As the January transfer window approaches, both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are on the hunt for midfield reinforcements, setting their sights on Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion. Baleba, a 20-year-old Cameroonian talent, joined the Seagulls from Lille last year for £23 million. Since then, he has made a significant impact, featuring in 37 matches during his debut season and contributing two goals in ten appearances this season, despite missing out on the Liverpool clash. Arsenal, long-time admirers of Baleba, could face stiff competition from Spurs, who are also evaluating their midfield options.

With Baleba contracted until 2028, Brighton may feel the pressure to retain their promising midfielder amidst escalating interest from the North London clubs. In other stirring transfer news, Chelsea are looking to outmaneuver Liverpool in securing Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi. Dubbed the "next Mohamed Salah," the 22-year-old has captured interest from the Blues as part of their strategy to acquire top young talent. Before making a move, Chelsea would need to streamline their current roster. Meanwhile, Liverpool sees Adeyemi as a viable successor to Salah, who is yet to extend his contract with the club.

Elsewhere on the rumor mill, Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting Lisbon appears poised to make a January exit, drawing links to Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus. The Swedish striker's prolific form—20 goals in 16 appearances—combined with former coach Ruben Amorim's transfer to Manchester United has fueled speculation about Gyökeres' potential move. Manchester United and Arsenal are rumored to be in the mix, although the substantial €100 million release clause could deter interest from the Italian sides.

Manchester United is buzzing with transfer activity following confirmation of Ruben Amorim as their new manager. Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande is on their radar, but the first potential signing is Sunderland’s bright prospect, Chris Rigg. While the Black Cats hope to retain the 17-year-old midfielder, they have set a hefty price tag of £20 million to £30 million, drawing attention from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Lastly, West Ham United is contemplating a bid for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman amid a challenging start to the season. Lookman, who the Hammers targeted during the summer, remains a priority for January. However, Atalanta's reluctance to part with the Nigerian international means they are holding out for a fee nearing £60 million. As Lookman's contract runs until 2026, the Italian club knows their leverage may decrease as time passes without a contract extension.