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With the transfer window around the corner, it remains likely that Arsenal, along with the two Manchester clubs will attempt to make a signing or two, as they look to achieve their goals for the season. In recent weeks, the Gunners and Liverpool have been linked with business ahead of the January transfer window and it remains to be seen if new Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho opts to add to his squad.
As the club's look to get through the festive period unscathed and negotiate the busiest period of the footballing calendar, let's look at all the latest news and gossip across Europe's top-five leagues.
Manchester City target Leicester City's Caglar Soyuncu
According to Times Sport, Manchester City have declared their interest in Caglar Soyuncu as they look to find a long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany, who departed the club this summer. The Turkish centre half has been one of the revelations of the Premier League season and the Cityzens have a battle in their hands to convince the 23-year-old to make the move to Manchester.
Leicester City find themselves second in the Premier League standings, 2 points ahead of Pep Guardiola's side and have no intention to part ways with their star man, as they look to keep up their blistering start to the season.
Freddie Ljungberg for the permanent job at Arsenal?
Freddie Ljungberg has taken over the reins at Arsenal after Unai Emery's sacking but The Athletic have exclusively revealed that the Swede is in the running to land the job permanently. The likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Mikel Arteta, Mauricio Pochettino and Nuno Espirito Santo are believed to be in the running to land the job but it has been reported that the former Arsenal invincible could well get the job, as he is very highly thought of by the Arsenal hierarchy.
Barcelona rule out emergency signing in January
Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out for 10 weeks after picking up a thigh injury in the club's Champions League encounter against Borussia Dortmund and although the Catalan giants are short-staffed upfront, they are not expected to dwell into the transfer market for a temporary signing.
Kevin-Prince Boateng joined the club in January as a squad player but AS have reported that there will be no such signing this time around, as they patiently wait on the sidelines for Dembele's recovery.
Juventus rule out move for Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic has fallen out of favour at Barcelona after the arrival of Frenkie de Jong, but the Croatian international will not be moving to Juventus in January despite persistent rumours.
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici told ESPN that the Old Lady will make a move for the out of favour midfielder, who has grown disgruntled with life in Catalonia due to his lack of game time.
“We have a great team and are not looking for reinforcement right now. We are strong in every position.Rakitic is a great player but we are not interested.”
Rakitic would look to make a move abroad and could end his five and a half year spell with Barcelona in January, after making the move from Sevilla in 2014.
Philippe Coutinho signals intention to remain at Bayern Munich
According to Marca, Philippe Coutinho has revealed that he is not thinking about returning to Barcelona, as he expects to stay on at Bayern Munich beyond the current season.
"I'm very comfortable. I plan to stay here for the year and I'm focused on my time here. If everything fits, then I'd love to stay."
The Brazilian midfielder is on loan in Germany after his parent club opted to part ways with him temporarily and it remains to be seen if the Bavarian giants take up the opportunity to purchase the former Liverpool man.
Paul Clement and Chris Hughton in contention for Watford job
Quique Sanchez Flores' second stint at Watford was a disaster to say the least, as the Spaniard was sacked with the Hornets rooted to the bottom of the Premier League standings. As the league bottom side aim to avoid relegation, the likes of Paul Clement and Chris Hughton have been mentioned as potential replacements, as they look to appoint a homegrown manager. Sky Sports have revealed that the English duo are amongst the candidates in consideration and it remains to be seen who takes over the reins at Vicarage Road.
Marco Silva to remain in charge for Merseyside Derby
Marco Silva has come under immense scrutiny in recent weeks after failing to turn around Everton's underwhelming start to the season, but it has been reported that the Portuguese international will remain in charge for the time being, as they take on arch-rivals Liverpool in their next league encounter.
According to Sky Sports, Silva's job is on the line and he could well face the sack in the coming days, but he is expected to be in charge of the Merseyside Derby, as Everton aim to inflict Liverpool's first defeat of the Premier League season.
