Latest transfer news today: Arsenal given Vinicius Jr encouragement as Chelsea lead race for wonderkid

The transfer window is closed, but that has not stopped Premier League clubs eyeing potential deals for January or even next summer.

Football Whispers looks at the latest transfer stories making headlines today.

Man United told Pierre Kalulu is not for sale

Reports from Italy (via Manchester Evening News) claim Manchester United have been told by Juventus that Pierre Kalulu is not for sale.

The £42m-rated Frenchman has been eyed by the Red Devils, but he is considered “too important” for the Old Lady.

Man United have been linked with a January move for Kalulu, while fierce rivals Liverpool have also shown interest, but Juve want him to sign a new deal.

Arsenal given Vinicius Jr encouragement

AS (via Sport Witness) report some potential encouragement for Arsenal should they wish to pursue Vinicius Jr again.

They claim he is a “terrible marketer of his own brand”, and the Santiago Bernabeu crowd are “notably harsher” on him than the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Vinicius is also claimed to have a “misguidedly boisterous personality”, which could rub some people at the club up the wrong way.

Some fans still resent him for delaying signing a new deal amid strong interest from Arsenal and Saudi Arabian clubs, and journalist Tomas Gonzalez-Martin has questioned the renewal of his contract.

Of course, should Vinicius' situation get worse, Arsenal could be there to take advantage of it.

Chelsea leading JJ Gabriel race

TEAMtalk report Chelsea are ramping up talks to sign JJ Gabriel as the Man United wonderkid wants to leave immediately.

They are leading the race for his signature, which also includes Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Chelsea's recruitment strategy involves identifying and securing the best young talent, and Gabriel is viewed as exactly the kind of player they want to sign.