess midfield options
Arsenal have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in contacting Bournemouth about a potential move for 23-year-old England midfielder Alex Scott. Scott’s current contract with Bournemouth runs until the summer of 2028.
Aston Villa are also weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, 22, with manager Unai Emery understood to be a strong admirer of the Belgium international. The reported interest adds to the Premier League competition for midfield reinforcements.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is being monitored by Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, with the clubs hoping to complete a move for the 27-year-old Spain international in January. However, Zubimendi says he is “happy” in London and surprised by the speculation surrounding his future because he has not contacted anyone about a transfer.
Manchester United expand defensive shortlist
Manchester United have added Brentford and Republic of Ireland centre-back Nathan Collins, 25, and Fulham’s 26-year-old Nigeria international Calvin Bassey to their list of potential defensive targets. The shortlist also includes Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 24.
The club’s reported recruitment options come as United consider additional defensive cover. Collins, Bassey and Branthwaite represent three different Premier League-based targets under consideration, with each already established at club level and two also involved in international football.
Liverpool and Brentford face transfer interest
Liverpool are preparing to offer Trey Nyoni a new contract as a reward for the 19-year-old England Under-20 midfielder’s performances so far this season. The proposed renewal would seek to secure Nyoni’s future at Anfield as interest in emerging talent continues to shape Premier League squad planning.
Brentford, meanwhile, are prepared to reject all interest from Liverpool in left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. The 21-year-old remains a reported target for Liverpool, but Brentford’s position is that they will resist approaches for the Senegal international.
European clubs track Manchester City and Chelsea defenders
Juventus are targeting a loan move for Manchester City and Algeria left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, 25, in January. Barcelona are also interested in Ait-Nouri, with the Spanish club considering changes at left-back during the winter transfer window because 23-year-old Spain international Alejandro Balde could leave.
Barcelona are additionally monitoring Chelsea and England defender Levi Colwill, 23. Chelsea, however, are insisting that Colwill is not for sale, meaning any potential move would face resistance from the London club.
Other transfer developments
Bournemouth, Everton and Nottingham Forest are all pursuing Vasco da Gama striker Andres Gomez, 24. The Brazilian club value the forward at approximately £17m, setting the reported asking price for a possible transfer.
There is also a potential managerial development involving Manchester United and the United States men’s national team. If Mauricio Pochettino becomes Manchester United manager, US Soccer want former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to replace him as head coach of the USA men’s team.
Why This Matters
The latest transfer developments highlight how Premier League clubs are planning across several positions ahead of the January window. Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa are assessing midfield and defensive options, while Liverpool are working to protect a young prospect and continue monitoring a Brentford defender.
The situation also shows the importance of contract status and club valuations in shaping possible moves. Alex Scott is contracted to Bournemouth until 2028, Vasco da Gama value Andres Gomez at about £17m, and Chelsea’s stance on Levi Colwill could prevent Barcelona from progressing their interest. Any moves involving Zubimendi, Ait-Nouri, Balde or the managerial positions remain dependent on developments during the winter window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which midfielders are Arsenal and Aston Villa interested in?
Arsenal have contacted Bournemouth about Alex Scott, while Aston Villa are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Who are Manchester United’s defensive targets?
Manchester United have added Nathan Collins and Calvin Bassey to a shortlist that also includes Jarrad Branthwaite.
Will Chelsea sell Levi Colwill?
Barcelona are interested in Levi Colwill, but Chelsea are insisting that the 23-year-old defender is not for sale.
