Monday’s Football Gossip: Alexander-Arnold, Ancelotti, and Key Transfer Updates

Reports indicate that Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid are showing interest in acquiring Trent Alexander-Arnold. Concurrently, Liverpool has made inquiries regarding the availability of Amar Dedic. Meanwhile, Wolves have identified Giorgi Chakvetadze as a key target for the upcoming January transfer window. According to Fichajes (in Spanish), Paris St-Germain has entered the competition with Real Madrid for the signature of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s 26-year-old England right-back. Caught Offside reports that Liverpool has, in the interim, inquired about Amar Dedic, RB Salzburg’s 22-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina right-back, who is seen as a possible successor to Alexander-Arnold. The Sun states that Wolves have designated Giorgi Chakvetadze, Watford’s 25-year-old Georgia attacking midfielder, as a principal target for January. Sport (in Spanish) indicates that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is laying the groundwork to appoint Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement for the next season. Fabrizio Romano reports that former Italy striker Mario Balotelli is scheduled for a medical examination on Monday, signaling an imminent move to Serie A club Genoa. The 34-year-old is currently a free agent, having departed Turkish team Adana Demirspor. Teamtalk suggests that West Ham is showing interest in Ademola Lookman, Atalanta’s 27-year-old Nigeria forward, as manager Julen Lopetegui aims to strengthen his offensive lineup in January. The Star reports that Manchester City plans to present Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, 22, with an enhanced contract valued at £150,000 per week, which would extend his tenure at Etihad Stadium by two years, until 2030. Football Insider indicates that Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s 22-year-old England attacking midfielder, maintains his commitment to the Blues, despite speculation about a potential departure, including a return to Manchester City. Caught Offside suggests that AC Milan is keen on providing Federico Chiesa, Liverpool’s 27-year-old Italy winger, an opportunity to return to Serie A. Nicolo Schira reports that former Germany defender Mats Hummels, 35, might depart Roma in January, despite having joined the Serie A club as a free agent during the summer. According to Corriere dello Sport (in Italian), AC Milan intends to extend the contract of their 26-year-old Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, amidst interest from Manchester City and Barcelona. RAI Sport, via Football Italia, suggests that Daniele de Rossi could be poised for an unexpected return to management at Roma, barely a month after his dismissal by the club, especially as current manager Ivan Juric faces scrutiny following a 5-1 defeat to Fiorentina. Sandi Toksvig will be accompanied by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Opportunities will be presented to sing along to music from artists including Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, and Katy Perry. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are scheduled to return for the festivities at Longleat Safari Park. Discussions will encompass subjects ranging from microplastics in the air, soil, and waterways, to the volume of food waste at this time of year. This material is © 2024 BBC. The BBC clarifies that it bears no responsibility for the content of external sites and outlines its policy on external linking.