Mikel Arteta is playing a dangerous game of poker. Right now, Arsenal sits six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, yet the Emirates feels strangely still. If you’ve been refreshing your feed for Arsenal transfer news now, you’ve probably noticed the lack of "Done Deal" graphics.
It's frustrating. I get it.
But don't let the silence fool you into thinking nothing is happening. Behind the scenes at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, the gears are turning. While Manchester City is busy finalizing a medical for Marc Guehi and parading Antoine Semenyo, Arsenal is leaning into a different strategy. They aren't just buying players; they are protecting a six-point lead and a dressing room chemistry that feels fragile but electric.
The Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz Situation
Honestly, the names being whispered in the corridors are heavyweights. Arda Guler from Real Madrid is the name on everyone’s lips. Reports from ESPN suggest Arsenal is laying the groundwork for a summer move, but there’s a feeling that if Real Madrid blinks this January, Edu and Andrea Berta—the man now heavily influencing squad shaping—might pounce early. Guler has fallen down the pecking order under the lights of the Bernabeu. Arsenal wants him.
Then there is Kenan Yildiz.
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The Juventus starlet is a "ready to sign" candidate, though Juve is desperate to tie him to a new deal. Arsenal has been linked with a £32m move, but let’s be real: January deals for Italian crown jewels are notoriously messy.
Current Incomings and Outgoings (January 2026)
- Confirmed Out: Louie Copley has headed to Crawley Town on loan. Harrison Dudziak is at Braintree Town.
- The "New Pedri": Arsenal is reportedly battling PSG for Serbian wonderkid Vasilije Kostov.
- French Connection: Ayyoub Bouaddi is another name that hasn't left the scouts' notebooks.
The squad is deep. Think about it—last summer was a £250m blitz. You've already got Viktor Gyokeres leading the line, Martin Zubimendi anchoring the middle, and Eberechi Eze providing the magic. Adding more bodies right now might actually be counterproductive unless it's a "market opportunity" Arteta can't ignore.
Why Anthony Gordon is the One to Watch
Newcastle's Anthony Gordon is the ghost that haunts this transfer window. Arsenal has liked him since his Everton days. They see him as an elite left-sided option who could legitimately challenge the current starters. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Gordon wants to be at a club where he’s winning trophies.
Liverpool wants him too.
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That’s the rub. Arsenal doesn't want to lose out to a title rival. While a January move is a massive "if" due to Newcastle's valuation, the internal discussions are very much active. If a deal happens, it’ll be a late-window explosion that shifts the balance of the title race.
The Injury Crisis No One Talked About
You can't talk about Arsenal transfer news now without looking at the treatment room. It’s a mess.
Mikel Arteta recently had to explain why Bukayo Saka didn't start in the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest. A "niggle." That’s the word managers use when they are terrified of a long-term layoff. Saka came on in the 57th minute, but he looked off the pace.
Then there's the defensive headache.
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- Riccardo Calafiori: Out.
- Piero Hincapie: Out.
- Cristhian Mosquera: Surprisingly returned to the squad just four days after Arteta said he was weeks away.
Is Arteta lying about injuries to keep opponents guessing? Probably. He basically admitted he doesn't want to make it easy for anyone. But the reality is that the lack of goals in the last two games (back-to-back 0-0 draws) suggests the squad is tired. The demand of the schedule—Chelsea, Forest, Inter Milan, and Manchester United all in a row—is brutal.
What Needs to Happen Next
If you’re an Arsenal fan, stop looking for a new striker. Gyokeres is the man, even if he’s hit a dry spell. The focus is on the "under-21" market and strategic depth.
Keep an eye on Jeremy Jacquet. The Rennes defender is a target, but Chelsea is pushing hard. If Arsenal loses out on Jacquet, they might pivot back to a short-term loan for a veteran defender to cover the Hincapie/Calafiori absence.
Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Watch the Arda Guler news: If he doesn't feature for Madrid in the next two games, expect the "loan with obligation to buy" rumors to intensify.
- Monitor Saka's fitness: His "niggle" will determine if Arsenal makes a panic move for a winger.
- The Midfield Pivot: With Zubimendi settling in, look for whether Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly are sent out on loan. They need minutes, and several Championship clubs are circling.
The window closes on February 2. Arsenal is six points clear. They don't need a revolution; they need a surgical strike. Keep your notifications on for the final 48 hours—that's when the real Arsenal transfer news will break.