The January 2026 transfer window is beginning to simmer, with Chelsea emerging as a potential surprise destination for a disillusioned West Ham United star.
Chelsea's Paquetá Pursuit and Guéhi's German Suitors
New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, yet to make his first signing after a week in charge, is reportedly considering a move for West Ham's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá. The playmaker had been expected to leave the Premier League for Flamengo, citing dissatisfaction with his treatment during the now-dismissed spot-fixing allegations. However, Brazilian journalist Renan Moura claims associates are urging Paquetá to remain in Europe, opening the door for a potential Chelsea swoop.
Elsewhere, the battle for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi has taken a continental turn. With his contract entering its final six months, original admirers Liverpool and Manchester City now face competition from Bayern Munich. Sky Italia reports the Bundesliga champions' sporting director, Max Erbl, has held talks with Guéhi's agent at the club's training ground, with Arsenal also maintaining interest.
Midfield Moves and Striker Searches Across the League
Manchester City are also laying groundwork for the future, having made contact with Nottingham Forest regarding a summer move for England midfielder Elliot Anderson. Forest, meanwhile, are active on multiple fronts. They are keen on Bournemouth winger Marcus Tavernier, but the Cherries are resisting a sale. The City Ground club also hold interest in Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri, though Everton are in the race, and retain a liking for Wolves' Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Bournemouth have identified a target of their own, leading the chase for 20-year-old Ferencvaros defensive midfielder Alex Toth, who is also admired by Lazio. In Yorkshire, Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is reportedly close to a move to Serie A's Fiorentina, either on loan or permanently, despite attention from Newcastle and Tottenham.
Chasing Promotion and Super League Signings
Sunderland aim to consolidate their top-half Premier League position by recruiting a striker. They have been offered Roma's Artem Dovbryk and are linked with Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma, although Aston Villa are favourites. Any move for Abraham would require compensation to Besiktas, who have an £11m obligation to buy him in the summer.
In the Championship, Middlesbrough want to boost their promotion push with a permanent deal for Brighton's Jeremy Sarmiento, who has found game time limited on loan at Cremonese. The women's game could see a significant arrival, with France winger Delphine Cascarino linked with a move to the Women's Super League's London City Lions, reuniting with owner Michele Kang.
