/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.topmercato.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F10%2FFotoJet-2026-10-23T085703.312.jpg)
Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox favors Eddie Howe to replace Michael Carrick if the club decides to make a managerial change, according to reports by Top Mercato. The pressure on Carrick intensified following a 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como, placing the English coach’s future at Old Trafford under intense scrutiny.
Jason Wilcox Considers Eddie Howe as Carrick Faces Mounting Pressure
While Julian Nagelsmann emerged early on as a leading candidate should Manchester United dismiss Carrick, Wilcox leans specifically toward Howe, according to information published by TalkSport. Howe is free and brings extensive Premier League experience to the table, making him an attractive option for United’s leadership structure.
🚨 Eddie Howe is now the favourite to become Manchester United’s next manager.Jason Wilcox is leaning towards the Newcastle boss if United decide to sack Michael Carrick.(Source: @talkSPORT) pic.twitter.com/DtRL7c3ffY
🚨 Eddie Howe is now the favourite to become Manchester United’s next manager. Jason Wilcox is leaning towards the Newcastle boss if United decide to sack Michael Carrick. (Source: @talkSPORT) https://t.co/DtRL7c3ffY— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 23, 2026
Carrick now faces a series of critical fixtures to secure his position. The 4-1 defeat in the Champions League laid bare defensive vulnerabilities that United’s hierarchy must address as domestic and continental ambitions diverge.
Arsenal Opens Talks with Atlético Madrid for Alex Baena
In North London, Arsenal has initiated discussions with Atlético Madrid regarding a potential January move for winger and attacking midfielder Alex Baena, as reported by Top Mercato. The 25-year-old Spain international, who was a member of Spain’s World Cup winning squad, has started the campaign in strong form by contributing five goals and three assists across 12 appearances.
Breaking : Arsenal have held talks with Atlético Madrid over Alex Baena ahead of a potential January move. The 25-year-old winger, who was a member of Spain’s World Cup winning squad is someone who can operate on either flank Full Story @Transfersdotcom https://t.co/2YFCX8iuSw— Steve Kay (@stevek9KS1TV) October 22, 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta values Baena’s tactical versatility, specifically his ability to operate comfortably on either flank or through the central midfield areas. Talks remain ongoing between the two clubs as the winter transfer window approaches.
Kendry Páez Nears Chelsea Exit After Difficult Loan Spells
At Stamford Bridge, 19-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez is preparing to leave Chelsea during the January transfer window, according to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira via Top Mercato. Purchased for €10 million from Independiente in the summer of 2025, Páez struggled to establish himself in European football during a difficult initial phase.
🚨🇪🇨 KENDRY PÁEZ READY TO LEAVE CHELSEA! According to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, the 19-year-old Ecuadorian is prepared to leave the Blues during the January transfer window. Whether it’s permanent move or loan, it’s still unclear. https://t.co/BpX1Ir9xdE— Footy Condor 🇪🇨 (@FootyCondor) October 22, 2026
An initial loan spell at Strasbourg yielded just one goal in 21 appearances, prompting an early winter switch to River Plate in Argentina. That temporary stint also failed to provide regular stability, and upon returning to Chelsea, Páez has not broken into Xabi Alonso’s plans or consistently impressed within the club’s Under-21 setup. Whether his departure will take the form of a permanent transfer or another loan remains unresolved.
Questions Surrounding the January Window and Managerial Futures
As the winter transfer window draws closer, several key questions remain unanswered across these three clubs. Manchester United has not issued an official timeline regarding Carrick’s position, leaving the urgency of Wilcox’s pursuit of Howe dependent on upcoming results. Meanwhile, negotiations between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid for Baena have yet to establish a concrete valuation, and Chelsea must still decide whether a permanent sale or a temporary loan best suits Páez’s immediate development.
