The January transfer market opens on January 1, 2026, and the Premier League’s big six (Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur) have important issues to address heading into the second half of the season.
Arsenal seeks to maintain distance in the title fight, while City and Chelsea are close enough to surpass the “Gunners”. Liverpool, United and Spurs, on the other hand, are in a moment of change after large investments in the summer, but the poor results and the low performance of some players have left their coaches with the need to solve key problems.
While players, coaches, and fans focus on the packed December schedule, football directors and recruitment teams at elite clubs are already deciding what they need and how they can close deals that could make the difference between success and failure this season.
Analysis of the needs of each club
ARSENAL
Mikel Arteta has built the strongest Arsenal team since Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” in the 2003-04 season, and a £250 million summer spending spree has put them in a prime position to be champions this season. Although the team looks complete in almost every position, the lack of depth in midfield and the absence of a replacement for Martin Ødegaard are major concerns.Legend: Should Arsenal have created more against a 10-man Chelsea? Janusz Michalik and Sam Tighe reflect on Arsenal’s “disappointing” 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.How can they fix it? The best option in January could be a short-term loan for a player with the ability to fill in for Ødegaard, but who is also aware that he will only be a plan B when the captain is out. Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United could be an option, but only if United find a replacement.Legend: Could Arsenal find a suitable replacement for their captain Martin Ødegaard in the January transfer market?MANCHESTER CITYCity needs to improve on the flanks, find solutions to Rodri’s physical problems in midfield, and have reliable forwards who share the goalscoring burden with Erling Haaland. They need to improve the right-back position and reinforce the midfield. In addition, the risk of Haaland missing matches due to injury or suspension makes City desperately need a new striker.How can they fix it? City has financial room to make signings in January. Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth is a target and with a release clause of 65 million pounds, it is a transfer that City could close quickly. They could also try to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.Legend: Can Phil Foden reach Kevin De Bruyne’s level at Manchester City?
CHELSEA
Chelsea needs depth in goal, midfield, and defense. A world-class center-back and goalkeeper would be most important for coach Enzo Maresca.Legend: Laurens: Chelsea can definitely win the Premier League.How can they fix it? Chelsea could try to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan, or Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace.Legend: Will Marc Guéhi, from Crystal Palace, move to a “big six” team next month?MANCHESTER UNITEDUnited needs two new midfielders and is also looking for full-backs to adapt to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. The imminent departure of Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui for the African Cup of Nations will make signings in January difficult. United’s priority is to renew its midfield.How can they solve it? The club will listen to offers for Mainoo, Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Tyrell Malacia, but allowing any of them to leave before the end of the Africa Cup of Nations would leave Amorim desperately short of players. However, if United’s board can unlock some funds, they could sign Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba or Angelo Stiller in January.Legend: Could Manchester United finish in the top four?
LIVERPOOL
Despite having spent £450 million on new players during the summer, Liverpool need a center-back and reinforcements in midfield. They also need a replacement for Luis Díaz on the wing.How can they fix it? Liverpool has a lot of money for signings in January. They could try again to sign Palace defender, Guéhi.Legend: Should Mo Salah remain on the bench for Liverpool at this moment?
TOTTENHAM
Tottenham needs improvements in all positions, but the long-term injuries of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have greatly affected the team. A proven striker to compete with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke would boost the team’s prospects.Legend: Hislop criticizes the “mediocre” Spurs players after the defeat against Fulham.How can they solve it? Everton’s interest in Richarlison could unlock the signing of Ivan Toney. Spurs don’t have many players they can sell for a significant fee, so it’s likely to be a difficult market.
