If you’ve spent any time on social media over the last 48 hours, you’ve probably seen a dozen "here we go" graphics and enough rumors to make your head spin. But for Arsenal fans, only one voice really cuts through the noise. David Ornstein. When the notification pops up from him, the vibe changes. It’s not just noise anymore; it’s basically gospel.
Honestly, the landscape of this January 2026 window is a bit weird for the Gunners. They’re sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League. They haven't dropped a single point in the Champions League group stages. Everything looks perfect on paper, yet the transfer rumor mill is grinding away like usual.
The big question everyone is asking: will they actually spend?
The Saka Security Blanket
Before we get into the shiny new targets, we have to talk about the massive news Ornstein dropped regarding the internal squad. While everyone was looking at who might arrive from abroad, Arsenal were busy tying down their most important asset.
Bukayo Saka has agreed to a new five-year contract. This is huge. His previous deal was winding down toward 2027, which usually starts the "panic clock" for big clubs. Ornstein confirmed that this new agreement keeps the 24-year-old in North London until June 2031. It’s a deal that recognizes him as one of Europe’s elite.
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It’s a statement. It tells the rest of the league that the project isn't just a flash in the pan. By securing Saka—alongside recent extensions for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes—sporting director Andrea Berta is effectively bulletproofing the spine of the team.
The Truth About the £100m Midfield Links
There has been a lot of chatter about Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The guy is having a career year. Naturally, every "big six" club has been linked with a £100 million move for him.
But Ornstein poured cold water on that one pretty quickly.
He explicitly noted that Arsenal are essentially the only top-tier club not in the race for Anderson this summer. Why? Because the midfield is, frankly, stuffed. With Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, there’s just no room to drop a nine-figure sum on another body.
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Arteta likes balance. He doesn't just collect players like Pokémon cards. Adding a £100m player to sit on the bench doesn't fit the "marginal gains" philosophy Berta has been preaching.
Targets on the Radar: Defense and the Left Wing
So, where is the money actually going?
Ornstein has been pointing toward the defense and the wide positions. Despite the defensive solidity we've seen this season, the schedule is congested. Really congested.
- Marc Guehi: Arsenal have been in contact with his camp. Liverpool want him too. His contract at Crystal Palace is ticking down toward June, and while a January move is unlikely unless someone pays a "crazy" fee, the groundwork for a summer hijack is being laid.
- Antoine Semenyo: This is the one to watch right now. Ornstein revealed that Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that became active this January. He’s versatile, he presses like a maniac, and he fits the "Arteta profile."
- The Left Wing Situation: There's a growing feeling that Gabriel Martinelli might be under pressure. With Leandro Trossard (now 31) playing well but getting older, Ornstein mentioned that the club is looking at Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams as potential high-impact replacements for the summer.
The "Berta" Factor
It's interesting to see how the dynamic has shifted since Andrea Berta took over much of the recruitment heavy lifting. The strategy has become more opportunistic. They aren't just buying for the sake of it.
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The links to youngsters like Romeo Ritter from Dortmund or Rodrigo Mendoza (the "next Pedri" from Elche) suggest a dual-track approach. They want the superstars for the starting XI, but they’re also quietly hoovering up the best teenage talent in Europe to avoid paying £100m for them later.
Who Is Leaving the Emirates?
You can't bring people in without clearing out the lockers. Ornstein has hinted at a "halving the outlay" strategy. Basically, they want to generate nearly £100m in sales to balance the books after a massive summer spend.
Oleksandr Zinchenko seems to be the odd man out. He’s fallen behind Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori. If a decent bid comes in from someone like Fenerbahce, he’s gone. Jakub Kiwior is in a similar boat—too good to be a third-choice backup, but not quite displacing Saliba or Gabriel.
Even Martinelli isn't "unsellable" anymore. That sounds harsh, I know. But if a club like Real Madrid actually follows through on their rumored interest, Arsenal might take the money to fund a move for a more clinical finisher.
Actionable Insights for the January Window
If you're trying to figure out what will actually happen before the deadline, look past the "tier 3" rumors and focus on these three realities:
- The "Two-Week" Rule: If Arsenal are going to trigger Antoine Semenyo’s release clause, they have to do it fast. Those clauses often have specific expiration dates mid-window to allow selling clubs time to find a replacement.
- The Internal Priority: Don't be disappointed if there are no "mega" signings this month. Securing Saka's future is effectively the "signing of the season."
- The Summer Pivot: Most of the heavy lifting—Guehi, Gordon, or a new elite striker—is being positioned for July. January is for depth and "market opportunities."
Arsenal are no longer a club that buys in a panic. They’re the hunters now. They have the luxury of being picky because the current squad is already winning. Keep an eye on the defensive outgoings; that will be the clearest indicator of whether a late-window arrival is actually on the cards.