Arsenal activates purchase of Etta Eyong, Chelsea hunts Alvarez

The transfer market is bustling with three main axes: Arsenal are preparing to activate the 40 million euro release clause for Etta Eyong to surpass Barcelona; Chelsea are expected to make a 150 million euro offer for Julian Alvarez; and Manchester City are considering spending 100 million euro for Arda Guler, which could become the second most expensive deal in the club's history. The moves are all cited by independent sources and reflect the increasingly fierce competition in the European market.

Arsenal and Etta Eyong's move

Arsenal are reportedly set to trigger the €40m release clause in Etta Eyong's contract at Levante, attempting to get ahead of Barcelona in the race for the young striker (Source: Fichajes). If completed, the deal would be a clear indication of Arsenal's priority in attack and a decisive approach ahead of the winter window.

Chelsea target Julian Alvarez

Chelsea are expected to make a “blockbuster” when they are ready to spend 150 million euros to recruit Julian Alvarez, the striker of Atletico Madrid - a target that Barcelona has pursued for a long time (Source: Flashscore). In the context of searching for a number 9 capable of solving the match, this fee reflects the top priority for the front line.

In case Barcelona fails to win Alvarez, the Catalan team could turn to Victor Osimhen for a figure of up to 120 million euros; the total transaction value related to Osimhen is rumored to reach 270 million euros (Source: Fichajes).

Man City and the offer for Arda Guler

Manchester City are ready to put 100 million euros on the negotiating table for Arda Guler. If the deal comes to fruition, it will be the second most expensive contract in the club's history; Real Madrid are said to have received signals from Man City (Source: Fichajes). This move shows the direction of increasing technical quality in the attacking midfield.

Man United: midfield is priority, goalpost has changes

Manchester United are planning to add two key midfielders in the upcoming transfer windows. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) is the number one target and is expected to cost less than £100 million; in addition, MU continues to be interested in Carlos Baleba, a player that Brighton values ​​at least £100 million (Source: The Mirror). These are two profiles that could be an immediate addition to the midfield if an agreement is reached.

On the goalkeeper front, United have accepted an offer to sign Marc-André ter Stegen after he was no longer part of Barcelona's plans; Besiktas have even made direct contact with the German (Source: SPORT). Casemiro's future is also being closely monitored: two unnamed Premier League teams and an MLS club are ready to act in January if he fails to reach an agreement to extend his contract (Source: CaughtOffside).

Aston Villa accelerate: James Trafford and Gonzalo García

James Trafford is widely expected to join Aston Villa in January, which could pave the way for Emi Martínez to leave Villa Park (Source: Football Insider). Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers have prepared offers worth €20 million to convince Real Madrid to let Gonzalo García go (Source: Fichajes). Three similar offers suggest a direct competition between English clubs for a cost-effective attacking option.

Liverpool and Marc Guehi's priorities

Centre-back Marc Guehi is said to prioritize joining Liverpool despite receiving attention from Real Madrid (Source: Football Insider). This is a positive signal for the Merseyside team in the context that they need a plan to strengthen their defense.

Barcelona tracking Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic is on the radar of many big teams including Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. Juventus have not made progress on a contract extension because they do not want to maintain the striker's current salary. There are less than two months left before Vlahovic enters the final six months of his contract and can freely negotiate with clubs outside Serie A (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport).

Tottenham consider Takefusa Kubo

Tottenham consider Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) as an alternative to Iliman Ndiaye. Kubo has a 60 million euro release clause and has been linked with Liverpool (Source: Football Insider). A clear fee helps the negotiation process have a specific reference frame from the beginning.

Young talent race and the future of Guirassy

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United are leading the race to sign Olympiakos' Christos Mouzakitis. The youngster has seven caps for Greece and is being closely watched by Napoli; the price tag could be around €30 million (Source: Nicolo Schira). It's a battle for a long-term deal in midfield/attacking, depending on how each club uses him.

Serhou Guirassy is set to consider leaving Borussia Dortmund. English giants Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United could be interested thanks to the release clause in his contract. In addition, a team in Saudi Arabia is ready to offer a three-year contract worth 20 million euros per season (Source: TEAMtalk; Nicolo Schira). The clear terms mean the deal can be done quickly if both parties agree.

Overview

The €40–150 million mentioned shows that the price level continues to escalate in attacking positions. The proactive English teams have the advantage thanks to their purchasing power and speed of decision-making, while Barcelona still maintains a plan with two clear directions for the center forward position. As of now, the information is at the level of “monitoring” and “preparing to act”, depending on the progress of negotiations in January.