What time does January transfer window close? Arsenal impacted by deadline day change

Arsenal were busy in the summer, and don't have long if they want to splash more cash in the winter transfer window

As the winter transfer window draws to a close, Premier League clubs are racing to finalise their last-minute deals. Whether it's a bid for the title, a push for European qualification, or a fight against relegation, there's plenty of incentive for investment this month.

Several high-profile transfers have already been completed, some even in the first half of January. London clubs were busy early, with Tottenham landing Conor Gallagher for £35million and sending Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for a similar fee, while Manchester City brought in Antoine Semenyo for £65m.

This time last year, many clubs were still scrambling to secure new signings right up until the deadline. While Arsenal had a quiet January, Spurs' loan deal for Mathys Tel was among the transactions finalised on deadline day itself.

Deadline day is a time when fans often find themselves eagerly awaiting news of any crucial late deals. Here's everything you need to know about this year's transfer deadline day.

When is transfer deadline day?

Traditionally, the January transfer window closes on January 31. However, this year is an exception, with Premier League clubs given until Monday, February 2, to bring in new players.

Even if clubs don't have anything wrapped up when the time the window shuts, they can sign free agents outside the window if they have space in their 25-man squad. The same applies to teams elsewhere, allowing Ajax to sign free agent former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in December.

What are the deadlines for other leagues?

The transfer window also closes on February 2 in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, among other leagues. Some clubs have a bit more time to make purchases, which means Premier League clubs can continue to sell players to these leagues for a while longer.

Portugal's window shuts on February 3, while Greece, Turkey and Austria have until February 6. A few other European leagues have even longer windows, while the window doesn't close until March 27 for American clubs competing in Major League Soccer.

What were the big stories on deadline day last year?

Last year saw a flurry of activity at the end of the transfer window for Premier League clubs, although some of the biggest deals were finalised before deadline day itself. The largest deal in financial terms was Jhon Duran's £71m move from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr on January 31, with Omar Marmoush's £59m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City the most expensive arrival to the Premier League in January 2025.

London clubs were busy throughout the window, with Spurs adding Tel and Kevin Danso on loan before making the moves permanent in the summer. Chelsea signed Mathis Amougou late in the window and West Ham loaned Evan Ferguson but Arsenal kept their powder dry.

Which Premier League sides might be busy on deadline day?

Certain clubs have more incentive to be active than others. Manchester United may hesitate to splash out without a permanent manager at the helm, while Liverpool, having spent heavily in the summer, must decide whether to open their chequebook again.

Arsenal will need to decide whether they need more investment to bolster their title charge. One thing is certain, though - it's unlikely to be a quiet day.

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