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Arsenal are now rivalling Tottenham Hotspur to sign a “truly fantastic” midfielder, but it could take a huge bid to get a deal done this month.

Gunners looking to sign midfielder despite Zubimendi's fine form

Martin Zubimendi has adapted remarkably well to life in the Premier League since arriving in the summer, and Declan Rice recently praised his midfield partner, saying: “He’s not the biggest player or the strongest, but his brain, the way it works, allows the team to function in such a good way.

“He’s been unreal. He’s played so many minutes for us, the way he gets on the ball, obviously he’s Spain’s No.6 at the minute and rightly so, you see the quality he brings, the calmness, the composure, the way he thinks.”

Rice has also remained a key player for Mikel Arteta, and the Englishman’s brace against AFC Bournemouth last time out could be priceless in the Premier League title race, with the north Londoners now six points clear of Manchester City, after a late Chelsea equaliser.

Although Arteta is blessed with some top-quality options in the middle of the park, Arsenal have now set their sights on another midfielder, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals they have joined the race to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.

A whole host of Premier League clubs are in the race for the central midfielder, including Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool, with a scout saying: “He is a very clever footballer, many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.”

However, should the Gunners be keen to get a deal done this month, they may need to make a huge bid, as there is a belief Smit’s current employers could hold out for as much as £65m.

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The Gunners have made an approach to sign an attacker.

Posts ByDominic Lund "Truly fantastic" Smit is destined for the Premier League

Scout Jacek Kulig has admired the 19-year-old for quite some time, taking to X to commend his performances for AZ Alkmaar during the 2024-25 campaign.

Since then, the young Dutchman, who is represented by the same agent as Jurrien Timber, has continued to impress for Alkmaar, chipping in with two goals and five assists in 27 matches across all competitions this season, having established himself as an important player.

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The starlet is also a skilled dribbler of the ball, who is capable of driving the ball forward, averaging 2.38 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 94th percentile, compared to other midfielders.

The next logical step is for Smit to move to one of Europe’s top leagues, but signing a new midfielder shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal, given the partnership Rice and Zubimendi have formed.

Tottenham are set to hold talks over signing a highly-rated AC Milan transfer target this week as Thomas Frank looks to bolster his options this month.

Tottenham set for January transfer spend amid Frank pressure

Following a dismal run of just three wins from their last 11 games in all competitions, pressure is mounting on Frank with the Champions League places growing further out of reach.

A lot can happen between now and May, with just seven points separating 13th from 4th in what is an increasingly tight battle for Europe, but Spurs quite simply need inspiration from somewhere amid their lacklustre spell.

The sale of Brennan Johnson — last season’s top goalscorer and Europa League final hero — for around £35 million has also left Frank even more bereft of star attacking options as we head into the second half of 2025/2026.

Tottenham’s lack of creativity in the final third has been a key theme of their struggles throughout the campaign, but Johnson wasn’t fancied by Frank after the arrival of star winger Mohammed Kudus last summer.

Spurs did make an approach to Antoine Semenyo and tabled an attractive offer, according to journalist David Ornstein, but the Ghanaian politely snubbed their advances in favour of a move to Man City.

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The Hammers are open to selling.

Posts 3 ByEmilio Galantini

With both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski still sidelined, and Kudus’ knock against Sunderland adding to their shortage of depth in attack, Spurs’ mission to sign a new attacker must surely take centre stage.

However, there is another key target on their agenda — Santos left-back Souza.

The highly-rated Brazilian was subject to a rejected offer from Spurs this window, but according to journalist Eduardo Burgos, the Lilywhites are by no means giving up in their chase for him.

Tottenham to hold fresh Souza talks this week as second bid prepared

Sharing a fresh update this afternoon, Burgos took to X and shared news that Tottenham will hold fresh talks to sign Souza “this week”.

A second offer for the 19-year-old is also being prepared by the north Londoners, who saw an opening offer of around £8.5 million turned down.

Souza made 29 appearances for Santos last season, bagging a goal and two assists from left-back, and the teenager has been impressing in South America for quite some time.

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Como first-team scout Ben Mattinson has publicly branded Souza an ‘outstanding’ left-back with a ‘balanced’ profile, as well as a ‘quality delivery’ from out-wide.

AC Milan and BlueCo are also reportedly targeting Souza, according to Burgos at least, so it is clear just how highly-rated he is among elite club circles, with Spurs now looking to steal a march on them.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Oxford United are now reportedly considering a move to hire a former Premier League manager to replace Gary Rowett.

John Terry delivers Oxford United verdict

The Championship side have been on the hunt for a manager ever since they sacked Rowett exactly one week ago. With one win in 10 games, Oxford were left with no choice but to commence their search for a new name and attempt the great escape out of the bottom three.

Releasing a statement confirming Rowett’s dismissal, chairman Grant Ferguson, said: “Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season.

“However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the Club. On behalf of the Board, I would like to place on record our thanks to Gary and Mark for their contribution to the Football Club and to wish them all the best for the future.”

Currently sat three points adrift of safety having played one game more than teams above them, the U’s can ill-afford to get their next appointment wrong and have already reportedly looked towards Chelsea legend John Terry. The former Premier League defender has already ruled himself out of taking his first job in the dugout, however.

Terry’s verdict leaves Oxford back to square one on the hunt for their next manager. The last thing they need is to waste any time in their search too, with fixtures coming thick and fast.

With that said, reports are now claiming that the U’s are now considering a move to hire a former Premier League manager who has more than enough experience for the job.

Oxford United considering Steve Bruce move

According to former U’s manager Mick Brown, Oxford are now considering a move to hire Steve Bruce to replace Rowett. The veteran manager has been out of a job since leaving Blackpool in October, but could be set for a return to the dugout courtesy of those at the Kassam Stadium.

Brown told Football Insider: “He’s still got a good reputation and he’s got a lot of experience in the Championship, keeping clubs up and getting other promoted, it’s been a long career.

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“He’s gone from one club to another in the Championship and the lower leagues. That could be valuable for Oxford because he has got that experience at this level.

“The issue there is, there comes a time when he stops being capable of doing the things he’s built his reputation on, and you saw that when he left Blackpool.”

The 64-year-old has taken charge of the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League and is no stranger to Championship football. Whether Oxford decide to make their move remains to be seen, however.