Kenan Yildiz, Ruben Neves and Antoine Semenyo
Targets: Kenan Yildiz, Ruben Neves and Antoine Semenyo
The January transfer window opens tomorrow and Premier League clubs are already working hard on getting big deals over the line. Antoine Semenyo is expected to join Manchester City in the coming days as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool are all preparing for what looks set to be a busy month.
Mikel Arteta has already confirmed Arsenal are “actively looking” at potential signings, and three names keep being mentioned: Kenan Yildiz, Davide Bartesaghi and Rodrigo Mendoza. Chelsea have also reportedly made contact with Juventus over Yildiz and are interested in Nottingham Forest’s James McAtee.
City remain in talks over a £65million deal for Semenyo, but Bournemouth want the winger to play Arsenal on January 3 before heading up north. Another big deal set to conclude is Brennan Johnson leaving Tottenham. Crystal Palace have agreed a £35m fee, but the player has not yet decided his future with Bournemouth and Everton also keen. Spurs are interested in Yan Diomande as his replacement. Manchester United have made a move to sign Ruben Neves. Follow along live below with Standard Sport’s dedicated transfer news live blog!
Latest transfer news headlines on Deadline Day
Manchester United begin talks over Ruben Neves
Manchester United have reportedly made an “informal call” regarding former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
The 28-year-old Portugal international currently plies his trade with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who are aiming to convince Neves to stay put with an improved two-year contract offer.
With Neves yet to respond, according to Ben Jacobs, various clubs are said to be monitoring his situation including United - where manager Ruben Amorim’s desire to strengthen in the middle of the park went unfilled during the summer transfer window - plus Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
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Chelsea have plan for James McAtee
Chelsea are monitoring James McAtee’s situation at Nottingham Forest after his £30million summer move from Manchester City.
The England Under-21 captain has struggled to establish himself, making only 10 appearances. The Daily Mail report that, despite Forest manager Sean Dyche and club officials believing in the 23-year-old’s long-term potential, his lack of game time has attracted interest.
BBC Sport report that BlueCo could send McAtee on loan to sister club Strasbourg ahead of a future move to Chelsea. Enzo Maresca previously worked with McAtee while at Chelsea.
Man City hit with Antoine Semenyo delay
Antoine Semenyo has not played his final game for Bournemouth, insists head coach Andoni Iraola.
The winger is expected to join Manchester City in the coming days, but Iraola says Semenyo will face Arsenal on January 3 before leaving the club.
"Antoine is performing very well, and I'm expecting him to be available also in the next game for us too," Iraola told Sky Sports.
"I hope he continues playing the same way. There is a lot of noise around him, but my worry as a coach is that he can keep up the performance level he is having."
Arsenal and Chelsea in Yildiz battle
Arsenal and Chelsea are in a battle to sign Juventus star Kenan Yildiz.
Yildiz is one of the brightest young players in Europe and he could be on the move in 2026 amid a contract stand-off with Juventus.
The 20-year-old is also wanted by Liverpool but new reports in Italy claim Arsenal and Chelsea have also “made enquiries to sign Yildiz” in recent weeks.
Tuttosport claim Juventus are growing hopeful over agreeing a new contract for Yildiz but that the Italian giants have been panicked by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool registering an interest. There have been fears at Juventus that his head could be turned.
Yildiz is valued at around £85million.
Reds tracking in-demand Juve star
According to Tuttosport, meanwhile, the Merseyside club are also “tracking” Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
The 20-year-old Turkey international is a hot commodity at the moment, with Arsenal and Chelsea both also said to be considering pursuing him in January.
Yildiz, who may command a fee of around €100million, is reportedly viewed as a long-term attacking option to prepare for the “near future” departure of Mohamed Salah from Anfield.
Liverpool prepared to wait for Guehi
Liverpool are understood to be happy to wait until the summer transfer window to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
The Reds failed to secure a deal for the Eagles’ skipper on transfer deadline day in last summer window, and according to the Daily Mail they’re prepared to wait and sign have on a free transfer later in 2026 rather than pay a fee in January.
It comes despite Arne Slot having no real central defensive options at his disposal aside from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, with Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez both injured.
Red Devils add Roma midfielder to watchlist
Another midfielder reportedly on Manchester United’s watchlist is Manu Kone.
The Roma man is keen on a move to England, CaughtOffside reports, and the interest from Old Trafford is said to be “genuine”.
However, the Serie A side are understood to be against a January sale, and may also be asking for €60-65million.
Chelsea defender set for Premier League switch
Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca, is reportedly being sized up by Leeds.
The Whites are said to be eyeing a January move for the Frenchman, per Football Insider, who is viewed as a possible solution to strengthen a struggling backline at Elland Road.
Disasi, 27, is one of a few players understood to be available for a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge in the next month.
He is yet to feature for the Blues’ first team this season, having spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aston Villa.
Arsenal eyeing young La Liga midfielder
Arsenal are said to be considering Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza as they scour Europe for young talent amid ongoing injury concerns.
The 20-year-old Spaniard could be a “serious option” for the Gunners, per Sky Sports, with sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly leading the north London club’s pursuit of him.
Mendoza could be available for around £17.5million, according to reports.
Frank confirms Spurs transfer plan after £35m Johnson deal
Thomas Frank has reiterated that Tottenham “will be in the market” for new signings in January after Crystal Palace agreed a £35million deal for Brennan Johnson.
A new forward is expected to be a priority for Spurs if Johnson leaves, with the club looking for reinforcements in January.
"We are,” said Frank. “We will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad. We will do that.
“I've said it a few times before that things are important because of different types you can add to a squad.
“The main bit is the ones we add need to be ones that we really think can improve the team. Then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad.”