With just over a week until the January transfer window opens, Premier League clubs are finalising their plans for what promises to be a busy period of business. The festive season is about to give way to the rumour mill, with several big-name players already at the centre of intense speculation.
Semenyo's High-Stakes Decision and City Preference
The most pressing saga involves AFC Bournemouth's in-demand forward, Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international has a release clause worth £65 million that becomes active the moment the window opens on 1 January. Crucially, this clause is reported to have a short shelf-life, expiring in the second week of the month, forcing any interested club to act swiftly.
After a brief and aborted interest from Chelsea, it is now understood that Semenyo's preferred destination is the reigning champions, Manchester City. Bournemouth will be desperate to retain their star man, but the mechanism of the clause means his future could be decided rapidly in the new year.
Manchester United's Midfield Search and Bournemouth Double Raid
Across the North West, Manchester United are compiling a shortlist for a new central midfielder. While a major move may be deferred until the summer, the club has identified several targets. The latest name to be strongly linked is Bournemouth's England under-21 international, Alex Scott.
Other midfielders such as Newcastle's Elliot Anderson, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have also been mentioned. However, a mid-season move for Scott raises a significant question: would Bournemouth countenance losing both Semenyo and Scott in the same window? A summer transfer appears more plausible, especially with United's experienced midfielder Casemiro out of contract at the end of the season.
United's new manager, Ruben Amorim, is also said to be reluctant to allow academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to depart on loan, at least until the club's African Cup of Nations participants return later in January.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool's Window Plans
Elsewhere in the league, the strategies are varied. Premier League leaders Arsenal, despite a significant summer spend, have not ruled out further investment according to manager Mikel Arteta.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are expected to be active after their quick withdrawal from the Semenyo race. Out-of-favour defender Axel Disasi is anticipated to leave the club, with the Blues linked with reinforcements in multiple positions.
The situation may be more urgent for reigning champions Liverpool, who have been dealt a blow with the news that record signing Alexander Isak is set for a two-month injury layoff, potentially forcing them into the market for attacking reinforcements.
As the countdown to 1 January continues, the coming days will be filled with negotiation and posturing, setting the stage for a frantic start to 2026 in the football transfer market.
