Transfer Deadline Day Live: Liverpool Hijack Chelsea, Zirkzee Exit, Palace Replace Mateta
All the latest news, gossip, and rumours from the January transfer window as clubs across the Premier League and Europe make their final moves to strengthen squads for the season's end.
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer, Richard Jolly & Michael Jones
Monday 02 February 2026 07:38 GMT
Liverpool Hijack Chelsea's Move for Defender Jacquet
With injuries mounting, Liverpool have entered the market for a new defender, hijacking Chelsea's interest in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The club have agreed a £55m deal for the 20-year-old centre-back, which could rise to £60m including add-ons, making him the second most expensive defender in Liverpool's history after Virgil van Dijk. Jacquet is not expected to move to Merseyside straightaway, as Liverpool will loan him back to Rennes for the rest of the season.
Chelsea Part Ways with Sterling, Spurs Eye Diaby
Chelsea, meanwhile, have parted ways with Raheem Sterling, who is now a free agent and gaining interest from clubs such as Tottenham. Spurs are also understood to be keen on rivalling Inter Milan for the signature of former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby, adding to the deadline day drama.
Manchester United's Zirkzee Could Be a Late Mover
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee could be one of the late movers on deadline day, having fallen down the pecking order under manager Michael Carrick. Zirkzee was rumoured to want to leave Old Trafford during Ruben Amorim's previous reign and has been linked with both Roma and Napoli, indicating a potential exit as the window closes.
Arsenal Plot Bid for Atletico Madrid's Alvarez
Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, who has scored 40 goals in 86 games for the Spanish side. ESPN reports that Atletico would demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player, with Barcelona and Chelsea also said to be tracking the Argentina international. Gary Lineker believes Alvarez would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, noting his ability to handle big occasions as a World Cup winner.
Crystal Palace to Replace Mateta with Wolves' Larsen
Crystal Palace could be busy on deadline day, with Jean-Philippe Mateta set to leave the club and Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen looking likely to be his replacement. This move highlights the ongoing squad adjustments as teams aim to secure their positions for the remainder of the season.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours, and done deals in our live blog below for real-time updates.
