Arsenal only getting ‘stronger and stronger’ – Guardiola
Antoine Semenyo finally looks set to complete his move from Bournemouth to Manchester City as he undergoes a medical today, despite claims of Liverpool throwing a late spanner in the works, with the January transfer window heating up.
Semenyo looked to be on the verge of a straightforward move to the Etihad Stadium from more than £60m but last night Jamie Redknapp predicted a “little twist” in the saga with Liverpool set to hijack things. That suggestion now appears to have been wide of the mark with the Cherries winger potentially being announced as a City player at some point today. Elsewhere, both Liverpool and City received a transfer blow with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner suggesting sought-after defender Marc Guehi will stay at the club in this window.
Arsenal have reignited their summer interest in Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet but face a tug of war for his signature with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid also said to be interested, while the Gunners are also eyeing a stunning £86m move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is wanted by United and Tottenham. Mikel Arteta’s side are potentially prepared to loan out Ethan Nwaneri for more game-time, with Bournemouth the current favourites as they aim to replace Semenyo, although Nwaneri is unsure about an exit.
The managerial merry-go-round has also been at full tilt over the past few days with Ruben Amorim dismissed by Man United less than 24 hours after his extraordinary rant following United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds. The likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are now in the frame for the interim role but, as one manager left, another arrived with Chelsea confirming Liam Rosenior as their new head coach following the controversial departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
January transfer window latest updatesArsenal chase another young gun
Not only are Arsenal chasing one wonderkid, in Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but they’re edging closer to signing another in the form of Blackburn’s teenage forward Igor Tyjon.
The England under-18s star has rejected a new contract at Ewood Park and the Gunners are leading the chase for his signature, with the fee expected to be around £1m.
Igor Tyjon played for England at the recent Under-17s World Cup (The FA via Getty Images)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 11:04
DONE DEAL: Nottingham Forest striker head to Eintracht Frankfurt
Speaking of Nottingham Forest strikers, there’s an opening in their attack as Arnaud Kalimuendo has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.
The French centre-forward has joined Frankfurt until the end of the season, with an option to make the make the move permanent after that.
The 23-year-old Kalimuendo joined Forest from Rennes in the summer and has scored two goals in 15 appearances in all competitions – both of those coming in the Europa League, against Malmo and Utrecht.
Luke Baker8 January 2026 10:47
Forest keen to bolster striker ranks with Napoli man
Nottingham Forest are thought to be in the thick of the Jorgen Strand Larsen race but have also contacted Napoli to ask about the availability of Lorenzo Lucca, according to Sky Sports Italy.
Lucca joined Napoli from Udinese in the summer and has struggled for game time, contributing just two goals in 20 games. Roma and Benfica are also potential destinations.
Lorenzo Lucca has struggled for goals this season (AFP via Getty Images)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 10:33
Semenyo to complete Man City move today
Antoine Semenyo is in Manchester for his Man City medical this morning and appears to set to complete his move from Bournemouth today, on a contract until 2031.
Jamie Redknapp threw a spanner in the works last night by saying that Liverpool would provide a late twist in the saga but that appears to be wide of the mark.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the deal is an initial £62.5m, plus a further £1.5m in bonuses, to be paid over two years, and then 10 per cent of profits from any future sale going to the Cherries as well.
Fabrizio Romano is also in with his usual three-word confirmation phrase, so it’s all systems go.
Luke Baker8 January 2026 10:19
Dortmund put off Oscar Bobb move
Oscar Bobb’s potential move from Man City to Borussia Dortmund has broken down.
Dortmund held talks over signing the Norwegian winger but, according to Bild, the €70m (£60m) package to secure his signature – once transfer fee, salary and agent fees are taken into account – has put them off.
Dortmund only have a budget of around €30m (£26m) so may wait until the summer to try again.
Dortmund were eyeing Bobb (REUTERS)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 10:04
Manuel Ugarte could be on brink of Man Utd exit
Man United midfielder Manuel Ugarte could be about to leave Old Trafford on loan, with Ajax said to be considering a move.
A report in Dutch publication Voetbal International claims Ugarte is a “serious contender” as Ajax look to bolster their engine room.
However, Ugarte’s wages could be a sticking point with the Dutch giants needing to negotiate a compromise with United to make a deal happen.
Manuel Ugarte may be leaving Man United (Getty Images)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 09:52
Crystal Palace want Genk full-back
Crystal Palace are keen to sign right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi from Belgian side Genk, according to Sky Sports.
Palace were without a recognised right-back for Wednesday’s match against Aston Villa as Daniel Munoz and Nathaniel Clyne missed out through injury, and Morocco international El Ouahdi could fill a hole.
Significant talks have yet to take place with Genk but the clubs have a decent relationship after the Eagles signed Munoz from them in 2024.
Luke Baker8 January 2026 09:37
Tottenham still chasing Santos left-back
Tottenham are still chasing left-back Souza despite Santos rejecting their opening bid.
Spurs are thought to have had an £8m offer turned down by the Brazilian side but have come back with a £13m bid, according to The Standard, and the 19-year-old player is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Thomas Frank’s side are keen to strengthen the left side of their defence – both left-back and left-sided centre-back – this month and Souza could fit the bill.
(Getty Images)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 09:25
Vinicius Jr to Chelsea rumours rubbished
There were shock reports form Spain earlier this week that Chelsea were plotting a stunning £125m move for Real Madrid’s disgruntled Vinicius Jr.
However, Fabrizio Romano has quashed these claims and labelled them “completely wide of the mark”.
There have been no talks and no bid, with the Brazilian completely focussed on Real and his contract situation at the Bernabeu will be assessed in due course.
Yesterday, Real boss Xabi Alonso spoke of ensuring the forward was happy at the club, saying: “Vini Jr is going to be important. We need him at his best, enjoying himself on the pitch. When he does, he gives us that edge. We have to find him. He’s fundamental for us.”
(AP)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 09:14
Arsenal set for bonus windfall
Arsenal could be in line for a bonus transfer windfall this month with former defender Nuno Tavares potentially leaving Lazio
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport are reporting that the 25-year-old has been linked with a possible exit just a few months since joining the Serie A side permanently.
Tavares had loan spells with Marseille, Nottingham Forest and Lazio themselves before joining the latter permanently from Arsenal last summer and the Gunners are thought to have included a 25 per cent sell-on clause in his deal, which could provide a boost to their transfer kitty should the Portuguese international indeed leave the Stadio Olimpico this month
Nuno Tavares could be leaving Lazio (Getty Images)
Luke Baker8 January 2026 09:01