The January transfer window is open and with the new year comes a chance for clubs to monitor the market after assessing their options to strengthen or trim their numbers to boost spending this month.
While the acquisition of elite players or long-term targets is less common in the mid-season window, it is not completely out of the question, with the saga surrounding Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo expected to reach its climax in the coming weeks or possibly days.
The 25-year-old has been linked with moves to every Premier League big hitter but Manchester City are now leading the race for the player, whose £65m release clause becomes active in January, although he will remain with the Cherries long enough to face Arsenal today.
Elsewhere, Tottenham’s Europa League winner Brennan Johnson has completed a £35m move to Crystal Palace, while Eagles skipper Marc Guehi remains of interest to Arne Slot after his deadline day move to Liverpool collapsed. The England international is about to enter the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park, giving Palace one last chance to cash in if they choose to.
And Chelsea have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca after 18 months in charge of the club, with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior tipped as the frontrunner to replace him at Stamford Bridge.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Read MoreMan City move ahead of Liverpool in Antoine Semenyo battle
Transfer news live
- Transfer window is officially open as January begins
- Brennan Johnson agrees to join Crystal Palace in £35m switch
- Liam Rosenior the favourite to arrive after Enzo Maresca's shock Chelsea exit
- Antoine Semenyo set to join Manchester City from Bournemouth for £65m
- Liverpool linked with Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
Neymar set to sign contract extension at Santos
14:30 , Will CastleNeymar is set to sign a contract extension with Santos through to December 2026, according to The Athletic.
Neymar returned to Santos, where he began his career, in January 2025 and scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 28 appearances to help maintain the club’s top-flight status.
He underwent arthroscopy surgery on his knee in December and will now be looking to get fully fit to try and earn Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti’s favour ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
14:10 , Richard JollyIf Enzo Maresca’s last contribution as a Manchester City employee was to help them secure the treble in 2023, his most recent input to the discourse around the Etihad Stadium feels more unwelcome. The apparent indications that City’s former assistant manager had spoken to his old club about the possibility of replacing Pep Guardiola raised the issue of the Spaniard’s future.
Which has lingered in the background; as, indeed, it has for much of a reign that has extended for far longer than he originally envisaged. The Catalan shrugged off the idea his old assistant had talked to City. “Why would I give you an update about an opinion that I don't know is about this opinion?” he said. “It's just a rumour.”
Guardiola adopted a trademark blend of playfulness and faux arrogance. “You want to fire me?” he asked “My salary is so high, so I have one more year... I know you are bored of me, ten years here. I will leave one day, I promise. But I have a contract, I'm happy, I want to fight with my team. I like to be here.”
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
Arnaud Kalimuendo's stay at Nottingham Forest could be nearing end after just five months
13:50 , Will CastleEintracht Frankfurt are confident of signing French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo on loan from Nottingham Forest, according to The Athletic.
Kalimuendo arrived at the City Ground just five months ago, joining from Rennes for £26m.
However, he has managed just eight Premier League appearances and could move to Frankfurt on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.
He was, however, named on the Forest bench for the game against Aston Villa today.
Arsenal transfer news round-up: Kenan Yildiz, Davide Bartesaghi and more as Mikel Arteta braces for busy January
13:30 , Will CastleMounting injuries may force Arsenal to dip into the January transfer market as they look to keep up the pace in their Premier League title charge.
The Gunners go into the new year at the top of the pile but will know all too well that such a position does not guarantee success come May, with Pep Guardiola’s revitalised Manchester City breathing down their necks.
After a busy summer that saw the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze arrive for big fees, Mikel Arteta will be confident his Arsenal squad is capable of winning a first league title since the ‘Invincibles’ of 2003/04.
But with injuries not letting up, with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori the latest to be sidelined, new recruits could come to boost the league leaders ahead of a crucial second half of the season.
When asked if Arteta has space in his squad for new signings, he said: "Depending, as I said, on the availability of certain players. The window is there. We're Arsenal. Now, we have to be looking at it.”
Here are the latest stories surrounding the transfer market at the Emirates:
Arsenal transfer news round-up: Yildiz, Bartesaghi and more
Joe Willock attracting Premier League interest
13:10 , Will CastleCrystal Palace, Leeds and Nottingham Forest are interested in Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock, according to The i Paper.
Willock, 26, has been struggling for game time at St James’s Park for a while and has only managed a handful of starts this term.
Rodrygo 'wants to leave' Real Madrid
12:50 , Will CastleA familiar name in the gossip columns, now.
Real Madrid winger Rodrygo wants a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, according to AS.
The Brazilian is often regularly linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and the report attributes interest to all three clubs.
Whether this rumour develops into anything concrete remains to be seen.
Will it be a busy month for West Ham?
12:30 , Will CastleWest Ham have already made their first January signing in Brazilian striker Pablo - but it seems like the Hammers are far from finished.
In search of goals, Nuno Espirito Santo could add another attacker to his squad and is in talks with Lazio over a £25m move for Taty Castellanos, according to the Daily Mail.
A centre-back is also a priority for West Ham, who retain an interest in Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as per the Guardian, who has played for England Under-21s.
Manchester United exploring possibility of reigniting Carlos Baleba interest
12:10 , Will CastleManchester United are looking into the possibility of signing Brighton's Carlos Baleba, according to Sky Sports.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with the midfielder in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
However, they are likely to hold off making an offer for the Cameroonian until the summer.
Former Canada coach replaces Patrick Kluivert as Indonesia boss
11:48 , Will CastleFormer Canada boss John Herdman has been named the new head coach of Indonesia.
Herdman replaces Patrick Kluivert after the Dutchman left by mutual consent following Indonesia's elimination from Asia's qualifiers for the World Cup in October.
The 50-year-old Englishman previously worked with New Zealand's women's team before leading the Canadian women's team to the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016.
Liverpool transfer news round-up: Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and more after Alexander Isak injury blow
11:44 , Will CastleLiverpool could become major players in the January transfer market after Alexander Isak’s serious injury ruled him out for several months.
Arne Slot can at least lean on Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward settling quickly to life in the Premier League.
“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot said of Isak, who joined the Reds from Newcastle for £125m in the summer and has scored just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions. “It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us.”
But reinforcements could come to boost the Reds after a testing first half of the season.
Here are the latest stories surrounding the transfer market at Anfield:
Liverpool transfer news round-up: Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and more
Juventus targeting West Ham midfielder before pursuing Sandro Tonali in summer
11:00 , Flo CliffordJuventus are interested in West Ham’s 31-year-old midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to Sky in Italy.
Manager Luciano Spalletti likes the Argentina international and is looking for a short-term solution on loan. Correire dello Sport claim contact has already been made over a move.
This comes as Gazzetta dello Sport reports Juventus will step up their pursuit of Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali in the summer, with the club having little hope of signing him in January.
The same source claims the Italian giants are keen to bring Federico Chiesa back to the club.
West Ham sign £20m Brazilian striker
10:40 , Flo CliffordWest Ham have signed 22-year-old striker Pablo for £20m from Portuguese side Gil Vicente.
His first appearance could come as soon as today’s game against Wolves.
The Brazilian has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the option to extend for a further year.
He said: "I am very happy. I will give my all for this club, leaving everything on the pitch, all my effort, all my dedication.
“The fans really like players who fight for the badge and I can promise that I will leave every last drop of sweat on the pitch for this club."
Liverpool linked with Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge
10:25 , Flo CliffordLiverpool appear poised to bring in Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge to boost their defence, reports the Mirror.
The Reds have a clear path after Chelsea pulled out of the race to sign the Ecuadorian.
A deal for as much as £43m for the centre-back is in the works, with an initial fee of £35m, plus add-ons.
Arsenal exploring loan deals
10:10 , Flo CliffordArsenal could go into the loan market to add strength in depth to their squad to aid their title bid, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Gunners find themselves at the top of the pile going into the new year but have been plagued by injuries, especially in defence.
AC Milan's 20-year-old Italian full-back Davide Bartesaghi is one of a number of players being reportedly monitored.
Tottenham looking into Antoine Semenyo alternatives
09:55 , Flo CliffordTottenham have turned their attention to alternative winger targets with Antoine Semenyo set to move elsewhere.
Versatile attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche remains of interest according to the Daily Mail, with the Monaco man excelling against them in the Champions League last year.
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and summer target Savinho have also been namedropped as potential targets.
Rosenior 'calm' over Chelsea links
09:40 , Flo CliffordStrasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has not ruled out the possibility of replacing Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, with the 41-year-old saying on Friday that he could not guarantee he would remain at the French club until the end of the season.
Rosenior is the leading candidate to replace Maresca, who parted ways with Chelsea on Thursday following a poor run of results and a fallout with club owners, despite having won the Club World Cup in July.
Strasbourg, who topped the league-phase standings in the Conference League, travel to Nice on Saturday. However, at Friday’s press conference, speculation over Rosenior’s potential move to Chelsea dominated proceedings.
“I’m calm. There is a lot of noise and speculation,” Rosenior told reporters.
“If you pay attention to it as a coach, you go crazy. We are working on the preparation for the Nice match. I’m the coach of Strasbourg and I hope we get a good result.”
Andoni Iraola on Antoine Semenyo's future
09:25 , Flo CliffordIraola gave some more detail when pressed if today’s game against Arsenal will be Semenyo’s last for Bournemouth: “No, no. I think the idea at least that he's going to be available in these two home games in a short turnaround. I hope he can be here for more time. But I don't know what's going to be happen.
“That's not the idea [that it’s Semenyo's last match]. The market is open, you never know what's going to happen. I cannot control things, but right now I don't think so.”
Antoine Semenyo to feature against Arsenal
09:07 , Flo CliffordGood morning and welcome to day three of the transfer window!
Those waiting for the future of Bournemouth’s highly rated attacker Antoine Semenyo will have to wait a little longer, as Cherries boss Andoni Iraola says the 25-year-old will feature in their clash against Arsenal later today.
Iraola said “nothing is signed”, although Manchester City are heavy favourites for the Ghanaian’s signature.
Man United target French duo in January boost
07:10 , Jack RathbornManchester United are linked with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Ruben Amorim could add another forward to his attack, with the 28-year-old seen as a reference point.
United have also been linked with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with Sky Sports detailing how United have tracked the 20-year-old after an impressive run of form for the French side.
Fulham have bid rejected for PSV striker Pepi
06:45 , Jack RathbornPSV have rejected a £26m bid from Fulham for striker Ricardo Pepi, according to The Athletic.
American Pepi, who turns 23 next month, has 10 goals and two assists in all competitions for PSV, while also boasting 13 goals in 34 caps for the US national team.
Fulham are expected to lodge another bid for Pepi, whose current deal runs until 2030.
Juventus targeting West Ham midfielder before pursuing Sandro Tonali in summer
05:00 , Jack RathbornJuventus are interested in West Ham’s 31-year-old midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to Sky in Italy.
Manager Luciano Spalletti likes the Argentina international and is looking for a short-term solution on loan.
This comes as La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Juventus will step up their pursuit of Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali in the summer, with the club having little hope of signing him in January.
The same source claims the Italian giants are keen to bring Federico Chiesa back to the club.
Rosenior 'calm' over Chelsea links
04:44 , Lawrence OstlereStrasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has not ruled out the possibility of replacing Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, with the 41-year-old saying on Friday that he could not guarantee he would remain at the French club until the end of the season.
Rosenior is the leading candidate to replace Maresca, who parted ways with Chelsea on Thursday following a poor run of results and a fallout with club owners, despite having won the Club World Cup in July.
Strasbourg, who topped the league-phase standings in the Conference League, travel to Nice on Saturday. However, at Friday’s press conference, speculation over Rosenior’s potential move to Chelsea dominated proceedings.
“I’m calm. There is a lot of noise and speculation,” Rosenior told reporters.
“If you pay attention to it as a coach, you go crazy. We are working on the preparation for the Nice match. I’m the coach of Strasbourg and I hope we get a good result.”
Tottenham looking into Antoine Semenyo alternatives
03:00 , Jack RathbornTottenham have turned their attention to alternative winger targets with Antoine Semenyo set to move elsewhere.
Versatile attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche remains of interest according to the Daily Mail, with the Monaco man excelling against them in the Champions League last year.
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and summer target Savinho have also been namedropped as potential targets.
Done deal: Palace sign Johnson
01:43 , Lawrence Ostlere“We feel we are the perfect place for Brennan to continue his already impressive journey,” Palace chairman Steve Parish said.
“His arrival bolsters our attacking options in what is proving to be our busiest season to date, competing on numerous fronts, including for the first time in Europe.”
Done deal: Palace sign Johnson
01:16 , Lawrence OstlereCrystal Palace have signed Welsh winger Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a club-record fee, the Premier League club said on Friday.
Financial details were not disclosed, but British media reported the transfer is worth £35 million ($47.16 million).
Palace, who sit 10th in the Premier League, said Johnson will be eligible to make his debut away at Newcastle United on Sunday.
“I’m really delighted that Brennan has joined the club. He arrives very early in the window, so credit to the club for making this happen so quickly,” Palace manager Oliver Glasner said in a statement.
“Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability, and with all the upcoming games he will be a valuable addition to the squad.”
Rasmus Hojlund considers himself a Napoli player, says sports director
00:00 , Jack RathbornNapoli sports director Giovanni Manna says on-loan Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund already believes himself to be part of the club.
The 22-year-old joined on loan in the summer and has enjoyed a revival in fortunes since moving to Serie A, with seven goals in 19 games.
His loan agreement includes an obligation to buy if Napoli secure Champions League football. The club is third in Serie A and on track to qualify.
Manna told Corriere dello Sport: “We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it.”
Asked whether a permanent deal is a formality, Manna said: “As of today, I think so.”
United youngster to remain with Owls
Friday 2 January 2026 23:00 , Jack RathbornWhile Manchester United will hope to bring in a few names, they will have to decide on youngster Harry Amass’ immediate future.
United could recall the 18-year-old English defender, who is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
But the Sun reports that United will allow the player to stay with the Owls, despite a struggling season.
Coventry want Palace starlet on loan
Friday 2 January 2026 21:00 , Jack RathbornCoventry City could offer Romain Esse the chance to flourish on loan from Crystal Palace.
The Telegraph reports that Frank Lampard would be keen on the 20-year-old, with the England Under-21 able to boost the Sky Blues’ hopes of promotion.
Bayern star set for Premier League?
Friday 2 January 2026 20:00 , Jack RathbornOne name to keep an eye on this month is Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka.
Linked with a move away, the 30-year-old Germany midfielder has a vast amount of experience.
And while no concrete reports are emerging just yet, all of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United have been mentioned as potential suitors.
West Ham to revitalise Raheem Sterling's career?
Friday 2 January 2026 19:30 , Jack RathbornWest Ham have been linked with Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.
The 31-year-old has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge, where he is thought to be the club’s top earner.
And Talksport claim the Hammers are keen, though it remains to be seen if Sterling would entertain such a move, having waited out for the right destination this long.
Man City confident of pipping Man United to Elliot Anderson signing
Friday 2 January 2026 19:00 , Jack RathbornManchester City are confident they can beat Manchester United to the signing of Elliot Anderson in 2026, according to Teamtalk.
Pep Guardiola’s side already appear to have beaten their close rivals to Antoine Semenyo and it is reported that their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest and England star will follow that trend.
Forest are not willing to sell at present but are aware that their resolve will be tested.
Man City will likely intensify their efforts in the summer rather than move in January.
City star ready to complete permanent deal to Inter?
Friday 2 January 2026 18:30 , Jack RathbornInter Milan are pushing to make Manuel Akanji's loan from Manchester City a permanent one.
The 30-year-old defender has impressed on loan at the San Siro, reports Gazzetta.
And the Switzerland international could now join on a long-term deal.
Chelsea rival Arsenal for Greek star
Friday 2 January 2026 18:00 , Jack RathbornChelsea are interested in 18-year-old Greece and Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas.
The Blues could face a battle with Arsenal for the midfielder, reports the Mirror.
The winger has six assists in the Belgian Pro League this term and has scored three in nine caps for his country.
Newcastle eye French starlet to bolster back line
Friday 2 January 2026 17:30 , Jack RathbornNewcastle want to sign 19-year-old French defender Dayann Methalie, reports the Mail.
The Magpies are ready to open talks with Toulouse over a deal for the highly-rated prospect, who has featured for the French Under-21 side.
Fiorentina strike deal to sign Spurs forward
Friday 2 January 2026 16:39 , Jack RathbornFiorentina and Tottenham Hotspur are in agreement over a deal to send Israeli winger Manor Solomon to Florence on loan.
The move is subject to a medical, reports The Athletic, with the Viola signing him initially on a six-month loan.
Fiorentina will then have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Milan sign West Ham striker on loan with option to buy
Friday 2 January 2026 16:21 , Jack RathbornAC Milan have signed Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham.
The Germany international has signed for the Italian giants on loan from the Hammers.
But an official statement details how the club has “an option to make the move permanent,” with the player set to wear the No 9 shirt.
Füllkrug scored just three Premier League goals across two seasons after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2024.
Inter eye former Man City star ahead of Saudi Pro League departure
Friday 2 January 2026 16:02 , Jack RathbornAl-Hilal could pay part of Joao Cancelo’s salary, with Inter Milan poised to swoop in for the Portuguese full-back.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reports Inter would only pay a maximum of €3m until June, but the Saudi side could pay the rest of the €15m-per-year salary.
Barcelona are also interested in the former Man City star.
Chelsea consider move for Brazilian starlet
Friday 2 January 2026 15:47 , Jack RathbornChelsea are in contention to sign Santos star Joao Victor de Souza, known as just Souza, reports Spanish newspaper AS.
The 19-year-old Brazilian defender is also being monitored by AC Milan, with the Italians seen as the front-runners.
Playing as a left-back predominantly, Souza has featured for Brazil’s U17 national team.
Forest to battle Palace for Wolves striker
Friday 2 January 2026 15:31 , Jack RathbornNottingham Forest are pushing to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen, reports the Telegraph.
The 25-year-old is also a target for Crystal Palace, with Wolves rejecting an approach from Newcastle last summer.
Wolves are bottom of the Premier League with the Norwegian striker scoring just one goal in 17 appearances.
West Ham set to sign Argentine striker
Friday 2 January 2026 15:16 , Jack RathbornWest Ham have are closing in on the signing of Lazio forward Valentín ‘Taty’ Castellanos.
The Hammers could part with £25m for the Argentine forward, report Fabrizio Romano.
The 27-year-old has two goals and three assists in 11 Serie A appearances this term.
Vinicius Jr pushing for Real Madrid extension
Friday 2 January 2026 15:01 , Jack RathbornReal Madrid and Vinicius Jr will continue contract talks this month, with both parties eager to find clarity over the Brazilian superstar’s long-term future.
The 25-year-old is keen to stay, reports AS, with just 18 months remaining on his contract.
Vinicius Jr has five goals and seven assists in 24 appearances in both La Liga and the Champions League
Liverpool midfielder linked with MLS move
Friday 2 January 2026 14:30 , Jack RathbornAfter a nightmare spell with Aston Villa, Harvey Elliott could switch clubs this month.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that MLS side Charlotte FC will offer a temporary deal until June to gain valuable game time.
The Reds will consider whether to cut short his spell under Unai Emery, after failing to hold down a place or gain regular minutes.
Everton considering loans for Man United duo
Friday 2 January 2026 14:15 , Jack RathbornEverton could approach Manchester United about loan moves for Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, according to The i Paper.
Both players have struggled for game time this season under Ruben Amorim and have been linked with possible moves away.
Mainoo previously saw a loan request rejected in the summer, while Zirkzee has been linked with a move back to Serie A with Roma.
Pep Guardiola giving nothing away on transfers
Friday 2 January 2026 14:00 , Jack RathbornWith talk of Antoine Semenyo arriving and Oscar Bobb leaving on loan, Pep Guardiola is giving no hints over transfer happenings at Manchester City.
"I have to be careful what I say," Guardiola said when asked about Semenyo’s future.
"That is why I said yesterday before and the day of the game - the transfer window is completely closed right now."
On Bobb, Guardiola added: "When it's going to happen, it's going to happen. I don't know any news about anything right now. You can ask Oscar, not to me."
Sean Dyche says Forest will only act in market if it's 'the right deal'
Friday 2 January 2026 13:45 , Jack RathbornNottingham Forest will assess their options in the January transfer window but Sean Dyche insists it has to be the "right deal" for the club.
"We are always assessing," Dyche said following a 2-0 loss to Everton at home on Tuesday.
"The ownership will back the club but you need to find the people and it has to be the right deal. We will wait and see."
This is the year where football might finally witness the unthinkable
Friday 2 January 2026 13:30 , Miguel DelaneyFor once, it is not just excitable new year talk to say 2026 has a strong chance of going down as the most momentous in English football history.
And, yes, perhaps the best of times and the worst of times.
England could win the World Cup, the second in their history and a first men’s trophy since 1966, on its 60th anniversary.
The Manchester City case may finally have an outcome. The club insist on their innocence, but a development would create the biggest controversy the English game has ever seen - and that’s no matter how it goes. Whatever happens, though, the new Independent Football Regulator is going to have a lot to deal with. The body’s very implementation is another landmark moment in 2026.
Here’s Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney on how football could unfold in 2026:
This is the year where football might finally witness the unthinkable
Aston Villa set to sign Alysson
Friday 2 January 2026 13:00 , Jack RathbornAston Villa are on the verge of signing Brazilian starlet Alysson from Gremio, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old winger will arrive on a deal worth around £10m.
Is Christopher Nkunku on the move again?
Friday 2 January 2026 12:45 , Jack RathbornFenerbahce are interested in signing AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku just months after he joined them from Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.
Nkunku signed for Milan in August for just over £36m following a difficult spell at the Blues that was plagued by injuries.
He has scored just twice in the Serie A but is focused on AC Milan and would prefer to stay and convince the club he is worth keeping.
Liverpool set to recall two prospects from loan spells
Friday 2 January 2026 12:30 , Jack RathbornLiverpool are expected to recall James McConnell and Owen Beck from their respective loan spells, as per The Athletic.
All parties have agreed to cut McConnell’s stay at Ajax short after making just four Eredivisie appearances.
Beck, who is out injured, also returns to Merseyside after spending the first half of the season at Derby.
Roma in the market for Premier League centre-backs
Friday 2 January 2026 11:00 , Jack RathbornRoma are looking to recruit a new centre-back this January and have added two Premier League names to their targets list, according to Sky in Italy.
The first is Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who is available this month after being part of the club’s “bomb squad” in the summer.
Roma are also interested in Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin, who has recently returned from injury and could return to the league where he first made his name.
Burnley defender nearing exit on a free
Friday 2 January 2026 10:15 , Jack RathbornBurnely defender Hannes Delcroix is nearing a free transfer to Swiss side FC Lugano, according to Sky Sports.
Delcroix has entered the final six months of his contract but it’s understood he could be allowed to leave for nothing this month.
The 26-year-old has not featured once for Burnley this term and a medical is planned for later this week.
Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono will not go elsewhere this window
Friday 2 January 2026 10:00 , Jack RathbornReal Madrid will not loan out Argentinian starlet Franco Mastantuono in January, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It was never considered a possibility to let the attacking midfielder leave temporarily, unlike Endrick who has joined Lyon on loan.
The same goes for Gonzalo Garcia despite links to Italian clubs.
Real Madrid signed Mastantuono in the summer, beating off fierce competition to snatch him from River Plate.
Arsenal could look to strengthen back line
Friday 2 January 2026 09:30 , Jack RathbornDefensive quartet Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera were all unavailable for Arsenal's nervy win over Brighton on Saturday, and Arteta could therefore look to reinforce his back line, with Sky Sports adding that AC Milan’s 20-year-old left-back Davide Bartesaghi has been scouted, a player that has been compared to Paolo Maldini.
Arsenal are constantly looking at the European market for young players with a high ceiling so would be more likely to acquire players that fall under that category. The Gunners also have a “concrete interest” in highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jean-Matteo Bahoya, according to Florian Plettenberg, while also sending scouts to watch Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza.
Liverpool in the hunt for another striker?
Friday 2 January 2026 09:15 , Jack RathbornBrentford forward Igor Thiago, after his blazing start to the season with the Bees with 11 goals in 17 Premier League games, and PSG’s Bradley Barcola are names that have floated around recent gossip columns, though neither move has accelerated or gathered pace just yet.
For now, the Reds could hold tight, despite Isak’s injury, but the rumour mill is in overdrive already, with short-term options, such as PSG’s Goncalo Ramos, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and England international Ivan Toney raised as potential options.
West Ham eye Fulham winger in bid to beat the drop
Friday 2 January 2026 08:50 , Jack RathbornWest Ham want to add a winger this month and the Telegraph reports Fulham's Adama Traore is an option.
The 29-year-old’s wage demands could scupper a deal though.
But Nuno Espírito Santo hopes to bring in new talent this month with the Hammers inside the relegation zone and currently four points from safety.
Roma keen on Mohamed Salah reunion
Friday 2 January 2026 08:30 , Jack RathbornRoma could emerge as an option for Liverpool's Mohamed Salah with his future at Anfield unclear.
Away at the Afcon with Egypt, the 33-year-old’s is out of favour under Arne Slot and could rejoin the Giallorossi, where he enjoyed a fine spell before joining the Reds.
La Repubblica reports that a deal could materialise in the summer.
Liverpool trio face uncertain futures
Friday 2 January 2026 08:10 , Jack RathbornMohamed Salah’s future will need to be settled, though the Egypt star will complete his time at the Afcon 2025 with the Pharaohs before returning to Anfield next month.
Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson will similarly go into the January window amid uncertainty, with both entering the final six months of their current contracts.
Liverpool remain committed to extending Konate’s deal but will not budge from their existing wage structure, according to Sky Sports.
Brennan Johnson agrees to join Crystal Palace in £35m switch
Friday 2 January 2026 08:02 , Jack RathbornTottenham’s Brennan Johnson has agreed to join Crystal Palace in a deal worth £35m.
The transfer could be finalised, after a medical, on Friday in time for Johnson to be named in Palace’s squad to face Newcastle on Sunday.
Discussions between the clubs have been successful and Johnson is now on the verge of completing a move to Selhurst Park.
Palace agreed a £35m fee with Tottenham on Monday having made him the club's number one target.
Johnson was Tottenham’s leading goalscorer last season with 18, and netted the winner in the Europa League final but he is not in Thomas Frank’s long term plans.
Antoine Semenyo set to join Manchester City from Bournemouth for £65m
Friday 2 January 2026 07:43 , Jack RathbornManchester City are accelerating talks with Bournemouth to sign Antoine Semenyo for his £65m release clause.
There are still issues to discuss as Pep Guardiola tries to make him his first buy of 2026.
Liverpool are also interested in the Ghana international but face a decision whether to trigger the release clause themselves and match City’s interest, with the clause expiring on 10 January, making this deal a race against time.
