Premier League Giants Track Aramburu and Endrick Ahead of January Window

Premier League clubs are assessing several January options as Real Sociedad full-back Jon Aramburu and Real Madrid forward Endrick emerge among the most closely watched situations. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all have decisions to make, while contract talks and injury developments are also shaping the market.

What changed for the club

Manchester City and Liverpool have added Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu to their lists of potential targets. The 24-year-old Venezuela international has stood out in LaLiga, particularly in one-versus-one defending, while his ability to operate at either full-back position has increased his appeal. Aramburu is tied to Sociedad until 2030 and has a release clause reported to be close to £50 million.

Arsenal are keeping watch on Endrick’s standing at Real Madrid ahead of January. The 20-year-old Brazil striker made his first appearance of the season from the bench in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory at Elche, but is concerned about his current and longer-term opportunities. He would prefer to remain in Madrid, where the club are hesitant to sell after making a major investment in him. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are among the sides who believe he may become attainable in 2027 because of the competition for places around him.

The Gunners could also permit Viktor Gyökeres to leave in January if they secure a replacement. Juventus, Al Ittihad, Milan and Al Ahli are all interested in the Sweden international.

Liverpool expect approaches for Florian Wirtz during the January window, with Bayern Munich among the possible bidders. The 23-year-old Germany midfielder has not consistently reached his best level since joining from Bayer Leverkusen and has gone 12 competitive matches for club and country without scoring. Despite outside belief that a deal could be possible, Liverpool are expected to turn down offers, with head coach Andoni Iraola continuing to regard Wirtz as central to his plans.

Chelsea are concerned that Josh Acheampong could be targeted for a January move. The 20-year-old centre-back has started four matches and has been told by head coach Xabi Alonso that he features in the club’s long-term thinking. However, interest in the defender is considerable, while Chelsea’s defence has conceded at least two goals per game during the 2026-27 campaign.

Competition context

Real Madrid are working towards a new agreement for Jude Bellingham that would extend his stay until 2032. His current deal expires in 2029, but the club want to settle the England midfielder’s future early rather than allow a prolonged contract issue to develop. Bellingham, 23, has contributed two goals and two assists under José Mourinho this season.

Barcelona have agreed terms to bring in Danny Freire, a 16-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder, after a successful trial. Elsewhere in Spain, the interest in Aramburu underlines the demand for defenders able to cover both flanks.

• Tottenham have declined an approach from Shabab Al Ahli for Richarlison, despite the Brazilian being open to joining former coach Andre Jardine.
• Juventus are seeking another goalkeeper after Kamil Grabara suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
• Leeds United do not intend to sell Dominic Calvert-Lewin, despite suggestions of Manchester United interest in the in-form 29-year-old.
• PAOK midfielder Christos Zafeiris, 23, is drawing attention from RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart.

What is scheduled next

January is the immediate decision point for Arsenal’s pursuit of striking depth, Liverpool’s stance on Wirtz and Chelsea’s attempt to retain Acheampong. Arsenal’s position on Gyökeres will depend on whether a replacement can be lined up before approving any departure.

For Madrid, the next significant steps concern Endrick’s role after his late appearance against Elche and the proposed Bellingham extension. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, hold a strong contractual position over Aramburu, with five years remaining on his deal and a clause close to £50 million setting the potential terms for any interested club.