This week in football news, Arsenal's transfer plans for January and summer 2025 have been made public, indicating the club's strategy for strengthening their squad in the coming months. Meanwhile, Brighton faced Southampton in the Premier League, with the Seagulls aiming to climb to second place with a victory.

In other news, Vinicius Junior received an apology letter from a minor who made racist insults towards him during a match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. This event has led to the youngster being banned from the stadium. On the transfer front, Chelsea's pursuit of Victor Osimhen seems to be cooling off as the club reportedly will not seek to sign a striker in January unless Christopher Nkunku is sold.

Significant developments are also occurring in the MLS, with Atlanta United, Philadelphia Union, NYCFC, and Vancouver Whitecaps facing pressure to make successful managerial hires after 11 changes in the league during 2024. This highlights the ever-changing nature of football management in the MLS.

Lastly, Barcelona is reportedly on the right track to securing midfielder Pedri with a new contract until 2030, signalling the club's intent to build its future around the young star. This move underlines the importance of retaining key talents for long-term success in football. These stories reflect the ongoing dynamics of football, from transfer strategies and combating racism to managerial changes and securing future talents.