Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal, Spurs eye Brighton's Baleba

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are looking for midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, and Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Carlos Baleba is on the radar of the London clubs. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from the world of soccer.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are both monitoring the situation of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to Ekrem Konur. The 20-year-old Cameroonian joined the Seagulls from Lille last year for £23m and he made 37 appearances in his debut season, and has since added two goals in 10 games this time around despite being left out of the side to face Liverpool on Saturday. However, Brighton could find themselves under pressure to keep Baleba, with Arsenal long-term admirers of the youngster, and Spurs also looking at potential reinforcements. Baleba is contracted until 2028.

– Chelsea are hoping to beat Liverpool to the signing of the “next Mohamed Salah,” Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, according to Football Insider. The Blues are interested in making a move for the 22-year-old as part of their strategy of identifying the best young talent, but they would need to trim their squad first to facilitate a move. Liverpool are also considering Adeyemi as a potential suitor for striker Salah who is yet to renew his contract at Anfield.

– Striker Viktor Gyökeres appears certain to leave Sporting Lisbon in 2025, and Corriere Dello Sport are linking AC Milan and Juventus with the 26 year old. The Swedish striker has so far netted 20 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, but former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United has seen a number of club’s linked with a move for the Swede. United and Arsenal are among those said to be plotting a move for the Swede, while both Milan and Juve are said to have sounded out the striker about a move. However, the current release clause of €100m could prove too much for the Italians.

– Manchester United have already been linked with a number of players following the announcement that Ruben Amorim will take charge of the club, including Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, but the Portuguese coach’s first signing could be Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg, according to Football Insider. The Black Cats are reluctant to see the 17-year-old midfielder leave the north east and so are asking for a fee of around £20-£30m. Chelsea and Real Madrid are also keen on the rising star.

– West Ham United have suffered a difficult start to the season and they’re one of a number of Premier League clubs considering a move for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, according to Teamtalk. The Hammers were tracking the 27-year-old this summer but may try again in January, though the Italian side aren’t keen to let him leave. As such, they’re demanding a fee of around £60m for the Nigerian international, though they’re aware their bargaining power will diminish the longer they go without persuading Lookman to extend his contract beyond 2026.