Two of English football's most ambitious rebuilding projects are pointing in the same direction this week, with Arsenal and Manchester United both understood to be tracking Porto right-back Alberto Costa ahead of a potential move. The 22-year-old Portuguese defender is attracting serious attention, though the Premier League pair face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.

Costa the man in demand

Costa has emerged as one of the more sought-after young full-backs in European football, and the noises out of the Iberian peninsula suggest Porto are braced for a busy summer of enquiries. At 22, the defender fits the profile both Arsenal and United have been pursuing — young, technically equipped, and with genuine upside. PSG's involvement, however, means this one is unlikely to be straightforward for either English club.

Neither Arsenal nor United have confirmed any interest publicly, and at this stage the story sits firmly in the monitoring category rather than anything approaching a done deal. Still, with the January window approaching and both clubs mindful of their defensive options, Costa's name is not going away.

City put a price on Haaland amid relegation fears

Elsewhere, the ongoing uncertainty around Manchester City's financial charges continues to reshape transfer planning across Europe. According to reports, City would slap a hefty price tag on Erling Haaland were they to suffer relegation from the Premier League as a consequence of the charges hanging over the club. The Norway striker, 26, is said to be on the radar of Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona — all of whom are monitoring City's situation closely.

The market will be watching carefully. A forced sale of Haaland would represent one of the most significant pieces of transfer business in football history, and every elite club on the continent appears to have him pencilled into contingency plans.

Liverpool keep Tchouameni in mind

Liverpool's recruitment team are not short of ambition either. Reports suggest the Reds retain a genuine interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni despite the Frenchman signing a new long-term contract at the Bernabéu over the summer. The 26-year-old committed his future to Madrid, which would ordinarily close the door — yet Liverpool's interest, it seems, has not entirely cooled.

Other gossip doing the rounds

  • Raheem Sterling, 31, has reportedly been offered to a pair of Ligue 1 clubs, with neither taking up the option. The former Chelsea and Manchester City winger remains a free agent.
  • Joe Willock is wanted by Besiktas, with the Turkish club's president claiming the Newcastle midfielder has already picked a new home in Istanbul. Willock is 27.
  • Eddie Howe is in no rush to return to management and would reportedly only consider a role at a major club underperforming against its own expectations, ruling out moves to sides such as Crystal Palace or Fulham.

Tuesday's gossip is a reminder of how quickly the landscape can shift. With City's situation unresolved and the January window edging closer, the weeks ahead promise plenty of movement — genuine or otherwise.

Frequently asked

Who is Alberto Costa the Porto defender?
Alberto Costa is a 22-year-old Portuguese right-back who plays for Porto. He has attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.
Would Man City have to sell Haaland if they are relegated?
There is no obligation to sell, but reports suggest City would demand a very large fee for Erling Haaland if they were relegated due to financial rule breaches. Several top European clubs are said to be monitoring the situation.
Is Tchouameni leaving Real Madrid to join Liverpool?
There is no confirmed deal. Aurélien Tchouameni signed a new long-term contract at Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, but reports claim Liverpool still hold an interest in the France midfielder.