TRANSFER GOSSIP COLUMN: Arsenal are considering a move for a £60m midfielder, an ex-Man City star is keen to stay at Barcelona and Juventus are eyeing a former West Ham forward

The start of the January transfer window is fast approaching, and after four months of the 2023-24 season, clubs will have a strong idea of where they need to recruit to bolster their chances ahead of the back end of the campaign.

A number of teams have also suffered multiple injuries, with the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool and Tottenham struggling for bodies on the ground at times.

For those at the top of the pile, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City, reinforcements could prove the difference between a piece of history and settling for a spot in the top four.

There will also be a number of clubs looking for a answer to their troubles at the bottom end of the table, hoping that bringing in some inspiration in the January window can spark a run of form.

Here, Mail Sport takes you through all the biggest transfer rumours on Friday.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have been linked with a move for a £60million midfielder

Managers like Eddie Howe may be forced into the January window after a number of injuries

Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus are thought to be eyeing up a move for a former West Ham star

Arsenal could make a move for Fulham star Joao Palhinha, who came agonisingly close to completing a transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer. The Portuguese midfielder is thought to be admired by Mikel Arteta, though a switch could spell the end of Thomas Partey’s time with the Gunners. (Mirror)

That move could then have a knock-on effect, with the Cottagers lining up Brazilian international Andre, who won the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense last month. Marco Silva’s side have reportedly made Andre their No 1 target should Palhinha depart Craven Cottage. (The Times)

Former Chelsea striker Timo Werner is believe to have been told by RB Leipzig chief Reuven Schroder that he is free to leave on loan in January. However, despite previous links, it is unlikely that the German will join either Manchester United or Real Madrid. (Bild)

Adrien Rabiot is set to sign a new contract at Juventus, extending his stay in Turin beyond the end of the current season. The French midfielder has been at the club since 2019 and has been linked with a number of Premier League sides. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Ferran Torres is keen to remain a part of the Barcelona project, and is thought to have told manager Xavi that he is keen to stay beyond the January transfer window. The ex-Manchester City forward has started only seven games in La Liga so far. (Mundo Deportivo)

Ferran Torres (middle) is one of a number of former Manchester City stars at the Nou Camp

Beaten Champions League finallists Inter Milan could be set to break their wage structure in a bid to keep Lautaro Martinez at the club. Reports suggest his new terms would see him earn around £8.6million-a-year plus bonuses. (Calciomercato)

Former West Ham star Felipe Anderson is believed to be of interest to Juventus after the Brazilian’s Lazio contract expires at the end of the season. There is not thought to be any deal in place with the Rome-based outfit this summer, and the Old Lady are monitoring his situation ahead of a potential free transfer. (Fabrizio Romano)

Alphonso Davies is being lined up as Real Madrid’s long-term target at left back according to reports. Bayern Munich are thought to have concerns over their ability to afford his wages in the future. (Mundo Deportivo)

Alfredo Morelos could be set for an almost immediate return to the UK during the transfer window after suffering relegation with Santos. The former Rangers star reportedly has a clause in his contract allowing his release in the event of demotion, with Watford and a host of unnamed Championship sides said to be interested. (The Sun)