January 2026 Premier League Transfers: From Arsenal to Wolves — Who Will Your Team Sign?

With Christmas over, the focus now turns to the January sales. The January transfer window opens to Premier League clubs on New Year’s Day and will remain ajar until 7pm on February 2.

But which clubs will be the busiest? Below, FootballBlog.co.uk looks at what each of the 20 Premier League teams might do in terms of their transfer business this winter.

Arsenal

The Premier League leaders are expected to resist major January spending. Arsenal are still in contention for the quadruple and Mikel Arteta is confident that his squad can remain competitive in multiple competitions, especially once Gabriel and Kai Havertz return from injury.

That said, the Gunners remain alert to elite or long-term opportunities. Youngsters being monitored by the Gunners include Rodrigo Mendoza, Davide Bartesaghi and Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s window is likely to be defined by restraint, with PSR limitations making first-team signings difficult unless significant sales occur.

It could also be argued that Unai Emery does not need to do too much right now, with his side flying high in third in the Premier League table, having won their last 10 matches in a row before Christmas across all competitions.

One January signing has already been agreed, though, with 19-year-old Brazilian winger Alysson set to join from Gremio for a fee in the region of £10 million.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s plans revolve around Antoine Semenyo. If he leaves, which seems increasingly likely, then the Cherries will surely need to replace their leading scorer.

However, there is money to spend in January even if Semenyo stays. Bournemouth had the lowest net spend in the Premier League during the summer transfer window, making a profit of £65m.

As well as a possible winger to replace Semenyo, Bournemouth’s transfer wish-list includes a goalkeeper and a central defender.

Brentford

Brentford are expected to prioritise midfield planning in January, with Vitaly Janelt approaching the final months of his contract. The club have been actively monitoring defensive midfielders they can build around long-term, with Dutch-based options such as Quinten Timber and Joey Veerman admired.

There is also an awareness that defensive depth may need addressing if interest in Kristoffer Ajer returns or if Ethan Pinnock’s contract situation becomes more pressing. Brentford would like to add another high-quality wide option too, with Reiss Nelson only on loan until the end of the season.

Brighton

Brighton are already preparing for life beyond Carlos Baleba, even though they are determined to keep the midfielder until at least the summer. As has become club policy, the idea is to have a successor identified well in advance rather than reacting once a major sale is completed.

Defensive planning is also ongoing. Brighton have been assessing right-back options for some time, while Adam Webster’s contract situation creates a potential opening at centre-back, despite Lewis Dunk extending his stay. With Danny Welbeck also nearing the end of his deal, striker scouting continues in the background.

Burnley

Burnley are expected to be one of the more active clubs in January as they attempt to climb clear of relegation trouble. While there is money available, the preference is for loan deals to avoid long-term financial exposure should the club drop into the Championship.

Scott Parker is open to strengthening through the spine of his side as well as adding pace out wide. With 2026 being a World Cup year, Burnley will hope there is a larger pool of players seeking regular minutes who could be tempted by a short-term move.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s January is expected to be focused on trimming the squad rather than adding to it. Despite links to Antoine Semenyo, major attacking additions are not likely this winter.

Several fringe players could depart if suitable offers arrive. Raheem Sterling remains available, although his wages complicate any deal, while Axel Disasi is expected to attract renewed interest after returning to first-team training. Tyrique George is another player who may seek more regular football elsewhere, albeit likely only on a short-term basis, because Chelsea bosses see him as a star of the future.

Crystal Palace

Marc Guehi’s contract situation dominates Crystal Palace’s thinking heading into January. With his deal expiring in the summer, this window represents the club’s final opportunity to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him on a free.

But should Guehi opt to move abroad, instead of joining a Premier League rival, then Palace could have very little negotiating power. That is because clubs outside of England will be free to talk to him — and even strike a pre-contract agreement — from the end of December 2025. Among the European clubs interested are Bayern Munich, who are expected to offer Guehi higher wages than Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner is also keen to add at least one attacker, particularly with Ismaila Sarr away at AFCON. Right wing-back cover is being explored too following Daniel Munoz’s knee injury.

Everton

Everton are expected to prioritise a striker in January as David Moyes looks to add a different attacking profile to his squad. Ivan Toney has been explored as an option, although the cost of bringing him back from Saudi Arabia may prove prohibitive.

Moyes also wants more goals from midfield, so Everton are plotting a new offer for Tomas Soucek after West Ham knocked back their initial summer approach.

Fulham

Fulham are likely to be active after Marco Silva voiced concerns about a lack of depth earlier in the season. Central midfield remains a priority, with the club still keen on adding a high-level No 8 profile they failed to land in the summer.

A new striker would also make a welcome addition. Rodrigo Muniz may not play again until March, while there are fears that Raul Jimenez cannot be relied upon long term.

Wide options are being assessed too amid uncertainty surrounding Adama Traore’s future.

Leeds United

Leeds are operating close to their PSR limits, which means January business is expected to be carefully controlled. Loans are the most realistic route, particularly in attacking areas where injuries have left Daniel Farke short of options.

Wingers and striker depth are both being explored, with Leeds keen to add players who can fit into multiple systems. Tactical flexibility has been a feature of Farke’s approach, so adaptability is valued over specialists.

Liverpool

Liverpool could accelerate parts of their rebuild after a dismal first half of the campaign. Centre-back, wingers and midfielders are all being monitored, despite the Reds spending £446.5m during what was a record-breaking summer transfer window for Premier League clubs.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is a long-term Liverpool target, but competition is fierce.

Mohamed Salah’s future remains a major subplot following his recent outburst, in which he claimed to have no relationship with manager Arne Slot. He is wanted by Al-Hilal. Salah could earn £1m per week in wages in Saudi Arabia, but he is expected to stay at Anfield at least until the end of the season.

Manchester City

Manchester City remain alert to opportunities on the left wing after missing out on top targets last summer. Antoine Semenyo is a prime target and it is believed that his arrival could coincide with Oscar Bobb leaving the Etihad Stadium.

There may also be movement behind the scenes in midfield and defence, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones both approaching contract crossroads. But any January business is more likely to be strategic than reactive.

Manchester United

Manchester United are expected to tread carefully in January, mindful of preserving funds for a major summer rebuild under Ruben Amorim. While there has been interest in wide attackers, the club’s priority remains a top-class defensive midfielder later in the year. Their top targets in this position include Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Angelo Stiller.

Kobbie Mainoo’s situation is one to watch, though United are said to be reluctant to loan him out. United will only consider a permanent deal for a significant fee.

Casemiro’s expected departure at the end of the season further underlines why midfield planning is central to United’s thinking.

Newcastle United

Newcastle’s plans have been complicated by a growing defensive injury list, which could force them into the market earlier than intended. Full-back cover has become a particular concern with several senior defenders sidelined.

Kieran Trippier’s contract situation also looms large, and Newcastle may explore short-term solutions if fitness issues persist. Any move is likely to be pragmatic given PSR constraints.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are open to strengthening in midfield, particularly with Africa Cup of Nations absences affecting squad balance. Forest stars dominate the list of Premier League players at AFCON 2025.

Midfielders, both holding and box-to-box types, are under consideration. Full-back depth is also being reviewed, with Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling for consistency since returning from injury. Forest are expected to remain flexible and opportunistic rather than targeting one marquee signing.

Sunderland

With the newly-promoted side flying high with 27 points from their first 17 games, Sunderland’s January window is expected to focus on outgoings rather than major incomings. A large squad and several players lacking minutes mean loans or sales could dominate early business.

Ian Poveda, Aji Alese, Joe Anderson, Timothee Pembele, Abdoullah Ba, Leo Hjelde, Ahmed Abdullahi and Ben Middlemas have all made zero appearances so far and are all candidates to depart.

Tottenham

Tottenham are expected to strengthen in attack after injuries disrupted their forward line earlier in the season. Versatility is a key factor, with Spurs keen on players who can operate across multiple positions. The top target was Antoine Semenyo, but he has reportedly rejected Spurs in order to pursue a better offer higher up the Premier League table.

Outgoings could follow if new attacking options arrive, while defensive depth on the left side is also being explored by Thomas Frank and his team.

West Ham

West Ham’s main focus is securing a new No 9, with Niclas Fullkrug set to sign for AC Milan. Ivan Toney remains an ambitious option, though multiple cheaper options are also being weighed up.

Wide players are on the agenda too, with Adama Traore linked due to his contract situation and previous relationship with Nuno Espirito Santo.

Wolves

Wolves look destined for relegation. Indeed, their target for the rest of the season may well be to avoid becoming the worst team in Premier League history, rather than to stay up.

Signing players in January could prove difficult for Wolves. While they remain a massive club by Championship standards, many potential signings may be reluctant to join midway through this season and have a relegation added to their CV, rather than waiting until the summer and starting afresh.

However, Wolves boss Rob Edwards will be hoping to build some sort of momentum ahead of the summer.

Wolves were planning on scouting Mario Stroeykens at AFCON 2025, but the 21-year-old DR Congo attacking midfielder suffered a knee injury just before the tournament began.