After the bongs and fireworks, 2026 has finally begun. Naturally, no one really cares about resolutions, the real interest is in whether your team will sign a new left-back. Tittle-tattle is back in the limelight and the Rumour Mill will be firing up the very best – and worst – of it over the coming month. It seems like everyone in the Premier League needs to get the pen and chequebook out to solve their problems, making it an intriguing month ahead.
After missing out on Antoine Semenyo, Manchester United will need to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements. One name that keeps cropping up in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and the German side want around £87m for the Ivorian teenager. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on Diomande, which will make any purchase a touch trickier.
Central midfield is another position United could invest in. Rúben Neves is keen on leaving Al-Hilal and heading back to Europe. Old Trafford could be a potential destination but the Portuguese international has plenty of admirers across the continent.
Often there are not new rumours, just the same ones sent round again. Fulham were supposedly very interested in Ricardo Pepi in the summer when they were hoping to bolster their forward line. At that point they could not get a deal done for the PSV striker but have lodged a £26m bid this time around, which was rejected.
With Semenyo getting closer to joining Manchester City, Oscar Bobb’s Etihad Stadium career is seemingly coming to a close. The Norwegian winger is incredibly talented but a recent injury halted his progress and more regular football is necessary to get him back up to speed. There will be a great clamour for his signature; Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are all keen on keeping him in the Premier League, while Borussia Dortmund could make a move.
Federico Chiesa was available for transfer last summer but eventually stayed at Liverpool, providing depth and experience to Arne Slot. The Italian is, however, not getting enough minutes and could return to his homeland, with Juventus keen on reuniting with the 28-year-old.
The calendar year has been forgettable for Tottenham in Premier League terms. They finish 2025 in 13th with the realisation something needs to change. One potential adjustment is the move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche. The attacking midfielder broke into the France squad this year and is attracting plenty of admirers.
One potential departure from Spurs is Radu Dragusin, who not a regular in north London. Roma are interested in the centre-back and could team him up with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.
Injuries will play their part when it comes to strategy and Arsenal have a few missing, leaving Mikel Arteta to wonder if he wants to loan in reinforcements to help their title push.
And West Ham need plenty to help their push to get out of the relegation zone, but one player who will not be part of the fight is Nathan Aké. The Manchester City defender has rejected the chance to head south despite being a fringe player under Pep Guardiola.
