The January 2026 transfer window is heating up, with Premier League clubs actively seeking reinforcements. Chelsea have identified a key defensive target, while several other big names could be on the move across England and Europe.
Chelsea's Defensive Pursuit
With first-choice defenders Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo currently injured, Chelsea are in the market for a centre-back. Their primary focus is Rennes' 20-year-old French defender Jérémy Jacquet. The Ligue 1 club are holding out for a fee in the region of £44 million, a sum the Blues may be willing to meet to solve their defensive crisis.
In a significant parallel development, Chelsea could be open to a major sale. Club captain Enzo Fernández has emerged as a target for Real Madrid, and a departure from Stamford Bridge is considered a possibility this month.
Premier League Rivals Scramble for Defenders
Chelsea are not the only top-flight club looking at defensive options. Liverpool's plans have been forced into a reconfiguration following Marc Guéhi's imminent move to Manchester City. As a result, the Reds have added Inter Milan's 26-year-old Italian international Alessandro Bastoni to their shortlist.
Bastoni's teammate at Inter, Stefan de Vrij, is available for transfer. The 33-year-old Dutch defender, who has never played in the Premier League, is now a potential target for Newcastle United. The Magpies believe his experience could be vital in their ongoing battle to secure Champions League football.
Midfield Moves and Striker Searches
Elsewhere, James Ward-Prowse is desperate for a fresh start after falling completely out of favour at West Ham under manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A potential lifeline could come from Burnley, who are seeking experienced midfield cover following the season-ending injury to their captain, Josh Cullen.
Up front, Nottingham Forest are in talks with Napoli over a loan deal for striker Lorenzo Lucca. The agreement would include an option to make the move permanent for €35 million in the summer. Another striker who could be on the move in Italy is Brighton's Evan Ferguson, currently on loan at Roma. Napoli are showing interest, but a deal is contingent on them offloading Noa Lang, who is likely to join Galatasaray.
Other Potential Deals
The rumour mill suggests several other moves are in the pipeline:
- Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to cut short his unsuccessful loan at Nottingham Forest and join Ajax for the rest of the season.
- Everton's Nathan Patterson, struggling for game time, is being offered an escape route by Spanish side Sevilla.
- Leeds United are in negotiations with Werder Bremen to sign Austrian midfielder Romano Schmid for a fee of around €15 million.
With weeks remaining in the transfer window, the landscape of several Premier League and European squads is expected to change significantly as managers rush to finalise their mid-season business.
