Mikel Arteta doesn't usually do "quiet." If you've followed the Gunners over the last few years, you're used to the chaos of deadline days and the adrenaline of £100 million splashes. But as we crawl through the 2026 January window, the vibe at the Sobha Realty Training Centre is... well, it’s remarkably calm. Honestly, if you were expecting a flurry of new faces to arrive at the Emirates this week, the latest Arsenal news and transfer news might feel a bit like a cold shower.
Arsenal are currently sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League. That isn't a fluke. They’ve managed 49 points from 21 games, and while the 0-0 draw against Liverpool last week felt like a missed opportunity, the reality is that the squad is deeper than it’s ever been. We’re talking about a team that just edged out Chelsea 3-2 in a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg without William Saliba.
The Reality of the January Transfer Window
Right now, Sporting Director Andrea Berta is playing a very specific game. After the summer spree that brought in the likes of Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi, the bank account isn't exactly overflowing. There's a lot of talk about Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon. Arsenal have reportedly opened talks for the 20-year-old, and while Manchester United are lurking, the Gunners seem to have the inside track. He’s that "next big thing" type—a player who could eventually mirror the impact of someone like Declan Rice.
But don't get your hopes up for a January announcement. The club’s stance is basically "wait and see." They missed out on Antoine Semenyo, who went to Manchester City, and honestly, that’s okay. Arteta is more focused on the players he already has, specifically getting the best out of Viktor Gyökeres. The £64 million man has only scored once in his last ten games. That’s the real news. It’s not about who’s coming in; it’s about why the guy who’s already there isn't hitting the back of the net.
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The Marc Guehi Situation
One name that refuses to go away is Marc Guehi. He’s in the final six months of his contract at Crystal Palace, and the "will-he-won't-he" drama is reaching a fever pitch. Arsenal are definitely interested, but so are Liverpool and City. Because his contract is expiring, the Gunners are leaning towards a pre-contract agreement or a cut-price summer move rather than overpaying right now. It’s a smart, calculated move. It’s the kind of business that keeps a club at the top without breaking the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules that are currently haunting half the league.
Injury Updates: The Defensive Headache
Let’s talk about the treatment room because it’s a bit of a mess.
Riccardo Calafiori is out with a muscle injury.
Piero Hincapie is sidelined with a thigh issue.
William Saliba? He’s a doubt for the Nottingham Forest game on Saturday.
It’s a lot.
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Arteta admitted in his recent press conference that he doesn't have a firm timeline for Hincapie or Calafiori. "It will matter for a few weeks probably," he said, which is manager-speak for "we're crossing our fingers." The good news is that Kai Havertz is back. After a year out with a horror knee injury, he got 25 minutes against Portsmouth in the FA Cup and looked sharp. Having him back is basically like a new signing. He provides that "chaos factor" that Gyökeres currently lacks.
The Ethan Nwaneri Decision
There was a moment where it looked like Ethan Nwaneri might head out on loan. Several clubs were circling, but the latest word is that he’s staying put. Arteta sees him as a genuine rotation option for the title run-in. When you're chasing the league and two cups, you need every bit of magic you can get, and Nwaneri has that in spades.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Window
People see a lack of signings and think the club is stagnant. That’s a mistake. The latest Arsenal news and transfer news suggests a shift in philosophy. Instead of panic-buying a winger because Gabriel Martinelli is out of form, they’re looking at the long game.
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Names like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz are being whispered in the corridors of power. Guler is reportedly unhappy at Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso’s departure, and Arsenal have made enquiries. However, these are "Summer 2026" targets. The club is building a dynasty, not just a one-hit-wonder squad.
- The Left Wing Dilemma: There's a growing sense that Gabriel Martinelli might be the one to make way if a superstar like Anthony Gordon or Nico Williams becomes available in June.
- The Zinchenko U-Turn: Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely returning from his Nottingham Forest loan early because he hasn't been playing. This adds depth to the left-back spot, even if he's not the first choice anymore.
- The Midfield Anchor: Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi have stabilized the middle, making the departure of Thomas Partey and Jorginho feel like a lifetime ago.
Why the Forest Game is the Real Test
Forget the transfer rumors for a second. The match against Nottingham Forest this Saturday is the biggest story. Arsenal need just one point to hit the 50-point mark for the season. If they win, they maintain that six-point cushion over a Manchester City side that looks revitalized by the signing of Semenyo.
The defense is the worry. With Hincapie and Calafiori out, and Saliba touch-and-go, we might see a makeshift backline. Gabriel Magalhães will have to lead a group that might include some youngsters or the returning Zinchenko. It’s going to be gritty. It’s going to be stressful. But that’s what title races are made of.
The club is evolving. You can see it in the way they handle contracts—like the new long-term deal for WSL coach Renée Slegers. There’s a plan for everything. So, while the "Breaking News" tickers on the sports channels might not be shouting about Arsenal every five minutes, don’t be fooled. The silence is the sound of a club that knows exactly what it's doing.
Actionable Insights for the Title Run-in:
- Watch the Havertz Integration: See how Arteta fits Havertz back into the XI; he might play as a 'false nine' to give Gyökeres a break.
- Monitor the Guehi Rumors: If a deal happens, it’ll likely be a late-January pre-contract announcement rather than an immediate transfer.
- Keep an Eye on the Youth: With defensive injuries mounting, don't be surprised to see more of the academy graduates on the bench for the Forest and Chelsea (second leg) games.