All focus may be on the Premier League title chase, but it appears Arsenal are also keeping half an eye on the events in the January transfer window
If the opening fortnight of January has taught the football world anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. So far, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been tight-lipped about the prospect of any transfer business being carried out this month.
The Gunners are competing on four fronts and travel to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea this evening. But in the background, the north Londoners are being linked with football stars across Europe and the world.
They may even be able to take advantage of the uncertainty at Real Madrid, caused by the sudden exit of Xabi Alonso. Mirror Football takes a look at the transfer rumblings around the Gunners.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp sends clear message to Real Madrid over vacancy after Xabi Alonso exitREAD MORE: Marc Guehi transfer favourite emerges as Arsenal and Liverpool make January calls
‘Move awaits Real Madrid star’
Spanish outlet Defensa Central has claimed Arsenal are considering a move for Real Madrid prodigy Arda Guler. The young Turkish midfielder played an enormous role under Alonso, before the ex-Bayer Leverkusen manager departed the club after the defeat to Barcelona in the Super Copa final.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Guler did not have the same level of trust as he had under Alonso. Now that the former Liverpool midfielder has left the Bernabeu, it’s been claimed that the 20-year-old is waiting to see what his role will be under the incoming Alvaro Arbeloa, who was placed in charge having managed the Spanish giant’s reserve team.
With all this ongoing, the report also claims Arsenal are considering making a move for him. If Arbeloa chooses not to rely on Guler as much as Alonso, Arteta’s side could be in pole position to sign one of the most exciting young players on the continent, having been previously linked with him. Any such move, however, seems unlikely at this stage.
Arsenal eying January move for 18-year-old star
Arsenal are looking to wrap up a move for teenage Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to RMC Sport. The French Moroccan signed his first pro contract when he was 16, and it did not take him long to announce himself on the European stage.
The now 18-year-old is known for becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in European competition, when he competed in the Europa Conference League aged 16. Arsenal, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid, are understood to be tracking the teenage midfielder, who is valued at more than £43m.
It’s been claimed Arsenal have taken ‘formal steps’ in regards to signing him this month, but it remains to be seen if Lille will want to part with him so soon.
Brazilian talent intriguing Arsenal
Reports from Brazil understand Arsenal have made contact with Corinthians about a potential move for the club’s young star Breno Bidon. TNT Sports Brasil understands the Gunners have approached the Brazilian heavyweights to enquire about his availability.
He already has 56 appearances under his belt for Corinthians and was one of the key players when Brazil won the South American Under-20 Championship title for a record 13th time. It’s understood Arsenal are yet to make a concrete offer for the dynamic star, who is believed to have a £86million release clause in his contract, but their communication with the club suggests there is interest.
Sporting Lisbon are claimed to have had a £13moffer for the United and Arsenal target turned down already, with the Brazilian club said to be holding out for at least £26m.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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