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Transfer deadline day live: Jacquet to Liverpool latest, Mateta future confirmed, late Arsenal move

All the latest news, gossip and rumours from the January transfer window

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The January transfer window closes at 7pm today and clubs across the Premier League and Europe have a final chance to strengthen their squads for the final push to the end of the season.

With injuries mounting, Liverpool have entered the market for a new defender hijacking Chelsea’s interest in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The club have agreed £55m deal for the 20-year-old centre-back but it is not expected that he will move to Merseyside straightaway.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have parted ways with Raheem Sterling who is gaining interest from clubs such as Tottenham now that he is a free agent. Spurs are also understood to be keen on rivalling Inter Milan for the signature of former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee could be one of the late movers having fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick. Zirkzee was rumoured to want to leave Old Trafford during Ruben Amorim’s previous reign and have been linked with both Roma and Napoli.

Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, while Crystal Palace could be busy on deadline day with Jean-Philippe Mateta set to leave the club and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen looking likely to be his replacement.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below

Transfer deadline day live

Watch live: Transfer Deadline Day with The Independent’s Adam Cleary and Miguel Delaney

Liverpool agree deal for Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move

Mateta's move to AC Milan collapses

Arsenal 'actively looking' to replace injured Merino

Palace bid for Strand Larsen accepted with Mateta set for Milan move

Liverpool bid to sign Geertruida collapses

Interest grows in Manchester United's Zirkzee but will he leave the club?

1 hour ago

Everton say no to McNeil loan

Everton will not sanction a loan move for Dwight McNeil before the deadline after Crystal Palace launched a late bid for the winger, per Sky Sports.

However, the Eagles have now trumped their original offer by sending a £20m proposal for the winger, leaving Everton - who are on the verge of signing Tyrique George - with a decision to make.

Nottingham Forest also showed an interest in recruiting McNeil, while Palace are on the verge of finalising the record signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen.

(Getty Images)

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:48

1 hour ago

What's going on with Joshua Zirkzee?

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee remains the subject of speculation with The Sun reporting that Roma and Napoli are interested in signing him.

Juventus are also said to be monitoring Zirkzee’s situation but despite the interest Man Utd seem set on keeping Zirkzee on the books.

The striker has fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick but, with incomings looking unlikely on deadline day, the head coach wants to keep Zirkzee in the squad.

He said: "Josh is just trying to work to get fit and get around the group. It has been great to have him back training with the group for the first time.

"That is as far as it goes, for me and for Josh. I am looking forward to working with him. That's it, nothing else has been needed to be said."

(Getty)

Mike Jones2 February 2026 17:41

2 hours ago

Aribo joins Leicester on loan

Leicester City have confirmed the loan sighing of Southampton’s Joe Aribo until the end of the season.

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:34

2 hours ago

Man United youngster set for Rotherham loan

Manchester United striker Gabriele Biancheri is close to joining League One side Rotherham United on loan until the end of the season, per Sky Sports.

The 19-year-old had attracted interest from around Europe including Real Betis, but a move to England’s third tier has been deemed the best step for his development.

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:27

2 hours ago

Watch live: Transfer Deadline Day with The Independent’s Adam Cleary and Miguel Delaney

Watch live as The Independent breaks down the biggest transfer stories of the window so far on Monday (2 February).

Chief Football Writer at The Independent, Miguel Delaney and Adam Clery, creative director of The Adam Clery Football Channel will be analysing the latest breaking stories and key transfers that have happened so far.

The January transfer window closes at 7pm today and clubs across the Premier League and Europe have a final chance to strengthen their squads for the final push to the end of the season.

Watch live: Transfer Deadline Day with Adam Cleary and Miguel Delaney

Watch live as The Independent breaks down the biggest transfer stories of the window so far on Monday (2 February).

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:21

2 hours ago

Forest's third bid for Engels rejected

Celtic have rejected Nottingham Forest’s third bid worth £25m bid for Arne Engels.

Celtic have no plans to sell Engels in this window and yesterday boss Martin O'Neill said he hoped the club would rebuff any advances.

The club have seemingly listened to their interim manager, once again rejecting a bid from Forest who are desperate to sign a midfielder before the deadline.

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:20

2 hours ago

Spurs win race for Wilson

Tottenham have won the race to sign Hearts prospect James Wilson, per Fabrizio Romano

Arsenal were offering a trial to the Scottish striker but Wilson has opted for a loan to Spurs, which will include an option to buy.

The medical is happening as we speak.

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:17

2 hours ago

Newcastle eye late deal for Brahim Diaz?

It’s late in the window, but Newcastle are considering a late move for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz.

That’s according to an isolated report from CaughtOffside, following an impressive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by the Morocco star.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen, with a deal available for a fee in the region of €60m (£52m).

A summer deal feels more realistic, particularly given the fee needed to persuade Los Blancos.

Jack Rathborn2 February 2026 17:13

2 hours ago

Under two hours to go!

Less than two hours left of the winter transfer window... and there’s still a lot to be resolved!

Will Jean-Philippe Mateta get his move away? Is there a new arrival coming for Arsenal? Will Jeremy Jacquet to Liverpool go off without a hitch?

We’ll have all the latest updates, right here.

Will Castle2 February 2026 17:04

2 hours ago

Real Madrid consider Upamecano on free transfer

Real Madrid have identified Dayot Upamecano as a target for this summer.

The Bayern Munich star could be a free transfer this summer, with talks over a new deal ongoing.

Upamecano would be the latest target for a free transfer to the Bernabeu, following Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“I would be very happy if Dayot Upamecano decided to stay at FC Bayern,” honorary president Ul Hoeness told AS. “I know he and his family feel very comfortable in Munich. However, I fear that his agents will do everything possible to convince him to leave. I’m dismayed.”

Jack Rathborn2 February 2026 17:02

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