🔥 Premier League Transfer Scramble: City & Arsenal Battle for Guehi, Villa's Triple Target Revealed

Welcome back to the Transfer News newsletter! Thank you for subscribing and staying on top of all the latest Premier League transfer action. It's shaping up to be an absolutely frantic final few days of the January window, with clubs scrambling to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.

Today's newsletter is packed with major moves, including a blockbuster bidding war between Manchester City and Arsenal, Aston Villa's ambitious triple pursuit, and some eye-catching developments at Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Let's dive into all the action from Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Nottingham Forest have opened the bidding with a substantial £35 million offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Manager Sean Dyche is clearly looking to bolster his attacking options as Forest push for a strong finish to the season and potentially secure European qualification.

Mateta has been in excellent form for Palace this season, becoming their primary goalscoring threat. The French striker's physical presence and clinical finishing make him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to add firepower. However, Crystal Palace may be reluctant to let their key forward leave mid-season, especially given their own battle for points.

FPL Impact: If this move goes through, Mateta's fantasy value could increase significantly. Forest have been creating chances consistently, and a move could see him become an attractive mid-price forward option. However, wait for confirmation before making any transfers, as a failed move could impact his minutes at Palace.

Aston Villa are making serious moves in this transfer window, with Unai Emery targeting three major signings to strengthen his squad for their multi-front campaign. The Villans are competing in both domestic and European competitions, making squad depth absolutely crucial.

Villa are also interested in Mateta, putting them in direct competition with Nottingham Forest. Emery's need for attacking reinforcements has become apparent, and Mateta's proven Premier League pedigree makes him an ideal target. The bidding war could push the price above £35 million.

Villa are also reportedly targeting Ruben Loftus-Cheek, bringing the versatile midfielder back to the Premier League. Loftus-Cheek's ability to play both in central midfield and further forward would give Emery valuable tactical flexibility. His physical presence and technical ability could make him a key rotation option.

FPL Impact: Loftus-Cheek could be an interesting differential if he secures regular minutes. His attacking potential from midfield positions makes him worth monitoring, though rotation risk in Villa's deep squad could limit his appeal.

Villa are also eyeing a return for Tammy Abraham, the English striker who previously impressed during his Premier League career. Abraham knows the league inside out and could provide Villa with a proven goalscorer who understands the demands of English football. A reunion at Villa Park could reignite his career in the top flight.

FPL Impact: Abraham was once an FPL darling during his Chelsea days. If he recaptures that form at Villa, he could become a popular mid-price forward option. His clinical finishing and penalty-taking ability make him one to watch if this transfer materializes.

The biggest story of the window could be brewing as Manchester City and Arsenal go head-to-head for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The England international has been outstanding this season, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most impressive centre-backs.

Pep Guardiola is preparing an offer for Guehi as City look to shore up their defensive options. The Spanish manager sees the Palace captain as the perfect addition to add quality and depth to his backline. City's pursuit signals their intent to strengthen further despite their already star-studded squad.

Not to be outdone, Arsenal have joined the race for Guehi's signature. Mikel Arteta is clearly monitoring the situation closely, and the competition between these two Premier League giants could drive the price significantly higher. Both clubs have the financial muscle to secure the deal, making this a genuine battle.

FPL Impact: A move to either City or Arsenal would dramatically boost Guehi's fantasy appeal. Both clubs offer superior clean sheet potential compared to Palace, and he could become a premium defender option at either destination. His ball-playing ability also brings bonus point potential through passes and attacking contributions.

Manchester City aren't stopping at Guehi. Pep Guardiola's side are in aggressive mode this January, making moves across multiple positions as they chase silverware on all fronts.

City are keeping close tabs on Trent Alexander-Arnold. While the Liverpool right-back won't be leaving for Real Madrid this window, Guardiola is monitoring his situation closely. The England international would certainly fit City's profile if they decide to make a serious move, though prising him away from Anfield would be extraordinarily difficult.

FPL Impact: Alexander-Arnold remains a premium FPL asset at Liverpool. Any move to City would likely maintain or even enhance his fantasy value given their superior clean sheet record and his continued attacking threat from right-back.

Manchester City have also made a move for Vitor Reis Anderson. The club continues to add quality across multiple positions, demonstrating their ambition to dominate on all fronts this season. This represents another piece in Guardiola's extensive squad-building puzzle.

Beyond Guehi, Arsenal are also monitoring Tino Livramento. The versatile full-back has impressed with his performances, and Mikel Arteta is always on the lookout for young talent who can contribute immediately. Livramento's ability to play on either flank makes him an attractive proposition.

FPL Impact: Livramento could become a budget-friendly defensive option if he secures regular minutes at Arsenal. The Gunners' strong defensive record would make him appealing at a lower price point, though competition for places could limit his game time initially.

Bournemouth are reportedly keen on Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri. The highly-rated teenager could benefit from regular first-team football, and a loan move to Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola might be ideal for his development. This would allow Arsenal to retain the prospect while giving him valuable Premier League experience.

Tottenham could pay £5 million for Andy Robertson. Manager Thomas Frank seems interested in bringing the experienced Scottish left-back to Spurs, which would provide vital depth and leadership in that position. At 32 years old, Robertson still has plenty to offer, and the relatively modest fee makes this a low-risk move.

FPL Impact: Robertson's fantasy relevance has declined in recent seasons, but a move to Spurs could offer a late-career resurgence. At £5 million, he could become a differential pick if he secures the starting left-back role, though competition and age concerns make this speculative.

Mohamed Salah remains a prime target for the Saudi Pro League. The Egyptian superstar continues to attract massive interest from the Middle East, with eye-watering financial packages on offer. While Liverpool desperately want to keep their talisman, the continued speculation suggests this saga will rumble on beyond January.

FPL Impact: Salah remains essential in FPL regardless of transfer speculation. Any move to Saudi Arabia would obviously end his fantasy relevance, but until that happens, he continues to be one of the game's most reliable captaincy options and premium assets.

Ibrahima Konate's contract situation at Liverpool isn't settled yet. The French defender has been crucial for Arne Slot's side this season, forming an impressive partnership in central defense. Getting his future sorted will be a priority for Liverpool's hierarchy, as losing him would be a significant blow.

FPL Impact: Konate has become a solid defensive option when fit. Contract uncertainty could affect his focus, though Liverpool's strong defensive record keeps him appealing. Monitor his situation closely, as any resolution could impact his playing time and value.

In a surprising development, Chelsea are open to selling Enzo Fernandez. Manager Liam Rosenior's Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the Argentine midfielder, which is quite surprising given the massive price tag when he joined from Benfica. However, squad restructuring continues at Stamford Bridge as the club looks to balance the books.

FPL Impact: Fernandez has never quite lived up to his FPL potential at Chelsea. A move elsewhere could rejuvenate his fantasy appeal, depending on the destination and tactical role. For now, he remains off most FPL radars unless his situation changes dramatically.

Chelsea have also made a move for young prospect Rayan Jacquet. The Blues continue their strategy of snapping up promising talent from across Europe, adding to their already bulging squad. This represents another investment in the club's future, though immediate first-team impact seems unlikely.

Oliver Glasner is on Manchester United's radar. With Michael Carrick currently in interim charge at Old Trafford, the club are assessing their options for a permanent appointment. The Crystal Palace boss has caught their eye with his impressive work in the Premier League, demonstrating tactical flexibility and strong man-management skills.

A managerial change at United could have significant implications for their players' fantasy values, depending on the tactical approach and preferred formations of any incoming manager.

Atletico Madrid want Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. The Brazilian has been impressive in the Premier League, and Wolves manager Rob Edwards may face a battle to keep hold of him if the Spanish giants come calling with a serious offer. Gomes' energy and technical quality have made him a standout performer.

Everton are eyeing Arsenal's Ben White. Manager David Moyes is looking to strengthen his defense, and the England international would be a significant coup if Everton can pull off such a deal. White's versatility and consistency make him an attractive target, though convincing Arsenal to sell mid-season will be challenging.

FPL Impact: White has been a consistent FPL performer at Arsenal. A move to Everton would likely decrease his fantasy appeal due to reduced clean sheet potential, making this one to monitor carefully before any kneejerk transfers.

Barcelona want Marcus Rashford to stay beyond his loan spell. The English forward has clearly made an impression in Spain, and the Catalan club are keen to extend his time at the Camp Nou. This could complicate his Manchester United future and any plans for a Premier League return.

FPL Impact: If Rashford remains in Spain beyond this season, he'll be off FPL radars entirely. For now, he's not in the game anyway due to his loan, but any permanent move would end speculation about a Premier League return.

Newcastle face a battle for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Manager Eddie Howe wants to add another striker to his ranks, but competition from other clubs means this won't be straightforward for the Magpies. The Norwegian has impressed since moving to the Premier League and could be a valuable addition.

FPL Impact: A move to Newcastle could boost Strand Larsen's fantasy potential. The Magpies create quality chances, and he could become an interesting mid-price forward option if he secures regular starts ahead of the current strikers.

Brighton have rejected an approach for Lewis Dunk. Manager Fabian Hurzeler wants to keep his captain, and the experienced defender remains integral to Brighton's plans. They've knocked back interest from elsewhere, ensuring defensive stability for the remainder of the season.

That's everything from today's frantic transfer deadline day developments! The next few days promise to be absolutely chaotic as clubs scramble to complete their business before the window slams shut.

Make sure to keep checking back for updates as these stories develop. We'll be tracking every move and bringing you the latest news as it breaks.

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