Arsenal 'make contact' over Haaland as two more targets emerge

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Arsenal have reportedly opened a line of communication with Erling Haaland's representatives over what would be one of the most sensational transfers in Premier League history.

According to Football Insider, the Gunners are among the clubs positioning themselves around the Manchester City striker's uncertain future, with Real Madrid also said to be monitoring the situation closely.

The uncertainty stems from City's financial charges. Haaland is contracted at the Etihad until 2034, but his deal reportedly does not contain a relegation clause — meaning that if City were hit with an enforced relegation or a sufficiently heavy points deduction, the Norwegian could become available at a reduced fee.

It should be stressed that this remains a speculative report rather than a concrete negotiation, and Football Insider themselves frame it as an audacious claim. But with Mikel Arteta still understood to want a high-profile forward added to his squad, Arsenal's name is going to keep appearing in these conversations.

Dani Olmo 'offered' to Arsenal

Elsewhere, TeamTalk report that Barcelona's Dani Olmo has been offered to Arsenal by intermediaries ahead of January.

The Spain international has three assists in seven La Liga appearances this season but appears to be exploring a move away from Catalonia in the winter window. He has been floated as a potential replacement for Eberechi Eze.

The caveat is a significant one: up to six other Premier League clubs are reported to have received the same pitch. Being "offered" a player by intermediaries is a long way from active pursuit, and there is no suggestion yet that Arsenal have responded.

Scouts sent to watch Porto defender

The third name on the list is Porto's Alberto Costa. Caught Offside report that Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old, who joined the Portuguese side from Juventus for around €15m (£12.8m) last year and is playing regularly.

Costa's contract contains a €65m (£55.7m) release clause, and Arsenal are far from alone in taking a look — Manchester United are among the other clubs said to be tracking him. He has been tipped as a possible long-term replacement for Riccardo Calafiori.

Crucially, the report makes clear that Arsenal's interest has not progressed beyond the scouting stage. That is the earliest phase of any recruitment process, and plenty of players are watched without a bid ever following.

A busy summer, and more to come

The volume of noise is unsurprising given how active Arsenal were in the last window, with Piero Hincapie, Ilian Meslier, Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa all arriving.

The club are expected to keep strengthening in January, with a forward the clear priority. Quite how ambitious that pursuit becomes may depend on factors well outside Arsenal's control.

With the window still three months from reopening, the speculation is only likely to intensify.