The January transfer window is officially open for business, presenting all 20 Premier League clubs with a crucial mid-season opportunity to strengthen their squads. While league leaders Arsenal may seem comfortable at the summit, they are among the sides expected to be active, with defensive reinforcements a stated priority.
Title Challengers Eye Key Additions
Despite sitting top of the table, Arsenal are not resting on their laurels. Injuries to key defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice have highlighted a need for cover at the back. The Gunners are reportedly considering a move for Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, though they may face competition from other Premier League rivals for his signature.
Champions Manchester City are also poised for significant business. They are strongly linked with a £65 million move for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, a deal that would add proven top-flight quality to Pep Guardiola's attacking options as they chase down Arsenal.
Mid-Table and European Hopefuls Seek Boost
For clubs with ambitions of European qualification, this window is a chance to fine-tune. Liverpool's plans have been disrupted by Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury, making a new centre-back a pressing concern. While Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is a target, a January deal for the England international appears difficult.
Manchester United, improved but still not where they want to be, are likely to make a marquee midfield signing in the summer. However, a more cost-effective January option is possible, with former academy graduate James Garner mentioned as a player who fits the profile in terms of price, quality, and familiarity with the club.
Aston Villa are looking for more depth in attack, with Newcastle's William Osula a potential target. Tottenham Hotspur, armed with funds from the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, are in the market for a new forward, with Cameroon's Karl Etta Eyong on their radar.
Relegation Battlers Fight for Survival
At the foot of the table, the transfer strategy is one of necessity. Burnley, dealing with Josh Cullen's season-ending ACL injury, could seek a loan deal, with Liverpool's Wataru Endo a potential candidate. Everton are desperate for a new striker, with Ivan Toney likely too expensive, making Celta Vigo's Jorgen Strand Larsen a more plausible target.
Wolves, facing a monumental task to avoid the drop, may already be planning for the Championship. They are credited with an interest in MLS goal-scorer Sam Surridge, who netted 24 times in 2025, as a potential replacement for the likely departure of Strand Larsen.
Other notable moves include Fulham's pursuit of US striker Ricardo Pepi, Newcastle eyeing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, and West Ham seeking at least one new striker, with Lazio's Taty Castellanos a possible option. The window promises a flurry of activity as clubs aim to achieve their vastly different goals for the 2025/26 season.
