Arsenal have emerged as one of the front-runners to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who is apparently ready to snub presumed favourites Manchester City, as the January transfer window starts to heat up.
The centre-back’s Palace contract expires in the summer and he is said to favour a move to Arsenal or Liverpool rather than City, who were hoping him to sign him during this window to ease their defensive injury crisis. Pep Guardiola’s side have got one deal over the line though, with Antoine Semenyo completing his move from Bournemouth for £62.5m last week and scoring on debut in the 10-1 FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City over the weekend.
The Gunners are also eyeing PSG and France star Bradley Barcola, readying an £87m bid and have opened talks about a move for the 23-year-old forward, while also reportedly having interest in Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, £86m-rated RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet as Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad rather than resting on his laurels.
Barcelona have made clear their interest in Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford staying beyond the end of his current loan deal, while United are also after Diomande and want to improve the heart of their midfield, with Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson the names topping their list of targets.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
Read MoreMan City record FA Cup’s biggest win in 66 years with Exeter thrashing
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
Jorgen Strand Larsen nets hat-trick as Wolves hit Shrewsbury for six in FA Cup
January transfer window latest updates
- Arsenal given Marc Guehi boost
- Gunners also hold talks with PSG star Bradley Barcola
- Barcelona keen to keep Marcus Rashford beyond loan deal
- Leipzig's Yan Diamonde responds amid Arsenal and Man Utd links
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
Newcastle chase Atalanta centre-back
23:33 , Luke BakerNewcastle are eyeing Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, say Teamtalk, after Fabian Schar suffered an injury to add to their defensive struggles.
The Magpies were previously keen on Scalvini last year and now they are prepared to up the interest in the £35m-rated Serie A star.
Aston Villa keen on Conor Gallagher
22:28 , Luke BakerAston Villa are exploring a move for Conor Gallagher, according to Talksport.
Gallagher is reportedly happy at Atletico Madrid but would be open to returning to the Premier League, alerting Villa and, according to other rumours, Man United as well.
The 25-year-old midfielder hasn't been called up for England since June and his chances of playing at the World Cup are slim but Villa would likely offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Man United and Liverpool chasing Mateus Mane
21:30 , Luke BakerIf Wolves do get relegated to the Championship, it may well be open season on their best players.
One particularly valuable asset is Mateus Mane and both Man United and Liverpool are eyeing the impressive 18-year-old.
That’s according to TeamTalk who say they have been impressed with Mane’s performances but Wolves have no intention of selling.
Spurs set to be busy in this transfer window
20:32 , Luke BakerTottenham boss Thomas Frank has suggested that his side are actively working to bring in new faces during January.
Speaking after his side's FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa yesterday, he said: “I think we definitely need to do everything we can to play two good halves, which is, I think every team wants to do that. Every team wants to be consistent in that aspect.
“In terms of transfer market, as I said many times, we are out there working very hard, trying to improve the squad.”
Juventus eye Mateta
19:53 , Luke BakerJuventus are being linked with a move for Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Serie A heavyweights were interested in the striker over the summer but were put off by Palace’s asking price.
But as he moves closer to the end of his contract, their demands may drop and Juve could be a potential destination once more.
Harry Wilson's Fulham future up in the air
19:09 , Luke BakerHarry Wilson’s Fulham future is firmly up in the air, with a fear he could leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Wilson has been in scintillating form for Marco Silva’s side but the Cottagers boss admits he’s unsure if they’ll be able to hold on to the Wales international.
Silva said: “I don’t know if I am going to have him in one week, 15 days, three months or at the end of the season, with good or bad news. I cannot guarantee anything.”
DONE DEAL! Rangers sign Chukwuani from Sturm Graz
18:35 , Luke BakerRangers have confirmed the signing of Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz.
After signing a three-and-a-half year deal with the Scottish giants, he said: “I’m super excited. Rangers are a huge club and I can’t wait to hear the roar at Ibrox.
“It’s a historic club with a huge fanbase. There are huge expectations, and this is something as a footballer you want to play in front of.
“It gives motivation every weekend to go and give 100 per cent and do what you can to put smiles on people’s faces.”
💙 Welcome to Rangers, Tochi Chukwuani. pic.twitter.com/oWmBgNpFNJ
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 11, 2026
Spurs plan for Joao Palhinha
18:01 , Luke BakerTottenham will wait until the end of the season to make a decision on the future of Joao Palhinha, say Sky Germany.
Palhinha is currently on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for around £26m including add-ons.
Spurs are said to be unsure if they want to make the move permanent yet.
'Concern' from players that Bruno Fernandes wants to leave Man United
17:30 , Luke BakerBruno Fernandes’ Manchester United teammates are worried that the captain wants to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
According to The Sun, United players worry he has become tired of the “shambles” at the club.
Manchester United players are reportedly worried that Bruno Fernandes wants to leave at the end of the season.
A source said: “Some of the squad think Bruno has had enough and, to be honest, they don’t blame him.
“He always gives 100 per cent and has been the club’s best player since he joined.”
Forest eye Strand Larsen as answer to striker woe
16:57 , Luke BakerNottingham Forest are desperately trying to improve their striking options this month and Jorgen Strand Larsen has emerged as a main target.
According to Football Insider, Forest have made a concrete approach to Wolves for Larsen.
Several clubs are thought to be interested in the Norwegian forward and Wolves are reportedly prepared to sell the forward, who is valued at around £40m.
Brighton warn teams over Baleba approach
16:34 , Luke BakerMan United have been heavily linked with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber has made his club’s status clear.
Barber says he has received no contact from United and issued a hands-off warning to interested clubs.
Speaking to TalkSport, Barber said: “No call from Old Trafford. No call from anyone connected to Manchester United. We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window, or in any future window, but we know he’s a talented player and he's got a lot of options ahead of him in the future.
“For us right now, he’s an important player in the second half of the season and we're looking forward to getting him back from Afcon.”
Ugarte could face Man United departure
16:05 , Luke BakerMore Man United news, with Manuel Ugarte potentially headed for a loan exit to Galatasaray this month.
According to reports in Sozcu, Galatasaray are reportedly preparing a loan deal for midfielder Ugarte, with fellow countrymen Fernando Muslera and Lucas Torreira trying to persuade him to join.
Gala are said to have made “significant progress” in discussions with United although the Turkish giants want an option to buy, with United holding out for a compulsory purchase clause.
Man United make contact with Bournemouth over Senesi
15:43 , Luke BakerMan United have contacted Bournemouth to discuss a deal for defender Marco Senesi.
That’s according to Italian outlet Tuttosport after Senesi told the Cherries of his intention to leave in the summer.
He may be available on a free at the end of the season, with Barcelona and Juventus also interested.
Tel keen for Tottenham exit
15:09 , Luke BakerMathys Tel is open to leaving Tottenham this month, according to the BBC.
The forward joined the north Londoners on a permanent basis in the summer and although he was rated by Ange Postecoglou, he has struggled for game-time under Thomas Frank this season.
He is said to be keen on a loan exit, allowing him to play regular minutes and boost his chances of making the France squad for the World Cup.
Liverpool’s Conor Bradley out for the season with knee injury requiring surgery
14:41 , Luke BakerDefender Conor Bradley is set to undergo surgery on a serious knee injury, which will rule him out of the rest of Liverpool’s season.
While the Northern Ireland international has not sustained an ACL injury, the bone and ligaments in his left knee have been damaged.
The right-back was carried off late in Thursday’s goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal after landing awkwardly in stoppage time.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli was roundly criticised for dropping the ball on Bradley as he lay injured and shoving him in an attempt to get him off the pitch, with his actions sparking a melee between both sets of players.
Martinelli, who was shown a yellow card for the incident, later apologised on social media for his actions.
Liverpool’s Conor Bradley out for the season with knee injury requiring surgery
Arsenal taking on Portsmouth in FA Cup
14:20 , Luke BakerIn terms of live football action, there’s plenty today. In the FA Cup, Arsenal are facing Championship strugglers Portsmouth - that game is about 20 minutes in.
You can follow along here:
Portsmouth v Arsenal live: Latest score and updates from FA Cup
Georgia Stanway sparks WSL transfer battle with Bayern Munich decision
14:01 , Luke BakerEngland international Georgia Stanway has put the Women’s Super League’s top clubs on red alert after confirming that she will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of her contract at the end of the season.
The two-time European champion, who joined the German club from Manchester City in 2022, will be allowed to sign a pre-contract with another club this month, with Arsenal emerging as the early frontrunners.
The 27-year-old midfielder will be targeting a fourth consecutive German title with Bayern, as well as further progress in the Women’s Champions League, in her final season.
Georgia Stanway sparks WSL transfer battle with Bayern Munich decision
Aston Villa eye Tammy Abraham return
13:40 , Luke BakerAston Villa are keen on a return for striker Tammy Abraham, according to The Telegraph.
The 28-year-old is on loan at Besiktas from Roma this season, but is reportedly on Villa’s radar this month to provide support and competition for Ollie Watkins.
Abraham spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa Park as he helped the club earn promotion from the Championship to the Premier League but signing him again may be complicated.
Besiktas can sign Abraham, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for them this term, permanently for £11.2m if certain conditions are met, while he is on a salary worth around £115,000 per week, which could also be an obstacle for Villa.
Tottenham reject Dragusin loan offer
13:23 , Luke BakerTottenham have reportedly rejected a loan offer from Roma for defender Radu Dragusin.
Sky Italy have said that the Romania centre-back is a prime target for Roma, but Spurs have no interest in sending him out on loan.
Dragusin was named on the bench for Tottenham's FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Vinicius Jr won't head to Saudi Arabia
13:03 , Luke BakerVini Jr has ruled out a potential move to any Saudi Arabian club, with the Brazilian keen to continue at a European giant if he were to leave Real Madrid, according to ESPNFC.
Rumours persist that Vini Jr could leave Los Blancos – with Chelsea reportedly among those interested – though no move is considered imminent, and the Brazilian has seen an increase in playing time of late.
As suggested over recent months, plenty could also fall on whether Xabi Alonso continues as manager at the Bernabeu for the foreseeable future.
Man United 'block' Zirkzee move
12:44 , Luke BakerManchester United have reportedly blocked any transfer talks with Roma regarding a January exit for Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch international is out of favour at Old Trafford, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo’s arrivals in the summer pushing him down the attacking pecking order, but the club still do not want him to leave amid managerial uncertainty.
Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara told DAZN: “At the moment, United have closed off all transfer talks after the change of manager. I doubt they’ll change their minds.”
Bernardo Silva heading to Turkey?
12:24 , Luke BakerMan City midfielder Bernardo Silva could be on his way to Galatasaray as a free agent this summer, according to reports.
Silva is out of contract at the end of the season despite still being a key player for City, but former teammate Ilkay Gundogan is said to be in contact with the 31-year-old Portuguese regarding a move to Istanbul.
Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal boost after signing new contract
12:05 , Luke BakerBukayo Saka has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, committing himself to the Emirates Stadium until 2031.
The 24-year-old England international’s deal had been up for renewal at the end of next season, but he has now signed a five-year deal.
Saka, a graduate of the club’s fabled Hale End academy, has scored 77 times across 290 appearances since he made his debut for the Gunners in 2018.
Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal boost after signing new contract
Anderson and Baleba top list of midfield targets for Man United
11:48 , Luke BakerFabrizio Romano is reporting that Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are the two names at the top of the list of Man Utd’s midfield targets.
Both players are known to be wanted by a number of sides including Liverpool and Man City.
And despite reports suggesting that United could make a move for Baleba this month, Romano claims that a move this window is unlikely given the fees involved, with Nottingham Forest star Anderson also a summer target
Arsenal keeping tabs on Livramento
11:30 , Luke BakerMore Arsenal speculation, with the club monitoring Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, according to The Sun.
Mikel Arteta wants to increase his long-term options in defence and the interest is with an eye on a summer deal.
Diomande responds to Arsenal and Man Utd transfer links
11:19 , Luke BakerIvory Coast teenager Yan Diomande is remarkably unfazed by reports he could be a £100m signing for one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Diomande, who joined German team RB Leipzig in the summer, has been linked with Bundesliga rival Bayern Munich, Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as European champion Paris Saint-Germain.
Leipzig are said to be in no rush to sell, having made other big sales in recent years to stabilise things financially, and the 19-year-old Diomande has also said he’s in no hurry to leave.
“For now, I’m happy there,” Diomande said of Leipzig. “Everyone likes me there and I'm enjoying there. I'm not looking at everything (happening) around me.
“I am trying to stay focused on my road. I’m trying to focus on my way. Trying to be concentrated on my club.”
Barcelona keen to keep Marcus Rashford
11:14 , Luke BakerBarcelona would like to keep Marcus Rashford beyond his current loan deal, reports Fabrizio Romano.
You would think any new Manchester United manager would be keen to reintegrate the England forward at Old Trafford, but time will tell...
They have an option to buy at the end of the loan deal but it is not yet confirmed that will be activated
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona already informed Marcus Rashford and his camp about desire to keep him beyond this season.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2026
No guarantee yet on €30m buy option to be activated, final decision later + based also on financial situation but Barça very happy with Rashy.
🎥 https://t.co/YDcAE3zRTy pic.twitter.com/lIcEUtGXN1
Arsenal open talks over Bradley Barcola
11:11 , Luke BakerArsenal have opened talks over a move for PSG and France star Bradley Barcola.
Spanish outlet Fichajes report that the Gunners have opened negotiations with the French side and that they are at the front of the queue to sign him.
The 23-year-old forward is sought-after all around Europe, with Liverpool among the other clubs interested, and Arsenal were reported to be readying an £87m bid for the summer.
Barcola’s lack of game-time at PSG means he is thought to be open to a move
Marc Guehi prefers Arsenal or Liverpool move
11:03 , Luke BakerArsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi, with the Crystal Palace defender said to prefer a move to the Gunners or Liverpool, rather than Man City.
City were presumed favourites to capture Guehi, and wanted to bring him in this month to ease their defensive injury crisis, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 25-year-old is said to be happy to wait until the summer and would rather not join City.
The Athletic’s Sam Lee said in an interview for the Let Me Talk podcast: “On Monday night, I was told by somebody who knows what's going on at City, but also I think probably Palace as well, he said he thinks Guehi wants to stay until the summer and he prefers Liverpool [to City] in any case.
"Somebody else messaged me on Twitter [X] and I know he's very good on other club stuff, he was like; ‘Yeah, he wants to stay until the summer – and he prefers Liverpool and Arsenal’. I was like; ‘Well I haven’t heard Arsenal’ but that kind of tallies what I'd been told the night before.”
