5 players on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist including Kenan Yildiz as duo may leave
There could be a number of new arrivals and departures at Arsenal this month as Mikel Arteta attempts to shore up his squad for a crucial few months
It could be a busier January than anticipated for Arsenal. After their significant summer spending spree, Mikel Arteta would have been hoping for a relatively quiet start to 2026.
However, the precarious nature of the Gunners’ title pursuit and a string of injuries have compelled the club to act. Speaking recently about his January strategy, Arteta acknowledged the club might be busy in the transfer market.
He said: “The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it – ‘Okay, what do we need?’ And we have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that’s a different story.
“But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it’ll be very positive.” With that in mind, Mirror Football examines which players could potentially arrive and depart this month.
Potential arrivals
Arsenal may rekindle their pursuit of highly-rated Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old was linked with the north London club during the summer window, and extra defensive cover would prove useful considering Gabriel and William Saliba have both been sidelined this season.
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Remaining in the defensive department, Arsenal have been watching AC Milan full-back Davide Bartesaghi, according to Sky Sports, a player who has drawn comparisons to Italian legend Paolo Maldini. Meanwhile in midfield, Elche’s Spanish playmaker Rodrigo Mendoza, 20, is believed to be on the Gunners’ shortlist.
Further upfield, with Antoine Semenyo set for a move to Manchester City, Arsenal are reportedly still keen on Eintracht Frankfurt’s 20-year-old forward Jean-Matteo Bahoya, per German media.
In the meantime, the Gunners continue to be linked with Juventus prodigy Kenan Yildiz, whose contract deadlock with the Turin club has piqued the interest of several top European clubs.
Potential departures
It wouldn’t come as a shock if Ethan Nwaneri seeks greener pastures this month due to his lack of playing time. After making 26 appearances last season, the 18-year-old would have been hoping to make more of an impact this term.
However, his path to the first team has been obstructed by new arrivals such as Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, while Martin Odegaard’s return to full fitness further limits his opportunities.
Arsenal are prepared for interest in Nwaneri, with a loan move to a lower-ranked Premier League side being a possible option. Another player who might be on the move is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has also seen less action than he would have liked this season in a World Cup year.
There has been interest from other clubs, both domestically and internationally. However, given Arsenal’s current defensive injury woes, Arteta may want to keep him around, at least for the time being.
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