Football Transfer Market Heats Up: Liverpool Eye Olise, Arsenal Track Mendoza Amid European Scramble

As the November transfer window approaches its close on November 26, 2025, a flurry of speculative activity continues to dominate European football, with Liverpool reportedly identifying Bayern Munich’s highly-rated winger Michael Olise as a long-term "dream" target, while Arsenal maintain close surveillance on promising Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza. The global transfer landscape remains dynamic, featuring significant interest in established stars like Harry Kane and emerging talents across various leagues, as clubs strategize for both the upcoming January window and the summer of 2026.

Liverpool’s scouting network has reportedly pinpointed Michael Olise, the 23-year-old French international currently dazzling on the wing for Bayern Munich, as a player who perfectly aligns with the Reds’ future ambitions. According to Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, Olise is viewed as a "dream" acquisition for the Premier League champions. However, the path to securing his services appears fraught with obstacles. Plettenberg indicates that Liverpool currently has no formal offer planned, and Bayern Munich, who signed Olise in a high-profile move last season, are reportedly unwilling to enter into discussions regarding his departure. The player himself is understood to be content in Bavaria, where he has settled quickly and become an integral part of the squad, contributing significantly with his pace, dribbling, and creative output. Furthermore, Olise’s contract with the German giants does not include a release clause, granting Bayern substantial leverage in any potential negotiations. This strong stance from the Bundesliga champions, coupled with Olise’s contentment, suggests that any move would require a monumental effort and an astronomical fee from Liverpool. Consequently, the Merseyside club is understood to be prioritising other targets, with AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reportedly emerging as a more immediate focus.

Meanwhile, North London club Arsenal is reportedly "closely monitoring" the progress of Elche’s rising midfield star, Rodrigo Mendoza. The 20-year-old Spanish under-21 international has enjoyed a stellar start to the season with the newly-promoted LaLiga side, drawing attention from several top European clubs. Reports from the Daily Telegraph suggest that Arsenal is weighing up a future move for Mendoza, whose performances have been a key factor in Elche’s surprising competitiveness in the top flight. Known for his technical prowess, vision, and ability to dictate play from the centre of the park, Mendoza represents the type of young, high-potential talent that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has frequently targeted. His contract with Elche includes a release clause set at €20 million, a figure that is considered attainable for clubs of Arsenal’s stature. While the Gunners are tracking his development diligently, sources indicate that a move in the upcoming January transfer window is less likely, with a summer transfer in 2026 being a more probable scenario for the promising midfielder. Elche’s desire to retain their key player, particularly during a crucial phase of their first season back in LaLiga, is also a significant factor.

Across Europe, Barcelona’s long-term striker search has reportedly led them to Harry Kane, the prolific England captain currently plying his trade with Bayern Munich. BILD reporter Christian Falk suggests there is "concrete interest" from the Catalan giants in the 32-year-old striker. Kane has been in exceptional form since his move to Bayern, demonstrating his continued potency in front of goal with an astonishing 14 goals in just 11 Bundesliga matches this season. Barcelona’s interest stems from their anticipated need to replace their veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who, at 37, is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career and is expected to depart next summer. Kane, whose goal-scoring record speaks for itself, fits the profile of an experienced, world-class forward capable of leading Barcelona’s attack. However, Falk also noted that no formal talks have yet taken place between Barcelona and Kane’s representatives. Securing Kane would undoubtedly represent a significant financial undertaking for Barcelona, a club still navigating economic challenges, especially given Bayern’s investment in the player and his current contract.

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Chelsea are reportedly preparing for a significant double swoop from Portuguese giants FC Porto, with striker Samu Aghehowa and midfielder Victor Froholdt identified as key targets. According to TEAMtalk, the West London club is looking into a combined deal that could be worth up to £133 million for the two talents. Both Aghehowa, a 21-year-old forward, and Froholdt, a 20-year-old midfielder, have impressed with their performances for Porto, attracting attention from several top European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid. Porto, renowned for developing and selling high-value players, are typically reluctant to part with key assets midway through a season. For Aghehowa, Chelsea would likely need to activate his release clause to facilitate a January move. For Froholdt, an "irresistible offer" might be enough to persuade Porto to sell. Chelsea’s proactive transfer strategy under their current ownership has often involved investing heavily in young, high-potential players, and these reported targets align with that philosophy as they seek to strengthen their squad depth and future prospects.

Adding another layer to the Antoine Semenyo narrative, Manchester City has reportedly entered the race for the AFC Bournemouth winger. talkSPORT suggests that the reigning Premier League champions could make a move for Semenyo, prompted by manager Pep Guardiola’s perceived "over-reliance" on star striker Erling Haaland for goal-scoring contributions. Semenyo, a 25-year-old winger, possesses a £60 million release clause that is set to become active in the January transfer window. Guardiola himself reportedly praised Semenyo earlier this month, describing him as "an extraordinary player," highlighting the winger’s explosive pace, directness, and growing influence at Bournemouth. This reported interest from City adds further complexity to Liverpool’s pursuit of Semenyo, potentially igniting a bidding war between two of the Premier League’s dominant forces for the Ghanaian international’s signature.

Beyond these headline-grabbing sagas, other significant transfer rumors continue to circulate:

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Reports from Football Insider indicate that Real Madrid could demand around £80 million for the Brazilian winger in the summer, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the interested parties. Vinícius remains a pivotal figure for Real, making a departure appear unlikely unless a substantial offer materializes.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): Despite "concrete interest" from Fenerbahçe for a January transfer, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski has reportedly turned down the Turkish club, with Florian Plettenberg confirming his desire to remain at Barcelona until at least the summer.
Zeki Çelik (Roma): Manchester United have reportedly enquired about Roma’s 28-year-old right-back Zeki Çelik. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Turkish international can sign a pre-contract agreement with a European club from January onwards, offering a potentially cost-effective defensive reinforcement.
Weston McKennie (Juventus): Contract negotiations between Juventus and midfielder Weston McKennie’s agents are currently stalled, according to Nicolò Schira. Several Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs are closely monitoring the situation, potentially paving the way for a return to the United States for the midfielder.
Manchester United Youth Loans: The club plans to assess loan options for young prospects Diego León, Sékou Koné, and Ayden Heaven ahead of the January transfer window, as reported by the Daily Mail, aiming to provide them with crucial senior team experience.
Manchester United Defensive Strategy: TEAMtalk reports that Manchester United are prioritizing the acquisition of a new centre-back in the summer of 2026, in addition to planning a contract renewal for defender Harry Maguire, who has enjoyed a resurgence in form this season.
Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais): Roma has reportedly renewed its interest in striker Breel Embolo, despite the Swiss international only joining Stade Rennais last summer. L’Equipe suggests the Serie A club is persistent in its pursuit.
Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton): Nottingham Forest could reignite their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s versatile midfielder Jack Hinshelwood in January, according to the Daily Mail. Forest had previously shown interest in the young talent.
Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim): Florian Plettenberg reports that Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure’s agent has received enquiries from Premier League clubs willing to offer up to €35 million for the 19-year-old as early as the winter window, highlighting his significant potential.
Cajetan Lenz (VfL Bochum): West Ham United and nearly every other Bundesliga club (excluding Bayern Munich) are reportedly interested in VfL Bochum’s defensive midfielder Cajetan Lenz, as per Florian Plettenberg.
Lorenzo Insigne (Free Agent): Calciomercato suggests that former Italy international Lorenzo Insigne, currently a free agent, could join Lazio before Christmas, providing an experienced attacking option.
Santiago Giménez (AC Milan): TEAMtalk indicates that West Ham United are seriously considering AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez, though they face competition from fellow Premier League clubs Brentford and Sunderland for his services.
James Garner (Everton): talkSPORT reports that Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are "keeping tabs" on Everton midfielder James Garner, whose current contract is set to expire next year, making him an attractive prospect for a potential free transfer or reduced fee.
Federico Chiesa (Juventus): According to Ekrem Konur, Juventus forward Federico Chiesa is emerging as a January transfer target for Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma, potentially setting up a fierce battle for the Italian international’s signature.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): Football Insider suggests Crystal Palace may struggle to convince striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to sign a new contract, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly expressing interest in the Frenchman.
Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham): Sky Germany reports that West Ham United are "pushing" for Niclas Füllkrug to leave the club permanently in January. The Hammers plan to reinvest any funds raised into recruiting one or two new forwards to bolster their attacking options.

The coming weeks promise further developments as clubs navigate their strategies ahead of the January window, balancing immediate needs with long-term squad planning.