![\"Enzo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SEI278226232.jpeg\")
Enzo Maresca has said farewell to Chelsea in sudden circumstances (Getty Images)Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\nEnzo Maresca has said farewell to Chelsea in sudden circumstances (Getty Images)Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
Spending sprees from Liverpool<\/a>, Manchester United<\/a> and Arsenal contributed to a record summer of Premier League<\/a> expenditure last summer, with clubs from England\u2019s top flight collectively splashing more than \u00a33bn on new players.<\/p>\n The big news this morning, however, is that Chelsea have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca <\/a>after 18 months in charge of the club. <\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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<\/a>, whose \u00a365m release clause becomes active in January.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, Tottenham\u2019s Europa League winner Brennan Johnson<\/a> is verging on a \u00a335m move to Crystal Palace, while Eagles skipper Marc Guehi<\/a> remains a person of interest after his deadline day move to Liverpool collapsed<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent\u2019s live blog below<\/p>\n Enzo Maresca\u2019s hurried exit shows that Chelsea are still a club of chaos<\/p>\n Maresca won two trophies during his time as head coach but his departure points to the enduring instability at Stamford Bridge, writes Richard Jolly.<\/p>\n Read more<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 14:37<\/p>\n <\/a>Newcastle recall Antonio Cordero before shipping out on loan again<\/p>\n Spanish starlet Antonio Cordez has had his loan spell at KVC Westerlo cut short, returning to Newcastle.<\/p>\n However, he will leave immediately on loan again to join Cadiz for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 17:38<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Arsenal transfer news round-up: Kenan Yildiz, Davide Bartesaghi and more as Mikel Arteta braces for busy January<\/p>\n Mounting injuries may force Arsenal to dip into the January transfer market as they look to keep up the pace in their Premier League<\/a> title charge.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>\u2019s revitalised Manchester City<\/a> breathing down their necks.<\/p>\n After a busy summer that saw the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze arrive for big fees, Mikel Arteta<\/a> will be confident his Arsenal squad is capable of winning a first league title since the \u2018Invincibles\u2019 of 2003\/04.<\/p>\n But with injuries not letting up<\/a>, with Jurrien Timber<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n When asked if Arteta has space in his squad for new signings, he said<\/a>: “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.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are the latest stories surrounding the transfer market at the Emirates:<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 17:13<\/p>\n <\/a>Is Christopher Nkunku on the move again?<\/p>\n Fenerbahce are interested in signing AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku just months after he joined them from Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.<\/p>\n Nkunku signed for Milan in August for just over \u00a336m following a difficult spell at the Blues that was plagued by injuries.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 16:48<\/p>\n <\/a>Aston Villa set to sign Alysson<\/p>\n Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Brazilian starlet Alysson from Gremio, according to Fabrizio Romano.<\/p>\n The 19-year-old winger will arrive on a deal worth around \u00a310m.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 16:22<\/p>\n <\/a>Thomas Frank tight-lipped over Brennan Johnson saga<\/p>\n Tottenham boss Thomas Frank refused to open up on the future of Brennan Johnson amid reports of a \u00a335m fee being agreed with Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Frank also insisted \u201crumours are rumours\u201d with defender Radu Dragusin, who has been linked with a move away to Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 16:01<\/p>\n <\/a>Napoli set to sign Rasmus Hojlund permanently<\/p>\n Napoli intend to trigger the obligation to buy clause for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund next summer, according to their club director Giovanni Manna.<\/p>\n Manna said: \u201cHojlund? The obligation to buy is just a formality. We trust him and he trust our project. He\u2019s very important. Even Hojlund considers himself as Napoli player.\u201d<\/p>\n They will play \u00a338.4m up front, with \u00a35.2m in potential add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.<\/p>\n The Dane has scored seven goals and notched three assists in 19 games at Napoli this season.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 15:39<\/p>\n <\/a>West Ham closing in on new signings<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 15:25<\/p>\n <\/a>Strasbourg showing interest in James McAtee<\/p>\n James McAtee has been considered as a potential midfield option for Strasbourg, according to Fabrizio Romano<\/a>.<\/p>\n The French club, owned by Chelsea owners BlueCo, could move for the Englishman who has made just six Premier League starts since his \u00a322m move to Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n Initial talks have taken place where Strasbourg presented their project.<\/p>\n This could be a potential blow for Leeds who have also been linked with the player.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ostlere1 January 2026 15:15<\/p>\n![\"Nkunku](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/APTOPIX_Italy_Serie_A_Soccer_09388.jpg\")
Nkunku wants to stay at Milan (AP)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2222049692.jpeg\")
(Getty Images)<\/p>\n