Arsenal are busy on deadline day as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad in the transfer window ahead of the second-half of the season with the Gunners still fighting for four trophies
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are spearheading the charge for the Premier League title following substantial summer spending. Nevertheless, the club is yet to bring any fresh talent to the Emirates in January.
The Gunners have finished as runners-up in the top flight for the past three seasons but are mounting a determined assault on defending champions Liverpool’s throne this campaign. They recovered from a setback against Manchester United with a commanding 4-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday.
The previous summer witnessed the signings of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi, alongside several other crucial squad additions. Arsenal invested over £250million during that transfer window.
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This January, Arteta’s squad hasn’t been bolstered, though some youngsters have been sent on loan spells, including the talented Ethan Nwaneri. But a shock late move has been made for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and an international teenage striker.
Shock swoop for Newcastle star
Arsenal are reportedly considering a surprise last-minute bid for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Gunners are scrambling for late additions to their midfield following Mikel Merino’s foot injury and have already initiated talks with Newcastle about a potential late swoop for Tonali, according to Sky Sports Germany.
The two Premier League rivals are said to be locked in talks with time running out in the window – but the Magpies may be reluctant to sell the 25-year-old midfielder, who is contracted at the North East side until 2029.
It’s reported that a potential deal is going to be ‘very difficult’ to finalise as Newcastle are reluctant to sanction a sale with less than 12 hours to go until the transfer window closes. Eddie Howe also battles injury absences in the engine room.
International striker targeted
Arsenal are reportedly setting their sights on two rising stars of the Scottish Premiership, with Hearts’ striker James Wilson, 18, being tipped for a surprise move to the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have initiated talks over a sensational loan deal for Wilson. This would give the Premier League leaders an opportunity to assess him within their own setup before deciding on a permanent transfer.
Despite finding it tough to break into the Hearts team this season, Wilson has already netted eight senior goals in 45 appearances and earned his first cap for Scotland. The Scot’s contract runs until 2027, so this summer could be Hearts’ last chance to command a substantial fee for him.
The Gunners have also made a move for St Mirren’s young talent Evan Mooney, also 18. It’s reported that negotiations are underway for a deal that could see Arsenal pay an initial £400,000, plus a further £400,000 in conditional add-ons.
Julian Alvarez interest
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is a prominent name connected with a switch to Arsenal who is said to be unhappy with his present circumstances.
The former Manchester City striker, 26, left England in 2024 for a massive £82m and has flourished in Spain. This move was facilitated by current Arsenal chief Andrea Berta, who spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid.
The Mail reports that Arsenal are considering a move for Alvarez, although this pursuit is likely to be prioritised in the summer. This doesn’t exclude a January swoop, but any deadline day negotiations would probably only lay the foundations.
However, the North London giants may have received a boost after Atletico Madrid confirmed Ademola Lookman – a former Gunners target himself – is set to join them in a £30m switch from Atalanta, bolstering their own attacking options and potentially paving the way for them sanctioning an exit for Alvarez.
Player exits
Six players have exited the Emirates during this window so far. Nwaneri is certainly the most prominent departure, as Arsenal’s youngest-ever Premier League player has joined Marseille on a temporary basis.
Nwaneri appeared consistently under Arteta during the previous campaign, but in a bid to secure him additional first-team opportunities, he has moved to France, where he found the net on his debut. Harrison Dudziak, Louie Copley and Will Sweet have also departed on loan.
Defender Maldini Kacurri has permanently departed the club. The 20-year-old academy centre-back transferred to Grimsby Town in January, following a stint with Morecambe last year.
Elsewhere, Oleksandr Zinchenko has secured a permanent switch to Ajax. The defender’s loan period at Nottingham Forest was terminated early and he has now moved to Amsterdam, representing the sixth exit Arsenal have completed this month.