All 20 Premier League clubs have priorities during the January transfer window, with league leaders Arsenal likely to end up spending the money despite having an advantage over the chasing pack.
As the January transfer window opens, all 20 Premier League clubs will feel they have clear priorities. However, some may be working harder than others to close the deal.
Arsenal are top of the table at the halfway point of the season, but both they and nearest challengers Manchester City could be busy. At the other end of the table, teams battling relegation may bring in new faces to help their cause.
In between are Liverpool and Manchester United. Both sides will likely be disappointed with their current league position, even if United do better than last season.
So what’s in store for all 20 clubs heading into the first few days of the start period? Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at one player who could benefit all of these teams.
read more: Liverpool star Mo Salah’s transfer takes a turn; the Saudi club’s latest stance on transfers revealedread more: Five players on Arsenal’s transfer wish list, including Kenan Yildiz, could leave the club
arsenal
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table in midweek, but with Riccardo Calafioli and Declan Rice sidelined through injury, defensive cover is likely to be a priority. Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet could be a good option now and in the future, but he is expected to have competition from other teams in the league.
Aston Villa
Attacking depth could be in order today, especially if Villa can offload disadvantaged loanee Harvey Elliott. Newcastle forward William Osla could fit the bill, although earlier reports of the Danish star moving to Frankfurt have faded.
bournemouth
Much will depend on whether Bournemouth are able to sign Antoine Semenyo early, which seems more likely. Oscar Bobb believes Semenyo’s move to the Etihad Stadium would make sense, especially if the Norwegian drops Manchester City further down the pecking order.
brentford
With Vitaly Janert and Matthias Jensen out of contract this summer, central midfield could end up being a priority for Keith Andrews’s Bees. Quinten Timber, the younger brother of Arsenal defender Julian, has been identified as a potential target who would bring quality high-level experience after playing in the Champions League with Feyenoord.
brighton
There is hope there will be renewed interest in the £100m-rated star in the summer, as Brighton look for a long-term successor to Carlos Baleva. Boca Juniors star Milton Delgado, who reached the Under-20 World Cup finals with his country earlier this year, will fit into the Seagulls’ proven approach of acquiring young talent with a high ceiling.
burnley
Josh Curren’s season-ending ACL injury means a new midfielder could be high on the Clarets’ shopping list. If Liverpool are willing to grant Wataru Endo a loan, the Japanese star could fit into Burnley’s loan plans rather than being an expensive gamble.
chelsea
Chelsea’s first target is their new manager after the departure of Enzo Maresca. Liam Rosenior is seen as the frontrunner, with sales and loans likely to be a higher priority when it comes to players.
crystal palace
The first deal with Palace has effectively been completed, with Brennan Johnson joining from Spurs. With Marc Gehi expected to leave the club in the summer, there is also the possibility of adding a new centre-back.
everton
A new striker has attracted the attention of Everton, with Tierno Barry receiving flattering praise since his summer move. The signing of Ivan Toney is expected to be too expensive, while the signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen is being discussed.
Fulham
Marco Silva will look to add depth to Fulham’s squad, particularly in attack. American international Ricardo Pepi looks set to continue the Cottage’s rich tradition of American stars with a move to west London.
leeds
Leeds spent big in the summer but may feel they need a new signing or two to strengthen their fight against relegation. Harry Wilson’s name has been mentioned and the Welshman’s contract expires this summer, so Fulham could make a bid despite his impressive form this term.
liverpool
A new centre-back is a priority given Giovanni Leoni’s anterior cruciate ligament injury. Marc Guehy is unlikely to leave Crystal Palace until the summer, but Liverpool may decide time is of the essence.
manchester city
It’s easy here. Antoine Semenyo adds real Premier League quality to an already healthy frontline and his £65m transfer fee will feel like a pittance if he helps us win trophies.
manchester united
United are likely to sign a strong midfield player in the summer, but a cheaper option in January is also possible. James Garner ticks the boxes on price, quality, and the intangible “know your club” factor.
newcastle
The signing of a new midfielder also allows Newcastle to sign Joe Willock, with the former Arsenal player likely to leave in search of regular appearances. AZ Alkmaar’s Keith Smit is attracting interest from the Premier League, with Newcastle appearing to be his most likely destination.
nottingham forest
Forest are keen to strengthen their left flank, but in the long term they may ultimately need a replacement for Elliott Anderson if a big summer bid comes in. On the left, a reunion between manager Sean Dyche and Everton’s Dwight McNeil would make sense if the Merseyside club allow him to leave.
sunderland
Sunderland were very active over the summer, but are likely to be less so in January, although the winger could still arrive despite Brennan Johnson’s opposition to a move north. Paris FC’s Ilan Kebar, who played 16 games in Ligue 1 and scored six goals and provided four assists, has been mentioned.
tottenham
With Johnson gone, Spurs have money to spend and could very well use it to sign a new forward of their own. They had their eye on Man City’s Sabinho over the summer and could try again this month, but Cameroon star Karl Etta Eyon, who is a bigger immediate goal threat, is another option.
west ham
West Ham are eyeing a new striker and have been linked with signing two frontmen after allowing Niklas Flukrug to join AC Milan on loan. Lazio’s Tati Castellanos has struggled with injuries this season, resulting in fewer goals, but the Argentine looks like an option for the struggling Hammers.
wolf
Wolves may need to take a long-term view as it will take a miracle to avoid relegation. The move of Sam Surridge, who scored 24 MLS goals in 2025, could perhaps help prepare them for a season in the second division, as Jorgen Strand Larsen is unlikely to stay for too long.
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