Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for Greece and Genk starlet Konstantinos Karetsas, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the youngster.
Monday Transfer Rumours Roundup
Chelsea Lead Konstantinos Karetsas Race
Genk’s Konstantinos Karetsas is being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in 2026.
The 18-year-old is considered to be one of the best talents within his age group, with the Blues now leading the race to secure his signature ahead of several elite European sides.
Arsenal were linked with Karetsas back in June, and TEAMtalk report that they are still keeping close tabs on the youngster, while fellow Premier League side Liverpool are also interested.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among the interested parties.
Karetsas is under contract with Genk until 2029. Previous reports have suggested that the Belgian Pro League side want upwards of £40m to part ways with their most prized talent.
Roma Advancing In Joshua Zirkzee Talks
Serie A side Roma are advancing in talks to sign Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are close to agreeing on personal terms with the Netherlands international ahead of his prospective move during the upcoming January transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the deal is dependent on whether the Red Devils will allow the forward to leave mid-season, with Ruben Amorim’s absentee list growing by the day.
Attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are unavailable due to AFCON, while summer signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have both suffered with injuries earlier in the campaign.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes’ hamstring injury is also a concern for Amorim and co.
Should Zirkzee depart this winter, Roma are expected to sign the 24-year-old on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. United value the striker at around £43.5m.
Everton Targeting Leeds Defender Jayden Bogle
David Moyes wants to bring Leeds defender Jayden Bogle to Everton in January.
FootballInsider claim that the Merseysiders are keen on adding a new right-back to their squad, with Bogle among their top targets after impressing for the Elland Road outfit this term.
Bogle is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman.
The 25-year-old has made a strong impact for the Whites since joining from Sheffield United in the summer of 2024 and has started all 17 of their Premier League games in 2025-26.
He has been particularly impressive in recent weeks, with Leeds now unbeaten in four straight matches. They cruised to a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at home on Saturday evening.
Daniel Farke’s side are now six points clear of the relegation zone, and in turn, the German is no longer listed among the favourites in the Premier League sack race odds market.
Bogle is under contract in Yorkshire until the summer of 2028, therefore Leeds are under no obligation to sell. Everton may have to pay a premium in order to push through with a deal.
Premier League Elite Eye Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi
Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi is drawing interest from Europe’s top clubs.
Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all said to be interested in the 18-year-old, while Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the top French talent.
That’s according to CaughtOffside, who have credited Real Madrid with interest, too.
Bouaddi recently penned a contract extension until 2029, handing Lille a strong bargaining chip ahead of the January transfer window. They value the midfielder at around £52.5m.
Manchester United Dealt Carlos Baleba Blow
Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their quest to sign Carlos Baleba.
Baleba addressed the rumours linking him with a move to Old Trafford in last Monday’s transfer roundup, with the Red Devils desperate to add to their midfield ranks this winter.
Unfortunately for Amorim and co though, The Times report that the Cameroonian is not for sale. They claim that Brighton will not sanction the 21-year-old’s departure until at least 2027.
United will have to look elsewhere to solve their issues in the middle of the park. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is rated highly among their list of alternative central midfield targets.
