As the new year of 2026 dawns, the focus for Premier League fans swiftly shifts from festive celebrations to the frantic January transfer window. The rumour mill is back in full swing, with clubs across the division assessing their squads and plotting crucial mid-season moves.
Manchester United's Search for Reinforcements
Manchester United appear set for a busy month after missing out on one attacking target. Having failed to secure a deal for Antoine Semenyo, the Old Trafford hierarchy are now looking elsewhere. A prominent name on their radar is RB Leipzig's Ivorian teenager, Yan Diomande. The German club are reported to value the young forward at a substantial £87 million.
Any pursuit of Diomande will be highly competitive, however, with European giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also closely monitoring his situation. In midfield, another potential target has emerged. Portuguese international Rúben Neves is keen on a return to European football from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, and Manchester United are considered a possible destination among several interested clubs on the continent.
Premier League Rivals Plot Their Moves
The transfer activity is not confined to Manchester. Fulham have reportedly revived their interest in PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, having seen a £26 million bid rejected after failing to sign him in the summer. With Antoine Semenyo now seemingly bound for Manchester City, his potential arrival could push Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb towards the exit. Bobb, who needs regular football after an injury, is attracting attention from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and German side Borussia Dortmund.
At Liverpool, Italian forward Federico Chiesa could seek a January return to Serie A. Despite providing depth for manager Arne Slot, the 28-year-old is frustrated by a lack of minutes and former club Juventus are interested in a reunion.
Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham's Window Plans
Tottenham Hotspur, languishing in 13th place at the end of 2025, are desperate for a change in fortunes. One player linked with a move to north London is Monaco's French attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who has broken into the national team setup. A potential departure could be defender Radu Dragusin, with Roma keen and a possible pairing with Chelsea's Axel Disasi on the cards.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is weighing up a loan signing to bolster his squad for the title run-in, as injuries have taken their toll. Meanwhile, West Ham's battle against relegation will not be aided by Nathan Aké, after the Manchester City defender rejected a move to the London Stadium despite being a fringe player under Pep Guardiola.
With the window now officially open, the coming weeks promise a flurry of speculation and deals as clubs aim to solve their problems and achieve their goals for the season.
