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Transfer Rumours: Chelsea edge closer to January deal as Arsenal talks confirmed
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 23 Jan 2026 05:39 CST
- 8 min read
Nieuws
The January transfer window is beginning to really heat up ahead of its final week before Deadline Day on Monday 2 February.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 23 January, including the latest updates on Chelsea’s pursuit of Douglas Luiz and Arsenal’s interest in a Corinthians wonderkid.
Chelsea eye Douglas Luiz loan
Chelsea's pursuit of a squad rotation option in midfield has led them to Douglas Luiz, reports transfer expert David Ornstein.
The Blues are light in that department despite another huge outlay on players in the summer, with Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo both having suffered from constant injury issues this season.
New manager Liam Rosenior is keen on January reinforcements and has targeted a deal for Luiz, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus.
Arsenal initiate contact over wonderkid deal
Arsenal have reportedly initiated contact with Corinthians in an attempt to finalise a deal for 16-year-old wonderkid Iago Machado, as per a report from Brazilian publication Globo Esporte.
The Premier League giants are reportedly interested in agreeing a deal for Machado to move to north London following his 18th birthday in February 2027, although they are expected to face significant competition from Eredivisie outfit Ajax.
Corinthians recently increased Machado’s salary at the club, while they also tied him down to fresh contract terms that include a €100 million release clause.
Bruno Fernandes ultimatum
Manchester United have told Bruno Fernandes that they expect him to settle his future before the World Cup to allow them to suitably plan for the future.
Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, there has been a fresh wave of uncertainty over what Bruno’s plans are for the summer and these have been fuelled by the suggestion that Man Utd are weighing up an ambitious move for Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
The Red Devils are seeking to be proactive in this situation, according to ESPN, with the Old Trafford side telling their captain that they expect him to inform the club of their plans before he goes off to the World Cup with Portugal.
Chelsea continue Jeremy Jacquet chase
Jeremy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes to Chelsea could accelerate quickly in the coming days, according to Habib Beye, the head coach of the French side, who says he’s been “stunned” by the young defender’s calm.
Earlier this week, the momentum seemed to be sweeping the deal towards a swift conclusion as Jacquet agreed personal terms with the West London side.
The move has since stalled, with no deal yet agreed between the clubs, but Rennes boss Habib Beye has admitted that there remains every chance an agreement could be reached before the end of the transfer window.
Saudi Pro League identifies huge transfer shortlist
Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Bruno Fernandes are just some of the names on the shortlist of the Saudi Pro League as it prepares to embark on its most incredible signing spree yet.
A blistering new wave of transfer business has been plotted by Saudi for after the 2026 World Cup that threatens to shift the balance of footballing power towards the Gulf state, with talkSPORT outlining their dramatic plans that will leave almost no major club untouched.
While the plans largely revolve around signing veteran stars, their shortlist also includes unsettled younger players such as Real Madrid ace Vini Jr and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
Arne Engels wants to stay at Celtic
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is reportedly set to snub transfer interest from RB Leipzig in favour of remaining at the club until at least this summer.
The 22-year-old has been an integral member of Celtic’s first-team squad since his arrival at the club and his form has attracted the attention of multiple clubs in the Bundesliga.
RB Leipzig have emerged as the leading candidates for Engels’ signature in recent days, with Ole Werner’s side eager to land a new midfielder before the winter window closes following the retirement of Kevin Kampl, but Engels is set to stay at Celtic Park, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph on X
Arsenal to agree Gabriel Jesus contract extension
Arsenal are reportedly ready to offer Gabriel Jesus a one-year contract extension following his return to full fitness.
The 28-year-old’s current deal at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire in 2027 and it has been widely reported that Arsenal will consider a sale this summer amid significant interest from his former club Palmeiras.
However, Spanish publication Fichajes state that Arsenal are now set to offer Jesus a one-year contract extension as a reward for his recent form.
Chelsea face Genesis Antwi exit
AS Roma, OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille have all reportedly approached Chelsea over a possible deal for academy starlet Genesis Antwi, as per TEAMtalk.
The Sweden U21 international is regarded as one of the top young prospects in Chelsea’s famed academy and he made his first-team debut for the club against Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League last season.
The right-back is reportedly unlikely to depart Stamford Bridge before the winter transfer window slams shut on 2 February, however interest in his services is expected to increase over the next few months ahead of this summer.
Transfer Rumour Round-Up
Aston Villa officials have travelled to Turkey to continue negotiations over a January deal for Besiktas loanee Tammy Abraham. (Football Insider)
Leeds United have submitted an opening offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen amid competition from Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United. (The Telegraph)
Rangers and Wrexham are both expected to make offers for Sheffield Wednesday defender Yan Valery before the end of the winter transfer window. (The Star)
New York Red Bulls are closing in on a deal for Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. (The Athletic)
Liverpool have identified Bundesliga duo Yan Diomande and Said El Mala as two top winger targets for 2026. (The Daily Mail)
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have lodged a €40m bid for Stade Rennais forward Mohamed Kader Meite. (Nicolo Schira)
AS Roma remain in the race to sign Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee this month. (Sky Germany)
Ajax are seriously considering a January move for Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard amid his lack of game time since arriving at the Emirates Stadium. (De Telegraaf)
Aston Villa have identified Manchester City’s James Trafford and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa as their priority replacements for Emiliano Martinez. (TEAMtalk)
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