Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Sources: Arsenal 'really like' Chelsea midfield target, plus four defender transfer options

Arsenal are concerned about injuries and squad depth, which could see them enter the market in the January transfer window. If they do, they would most likely prioritise midfield and defence, with a number of top young players being considered by the Gunners, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Arab Strap v Celtic

“Half effort does not produce half results. It produces NO result. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.” – John Soforic THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 6.5/10 MOTM – You traditionally ask your Celtic keeper to do one thing – make the big saves in big moments.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 18

Inzaghi wants to meet Inter players and directors: ‘Paradise’ at Al-Hilal

Simone Inzaghi insists he feels like in ‘paradise’ at Al-Hilal, and according to Gazzetta, the former Inter coach is eager to meet the Nerazzurri team and directors in Riyadh.

Juventus FC News / Juvefc.com / December 18

Former Juventus director slams Comolli & his methods: 'I don’t like it'

Former Juventus board member Gian Paolo Montali admits he’s not a fan of the club’s newly-appointed CEO, Damien Comolli. Montali, who has a rich background

Nottingham Forest News / Esteemed Kompany / December 18

Manchester City are seemingly in pole position to sign position to sign a dynamic midfielder

It would seem that during next summer’s transfer window, Manchester City will need to strengthen their midfield. There are doubts that surround the future of Bernardo Silva.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 18

Supercomputer predicts Arsenal’s chance of beating Everton this weekend

Arsenal travel to Merseyside this weekend to face Everton, arriving days after a disappointing 2-1 victory against Wolves. While the result delivered three points, the performance raised concerns and left supporters searching for signs of improvement.

Soccer News / The Cult of Calcio / December 18

Inter Misfit Frattesi on Juventus, Roma and Napoli Radar

The representatives of Davide Frattesi will try again to convince Inter to sell their client in January and aren’t eyeing only Juventus as a possible landing spot.

Soccer News / SempreInter.com / December 18

Report – Inter Milan Keeping Close Tabs On Freiburg Goalkeeper Amid Intense Pursuit Of Tottenham Hotspur Star

Inter Milan are reportedly weighing up a summer offer for sought-after Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the German shot-stopper remains a viable candidate to replace Yann Sommer.

Liverpool FC News / Empire of the Kop / December 18

'Have Liverpool got it in them?' – Neville questions Reds before Spurs trip

Liverpool rarely enter a weekend fixture without strong opinions forming around us, but this one has created an unusual level of uncertainty. The Reds travel to Tottenham with momentum building, yet even seasoned pundits struggled to land on a confident outcome.

Napoli News / Football Italia / December 18

What’s next for Maignan after Chelsea summer offer rejected

Mike Maignan’s future with Milan remains uncertain and Chelsea are still keen to sign the France international, according to various sources. Safe to say Maignan has been among the best players in Serie A this season, helping the Rossoneri climb to the top of the table, level on 28 points with defending champions Napoli.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 18

Supercoppa Italiana: Extra time or straight to penalties with a draw?

There is no extra time in the Supercoppa Italiana, so games ending in a draw after 90 minutes will go straight to a penalty shoot-out. The Supercoppa Italiana kicks off today at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Atalanta News / SempreInter.com / December 18

Report – Inter Milan Keen To Sign Atalanta Owned Wingback In The Summer: Three Alternatives Emerge For January

Serie A giants Inter Milan have reportedly earmarked Marco Palestra as their top target to replace Denzel Dumfries. According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri are keeping close tabs on several other players.

Nottingham Forest News / To The Lane And Back / December 18

Tottenham among trio of Premier League clubs to target €332,692-per-week Saudi Pro League star

After a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, Tottenham Hotspur’s form since mid-October have tailed off. This has seen them drop out of the top four places and now lie in the bottom half of the table.

Liverpool FC News / Caught Offside / December 18

'A disgrace' – Carragher continues Salah row with bold claim about Liverpool

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has suggested that the Reds now look better without Mohamed Salah in the team as he continued his war of words with the Egypt international.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 18

Blow for Liverpool: Transfer target is keen on joining rivals Man United

Antoine Semenyo is emerging as one of the most sought-after names ahead of the January transfer window, with the Bournemouth forward reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 18

Tottenham sporting director identifies young Anderlecht midfielder as an option for January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur’s performances over the last two months have exposed several gaping holes in the squad that need to be addressed in the next transfer window.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NFL 5-passing-TD games' quiz

The 'Last 10-TD season by NFL team' quiz

The '2025-26 bowl game host cities' quiz

Crystal Palace News / Caught Offside / December 18

Premier League manager rules out January move for Liverpool & Man United target

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner remains confident that club captain Marc Guéhi will stay at Selhurst Park until the end of the season, even as interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs continues to intensify.

Tottenham Hotspur News / the Boy Hotspur / December 18

Report: Fabio Paratici ‘crazy’ about signing star for Tottenham who is ‘as good as Saliba’

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the finest defenders in European football, and Tottenham are hoping to bring him to the Premier League.

Lille News / Caught Offside / December 18

Man United midfield target wants to leave Premier League club in January

Carlos Baleba’s future is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the January transfer window, with the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder continuing to push for a move away from the Amex Stadium.

Soccer News / Stretty News / December 18

‘A player they absolutely love’: Romano says United have placed one player ‘top of their list’, Amorim is in awe

Manchester United retain their interest in Carlos Baleba after initially holding talks over the summer. Back in August, United approached the Brighton and Hove Albion starlet to gauge the feasibility of him swapping the Amex for Old Trafford before 2025/2026 got underway.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 18