All 20 Premier League clubs have priorities during the January transfer window and league leaders Arsenal could end up spending despite their advantage over the chasing pack
Arsenal could spend in January despite sitting top of the table(Image: Getty Images)
The January transfer window has opened and all 20 Premier League clubs will feel they have clear priorities. However, some may be more desperate than others to get deals done.
Arsenal sit top of the pile at the halfway point in the season, but they and closest challengers Manchester City could both be busy. At the other end of the table, those battling against relegation may call on new faces to help their cause.
In between, you have the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United. Both will arguably be disappointed by their current league standing, even if United are faring better than they were last season.
So, what is on the horizon for all 20 clubs as we enter the first few days of the window? Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at one player who could benefit every one of those teams.
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Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table midweek but Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice both missed the game through injury and defensive cover looks like being the highest priority. Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet could be a good option for the present and future, though there is likely to be competition from elsewhere in the league.
Aston Villa
Depth in attack could be the order of the day, especially if Villa are able to get out-of-favour loanee Harvey Elliott off the books. Newcastle forward William Osula could fit the bill, with earlier reports of a Frankfurt move for the Danish star dimming.
Bournemouth
Much will depend on whether Bournemouth cash in early on Antoine Semenyo but that looks more likely than not. Oscar Bobb would make sense, especially if the Norwegian drops further down the Manchester City pecking order with Semenyo moving to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb is in demand(Image: Getty Images)Brentford
Central midfield could end up being a priority for Keith Andrews’ Bees with Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen both out of contract this summer. Quinten Timber, brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien, has been identified as a potential target to bring quality and high level experience after playing in the Champions League for Feyenoord.
Brighton
Brighton may in part find themselves seeking out a long-term successor to Carlos Baleba, with the expectation being that there will be renewed interest in the £100m-rated star in the summer. Boca Juniors star Milton Delgado, who reached the Under-20 World Cup final with his country earlier this year, would fit the Seagulls’ tried-and-tested approach of buying young talents with high ceilings.
Burnley
Josh Cullen’s season-ending ACL injury means a new midfielder could well be high on the Clarets’ shopping list. If Liverpool are prepared to sanction a loan for Wataru Endo, the Japan star could suit Burnley’s plan of loans rather than expensive gambles.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s first target is a new manager after Enzo Maresca’s departure. Liam Rosenior looks to be the front-runner, with sales and loans perhaps a bigger priority when it comes to players.
Crystal Palace
Palace’s first deal is effectively done, with Brennan Johnson on his way from Spurs. A new centre-back could also be added, with an expectation that Marc Guehi leaves in the summer.
Everton
A new striker is on Everton’s radar, with Thierno Barry flattering to deceive since his summer move. Ivan Toney is expected to prove too expensive but Jorgen Strand Larsen has been mooted.
Fulham
Marco Silva is hopeful of adding depth to his Fulham squad, especially in attack. United States international Ricardo Pepi looks to have a chance of moving to West London, continuing the Cottagers’ rich tradition of American stars.
Leeds
Leeds spent big in the summer but may feel they need one or two new faces to bolster the fight against relegation. Harry Wilson has been mentioned, and the Welshman is out of contract in the summer so Fulham may entertain bids despite his impressive form this term.
Liverpool
A new centre-back looks important given Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury. Marc Guehi doesn’t look likely to leave Crystal Palace until the summer but Liverpool may decide time is of the essence.
Marc Guehi during Crystal Palace’s draw with Fulham(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)Manchester City
An easy one here. Antoine Semenyo adds genuine Premier League quality to an already healthy front line and a £65m fee would feel like a snip if he makes the difference in the hunt for trophies.
Manchester United
United are likely to make a marquee midfield signing in the summer but a cheaper January option is also possible. James Garner ticks the boxes in price and quality, as well as the less tangible ‘knows the club’ factor.
Newcastle
A new midfielder would allow Newcastle to cash in on Joe Willock, with the former Arsenal man potentially allowed to leave in search of regular minutes. Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar has been attracting Premier League interest and Newcastle looks to be the most likely destination.
Nottingham Forest
Forest are keen to strengthen down the left flank, while longer-term they may eventually need to replace Elliot Anderson if a big summer bid comes in. On the left, a reunion for manager Sean Dyche and Everton’s Dwight McNeil makes sense if the Merseyside club sanction an exit.
Sunderland
Sunderland were very active over the summer and are likely to be less so in January, but a winger could yet arrive despite Brennan Johnson opting against a move north. Paris FC’s Ilan Kebbal has been mentioned after impressing in Ligue 1 with six goals and four assists in 16 appearances.
Tottenham
Karl Etta Eyong celebrates scoring for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
With Johnson leaving, Spurs have money to spend and may well put it towards a new forward of their own. They looked at Man City’s Savinho over the summer and could try again this month, but Cameroon star Karl Etta Eyong is another option with a greater immediate goal threat.
West Ham
A new striker is high on West Ham’s radar, with suggestions they could even sign two frontmen after allowing Niclas Fullkrug to join AC Milan on loan. Lazio’s Taty Castellanos has struggled with injury this term, hence his low goal tally, but the Argentine looks like an option for the struggling Hammers.
Wolves
With a miracle needed to avoid relegation, Wolves may need to look long-term. It’s hard to see Jorgen Strand Larsen staying put too long, so a move for Sam Surridge – who scored 24 goals in MLS in 2025 – could help them prepare for a likely season in the second tier.
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