Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal handed transfer verdicts as January window demands made

London, January 2, 2026 – As the January transfer window swings open amid a frantic Premier League season, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United have received stark verdicts from pundits and insiders on their squad needs. With title races heating up and European spots at stake, experts demand bold moves to salvage campaigns.

Arsenal's Defensive Crisis

Arsenal, sitting third but leaking goals, face mounting pressure on Mikel Arteta. Pundit Keith Wynter insists: "They must sign a centre-back now. Gabriel's form has dipped, and Saliba can't carry it alone." Links to Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger and Sporting's Ousmane Diomande intensify, with a £50m bid rumored. Arteta's camp counters that midfield reinforcement via a versatile No. 8 like Porto's Alan Varela is priority, but fans demand defensive steel to challenge leaders Manchester City.

Liverpool's Midfield Rebuild

Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool, hovering in fourth after a rocky festive period, are urged to splash £70m on a defensive midfielder. "Fabinho's successor is essential," says ex-Red Jamie Carragher. Targets include Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi and Fulham's João Palhinha, who could leave for £45m. Wing threats persist too, with demands for PSV's Johan Bakayoko to bolster Mohamed Salah's aging support. FSG's cautious spending draws ire, but insiders hint at a double swoop if Champions League qualification beckons.

Man Utd's Attacking Overhaul

Manchester United, languishing mid-table under Rúben Amorim, receive the harshest verdict: "Sell Rashford, buy a No. 9." Gary Neville blasts the squad's imbalance, pushing for Napoli's Victor Osimhen (£80m) or Sporting's £100m sensation Viktor Gyökeres. Outgoings like Marcus Rashford to PSG could fund it, while a left-back hunt targets Wolves' Rayan Aït-Nouri. INEOS demands trophies, not excuses, as United eye a window-defining spree.

Across the board, chairmen demand pragmatism amid FFP rules, but agents buzz with activity. January could redefine the top-six battle. (298 words)