
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.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal helped to produce a record summer of Premier League expenditure last summer, with clubs from England’s top flight collectively splashing more than £3bn on new players.
Chelsea have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca after 18 months in charge of the club. Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is being tipped as the frontrunner to replace him at Stamford Bridge.
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.
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.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Tottenham looking into Antoine Semenyo alternatives
Tottenham 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.
Jack Rathborn3 January 2026 03:00
Done deal: Palace sign Johnson
“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.”
Lawrence Ostlere3 January 2026 01:43
Done deal: Palace sign Johnson
Crystal 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.”

Lawrence Ostlere3 January 2026 01:16
Rasmus Hojlund considers himself a Napoli player, says sports director
Napoli 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.”
Jack Rathborn3 January 2026 00:00
United youngster to remain with Owls
While 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.
Jack Rathborn2 January 2026 23:00
Arsenal exploring loan deals
Arsenal 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.
Jack Rathborn2 January 2026 22:00
Coventry want Palace starlet on loan
Coventry 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.
Jack Rathborn2 January 2026 21:00
Bayern star set for Premier League?
One 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.
Jack Rathborn2 January 2026 20:00
West Ham to revitalise Raheem Sterling’s career?
West 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.
Jack Rathborn2 January 2026 19:30
Man City confident of pipping Man United to Elliot Anderson signing
Manchester 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.
Jack Rathborn2 January 2026 19:00


