Transfer gossip: Arsenal eye Varela, Palace want to keep Sarr, Liverpool circle Vuskovic

Arsenal and Napoli have locked onto Monza's in-form Portuguese striker Gustavo Varela, 21, with his former club Benfica also monitoring developments, according to reports.

Brighton's 19-year-old Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic continues to attract serious suitors, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona all in the hunt for the defender's signature. The youngster's pedigree at club and international level has made him one of Europe's hottest prospects.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are digging in to keep winger Ismaila Sarr, 28. The Senegal international was keen to join Liverpool last summer, but Palace are now in talks over a new contract in a bid to retain him beyond January.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth have tabled another club record offer for England midfielder Alex Scott, 23, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all tracking the situation. Manchester United have been told Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, 22, would cost north of £70m.

Ajax are pursuing a permanent deal for Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, 25, currently on loan at the Dutch club. Off the pitch, Crystal Palace are eyeing moves for a manager currently out of work should they decide to part with Pierre Sage, with Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche among potential candidates.