The January transfer window can make or break a Premier League title push. While big-money moves are fairly uncommon mid-season, smart signings can add depth, fix weaknesses, and keep momentum alive. This article looks at the top January transfer targets who could give title chasers the edge when it matters most.
Arsenal
It would be a bit of a surprise to see the Gunners make any major moves in January. Their squad has been ravaged by injuries this campaign, but the absence of long-term absentees means it is a problem that will continue to ease without the need for new faces. When also factoring in the fact that they have such a well-balanced and talented squad, there is little incentive for any panicky signatures this winter.
The only area they are perhaps likely to consider strengthening, if the circumstances are favourable, is providing some backup to Declan Rice. The Englishman has played an awful lot of football this season and has a lot more to come. He would benefit from the occasion rest, with the gap filled by someone who is not a huge step down in quality. One name that is being floated is Ayyoub Bouaddi, although the highly rated 18-year-old will not come cheaply.
It has also been reported that Arsenal are keeping their eye on fellow Ligue 1 youngster Jeremy Jacquet, but it seems like any possible move for the defender would not happen until the summer.
Manchester City
Out of all the Premier League title contenders, Man City seem the most likely to have an active window. Reliable reports have strongly linked them with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause which can be activated in the first half of January. With the Ghanaian supposedly most keen on City and not away on AFCON duty, this is a deal that could move very quickly. To help fund the deal and avoid having too many attacking options, City may consider letting Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb or Savinho depart.
Other areas of improvement, specifically right back, are unlikely to attract investment until the summer as Matheus Nunes has been covering the role well, despite it not being a natural fit. Elsewhere, Claudio Echeverri may have his loan deal at Bayern Leverkusen cut short due to limited playing time. He is unlikely to stay in Manchester for long, though, as a move to sister side Girona is being lined up.
Aston Villa
With Villa sitting so close to the top two as we approach the halfway point in the season, they have to be considered title contenders. Unai Emery would love a few additions to strengthen his club’s outside title hopes, but the club is likely to find themselves restricted by financial regulations. The West Midlands outfit is walking something of a PSR tightrope and would need significant sales to fund any January recruit.
There does seem to be enough flexibility for the club to splash out around £10.5m on Gremio winger Alysson. A deal for the 19-year-old appears to be all but done, barring a medical, and it would help give Villa some depth at right wing. If the Villans can wrangle a few million extra on top of this, extra depth upfront would also be welcome. Kaio Jorge, currently playing for Cruzeiro, appears to be among the top targets, although he would likely command a fee over £20m.
Liverpool
Okay, title chasers might be a bit of a push for Liverpool, but with the Reds only 10 points off top spot, following their win over Wolves, they are still just about in contention. In order to close this gap, the inconsistent Reds absolutely need reinforcements. There are two key areas Arne Slot would like to strengthen, although there are likely going to be some restrictions on how much they can spend given the club’s heavy summer investment.
Finding some sort of cover for the injured Alexander Isak is one priority. The Swede’s injury, combined with Mo Salah’s AFCON absence and lack of form, leaves the Merseysiders lighter in attack than they would like. There is enough versatility among the current attacking ranks that the Reds can be flexible with who they chase, but someone comfortable playing on the right or centrally would be preferred. Antoine Semenyo is on their radar, but likely Man City-bound, so the Reds may instead turn to someone like Rodrygo or countryman Gabriel Mec, although the latter is unlikely to be immediately ready for first-team football.
Another area of needed investment is centre-half. Following the long-term injury to Giovanni Leoni, the Reds only have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez that can be counted on to play in the heart of defence, and even then, Slot does not appear to be a big Gomez fan. Marc Guehi remains the dream target, and with the Crystal Palace man only having six months on his contract, he would be available for a reduced price. The only issue is being able to convince the 25-year-old to move now rather than in the summer. He is currently enjoying guaranteed minutes, in a World Cup season, and has a great chance of silverware with Palace in the Europa Conference League.