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The new year is upon us and with it comes the re-opening of the transfer window as clubs assess their options for reinforcement in January.
Spending sprees from Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal contributed to a record summer of Premier League expenditure last summer, with clubs from England’s top flight collectively splashing more than £3bn on new players.
The big news this morning, however, is that Chelsea have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca after 18 months in charge of the club.
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 it appears 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 is verging on a £35m move to Crystal Palace, while Eagles skipper Marc Guehi remains a person of interest 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
Enzo Maresca’s hurried exit shows that Chelsea are still a club of chaos
Maresca won two trophies during his time as head coach but his departure points to the enduring instability at Stamford Bridge, writes Richard Jolly.
Read more
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 14:37
Newcastle recall Antonio Cordero before shipping out on loan again
Spanish starlet Antonio Cordez has had his loan spell at KVC Westerlo cut short, returning to Newcastle.
However, he will leave immediately on loan again to join Cadiz for the remainder of the season.
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 17:38
Arsenal transfer news round-up: Kenan Yildiz, Davide Bartesaghi and more as Mikel Arteta braces for busy January
Mounting 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:
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 17:13
Is Christopher Nkunku on the move again?
Fenerbahce 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.
Nkunku wants to stay at Milan (AP)
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 16:48
Aston Villa set to sign Alysson
Aston 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.
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 16:22
Thomas Frank tight-lipped over Brennan Johnson saga
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank refused to open up on the future of Brennan Johnson amid reports of a £35m fee being agreed with Crystal Palace.
“There are rumours out there. In general, I won’t comment on that, no matter if we want to sign or sell a player or get a staff member in or out. I have no interest in commenting either way,” Frank said.
“He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace. He trained very well. I fully expect him to be available and able to play against Brentford.”
Frank also insisted “rumours are rumours” with defender Radu Dragusin, who has been linked with a move away to Nottingham Forest.
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 16:01
Napoli set to sign Rasmus Hojlund permanently
Napoli intend to trigger the obligation to buy clause for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund next summer, according to their club director Giovanni Manna.
Manna said: “Hojlund? The obligation to buy is just a formality. We trust him and he trust our project. He’s very important. Even Hojlund considers himself as Napoli player.”
They will play £38.4m up front, with £5.2m in potential add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Dane has scored seven goals and notched three assists in 19 games at Napoli this season.
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 15:39
West Ham closing in on new signings
Positive noises coming out of West Ham this week. They badly need a boost in their fight against relegation and perhaps it will come in the form of new signings:
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 15:25
Strasbourg showing interest in James McAtee
James McAtee has been considered as a potential midfield option for Strasbourg, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The French club, owned by Chelsea owners BlueCo, could move for the Englishman who has made just six Premier League starts since his £22m move to Nottingham Forest.
Initial talks have taken place where Strasbourg presented their project.
This could be a potential blow for Leeds who have also been linked with the player.
(Getty Images)
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 15:15
West Ham preparing bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen
West Ham are preparing an opening bid to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, according to The Guardian.
It is believed that Wolves want as much as £40m for the Norwegian, who has scored only three goals for the Premier League’s bottom club this season.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers will match that asking price but Nuno Espirito Santo’s relegation-threatened side will likely be in need of attacking reinforcements this winter, with Niclas Fullkrug set to move to AC Milan on loan.
Wolves, meanwhile, could move for Sam Surridge, who has thrived in the MLS for the past two years. The former Forest striker is among several striker options, according to Sky Sports.
Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 14:55