Manchester United look to steal FC Barcelona's no.1 January target and other transfer news and rumours of the day - 3rd October, 2017

Manchester United FC v FC Zorya Luhansk - UEFA Europa League
Jose Mourinho is planning something special in January

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on October 3, 2017:

Bundesliga

Italy v Germany - International Friendly
Leon Goretzka

Manchester United enter Leon Goretzka race

After FC Barcelona made it clear that they will not be making a move for Leon Goretzka, Manchester United have taken up the charge for the midfielder. The 22-year-old is one of the hottest Bundesliga properties at the moment with Goretzka set to be a free agent next summer.

Manchester United will be without Michael Carrick from the next season on and hence the Premier League giants are in the market for a young commanding midfielder.

Goretzka is seen as a player playing beyond his age at the moment and can prove to be an inspired buy for the Red Devils. He has already been capped 10 times by the German national team and was an integral part of the Germany squad which won the Confederations Cup earlier this year.

Carlo Ancelotti to take a 10-month break

After parting ways with Bayern Munich, Carlo Ancelotti has now revealed that he will take a 10-month sabbatical from management. Ancelotti has been linked with AC Milan and Everton since his departure but the news of him taking a break will end the rumours once and for all. The two-time Champions League winner was sacked by the Bavarians after an average start to the season domestically and in Europe.

Serie A

Atletico Madrid v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League
Next AC Milan boss?

AC Milan looking at Antonio Conte

According to Corriere Dello Sport, AC Milan are mulling over the idea of taking Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte on board from the next season. The Italian manager has recently talked about a potential return to his homeland which has sparked his rumours of managing the Milan club.

AC Milan has had a tough start to the season with Vincenzo Montella's job being in danger if the club do not qualify for the Champions League next season.

Giorgio Chiellini to sign a new contract

With the star defender being in his last year of contract, Juventus were increasingly worried about letting go of another one of their rearguard stalwarts. But Calciomercato has now reported that the two parties are close to reaching an agreement over a new deal for Giorgio Chiellini.

The 33-year-old has agreed on an extension with Juventus and has already said yes to the economic terms offered by the club. This will come as a big blow to Chelsea who were very much interested in bringing the Italian to Stamford Bridge.

Premier League

Arsenal v Leicester City - Premier League
Alexander Lacazette wishes Antoine Griezmann to join him at Arsenal

Alexander Lacazette wants Antoine Griezmann at Arsenal

The Arsenal striker, Alexander Lacazette has revealed in an interview with Match of the Day magazine that he wants his best friend, Antoine Griezmann to sign for the Gunners.

He said, "We are very good friends and have lots of fun. Our nicknames for each other are Griezzy and Lacaz. If Griezzy visits me in London, I'm going to ask him to sign for Arsenal!"

Griezmann has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2022 but the arrival of Diego Costa may change the complexion of Griezmann's future. With Alexis Sanchez set to leave next summer, Griezmann can be a perfect replacement for the Chilean.

Manchester City eye a replacement for Benjamin Mendy

The City left-back is now out until April with a knee injury he suffered a few weeks ago. Pep Guardiola has used Fabian Delph at his position in the past two matches but cannot be said as the answer to Mendy's absence.

Reports in France have claimed that Manchester City are looking at Napoli left-back, Faouzi Ghoulam as a January option. The 26-year-old is one of Napoli's consistent performers and looks ready for a move to a bigger club.

La Liga

Villarreal CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga
A move to England beckons

Kevin Gameiro on Everton's radar

Everton's lack of goals has become pretty evident by now and to tackle that issue, the club hierarchy are looking at options in Spain. Marca claims that Everton are monitoring Atletico Madrid's Kevin Gameiro.

The 30-year-old striker has found life difficult in Madrid after his move from Sevilla last year. He has played just two games this season for the Colchoneros and is said to be surplus to demands after the arrival of Diego Costa in January.

FC Barcelona explain the reason behind the drop of interest in Leon Goretzka

FC Barcelona were said to be the front-runners for the signature of one of Germany's most highly rated midfielders, Leon Goretzka in January. But many trusted sources have now reported that the Catalans have dropped their pursuit of the 22-year-old.

Club's scout, Ariedo Braida has revealed the reason behind Barcelona's sudden disinterest in the player. Braida said, "He is certainly a great player, but for Barcelona, it is too soon. I travel around the world in search of great talent, but our demands are extremely high."

Rest of the world

Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League
Bye bye, Alexis!

Arsenal planning a swap deal for Julian Draxler with Alexis Sanchez going the other way

The Daily Star understands that Arsene Wenger is seriously considering the idea of letting Alexis Sanchez join PSG in January BUT on one condition. The Gunners are set to demand Julian Draxler, the German attacker in a swap deal for Sanchez.

Draxler joined PSG last January but the high-profile arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe has seen his playing time get limited. PSG are very much interested in Sanchez whereas Draxler has been a long-term admirer of the Premier League.

Anderlecht announce new manager

The Belgian giants were in the hunt for a new manager after sacking Rene Weiler last week. Anderlecht have now announced the arrival of the new boss, Hein Vanhaezebrouck to take over the reigns from Weiler.

The 53-year-old resigned from his previous job at Ghent to manage Anderlecht. The club currently lie seventh in the table, nine points behind the league leaders, Club Brugge.

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