Arsenal are monitoring Mendoza, while MU want to keep Maguire (November 26th).

In the transfer news on the morning of November 26th, Arsenal are monitoring young midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza of Elche, whose release clause is £17.5 million (Telegraph). Manchester United want to keep Harry Maguire despite still planning to add a new central defender this summer (Teamtalk). At the same time, Manchester City are considering competing with Liverpool to sign Antoine Semenyo, as the Bournemouth striker's release clause is reportedly set to drop from £65 million next summer but not below £50 million (Telegraph, Talksport).

Arsenal and the challenge of improving the quality of their midfield.

Arsenal are closely monitoring Rodrigo Mendoza (Elche) and have a clear metric for valuation thanks to his £17.5 million clause (Telegraph). With a transparent fee structure, this is a deal that could be finalized quickly in January if Arsenal decide to act, aiming to increase depth and flexibility in midfield.

Man United are thinking long-term with Maguire.

Manchester United are planning to sign a new center-back next summer but are also hoping Harry Maguire will sign a contract extension (Teamtalk). This decision shows a priority on balancing existing experience with a planned overhaul of the defense.

The race for Semenyo: the number to decide.

Antoine Semenyo's release clause is reportedly set to drop slightly from £65 million next summer, but not below £50 million (Telegraph). With Pep Guardiola concerned about Manchester City's over-reliance on Erling Haaland, City could compete directly with Liverpool for Semenyo (Talksport). This deal is heavily influenced by the fee and timing of activation.

AS Roma are targeting Zirkzee on loan.

AS Roma are interested in loaning Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January, as the Dutch forward is struggling to secure a regular starting place (Unlike Il Messaggero). A loan deal could provide the player with consistent playing time while reducing the short-term wage bill for his parent club.

Nottingham Forest monitor Jack Hinshelwood

Nottingham Forest have added Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton & Hove Albion) to their January target list (Mail). This is a move aimed at strengthening the local squad and highlighting long-term development potential.

West Ham are looking to offload Nicholas Fullkrug.

West Ham are looking to sell Niclas Fullkrug in January to reinvest in one or two younger strikers (Florian Plettenberg). Restructuring their attack early would give them more control over salaries and squad development plans.

Sunderland and Brentford are pursuing Santiago Gimenez.

Sunderland and Brentford are reportedly showing particular interest in Santiago Gimenez, the Mexican striker currently playing for AC Milan (Calciomercato). If progress goes through, this would directly impact the attacking depth of both English clubs.

Real Madrid and the option of re-signing Nico Paz.

Real Madrid intends to activate Nico Paz's buy-back clause at Como next summer; this clause is not valid in January (Fabrizio Romano). The clearly defined timing helps Real Madrid control risk and costs.

Everton are determined to keep James Garner.

Everton manager David Moyes wants to keep James Garner amid interest from Manchester United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. The English midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season (Talksport). This is a situation heavily dependent on the progress of negotiations and the player's playing priorities.

AC Milan are in talks to extend Mike Maignan's contract.

AC Milan wants to reopen contract negotiations with goalkeeper Mike Maignan, amid interest from Juventus and several Premier League clubs (Gazzetta dello Sport). This move aims to maintain stability in the goalkeeping position in the face of outside offers.

The overall picture

The common thread in the transfer market is that release/buyback clauses and effective dates are driving almost all decisions. Leading teams weigh cost against immediate impact, while the rest optimize salary cap margins and playing time for players.