With just over a week remaining in the January transfer window, Arsenal are running out of time to strengthen their squad as they aim for Premier League and Champions League glory
Arsenal are zeroing in on their first Premier League title in over two decades, but there’s still a long way to go before the trophy can be lifted. With just days remaining before the January transfer window shuts, all eyes are on the league leaders as they consider whether to bolster their squad.
The Gunners have already made one move this month, loaning Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille for the remainder of the season, but they have yet to bring anyone in. Mikel Arteta now faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining the momentum of a title-chasing squad while potentially adding reinforcements that could make the difference in a tight race.
Getting it right will be crucial, especially given the club’s history of missed opportunities to strengthen mid-season in recent years. That said, with almost everything going according to plan – Arsenal sit atop the Premier League, lead their Champions League group and are flying in the cups – making signings just for the sake of it may not be necessary.
Links to big names have been swirling for weeks, with the Gunners potentially looking to accelerate their summer transfer plans. But time is running out for them to get something over the line. Here, Mirror Football runs through the latest Arsenal-related transfer stories.
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Barcola interest
Arsenal have ramped up their interest in PSG forward Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old has admirers across Europe after scoring 21 goals last season and has continued his fine form this term, netting seven times in 16 Ligue 1 appearances.
The Gunners are reportedly looking for an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli, and Barcola has emerged high on their wishlist. Another target is RB Leipzig striker Yan Diomande, whose performances have attracted attention from Manchester City and Manchester United.
Should Diomande prove unattainable, Arsenal could turn their focus fully to Barcola. That said, any move for the Frenchman is unlikely before the summer. PSG have shown little willingness to sell, meaning negotiations would be complicated and could take time.
Alvarez bid ‘would be accepted’
Arsenal have reportedly been told that an offer of around £80million for Julian Alvarez would be accepted by Atletico Madrid. The Argentina forward, formerly of Man City, is linked with a return to the Premier League, with Chelsea also monitoring the situation.
The Gunners may have only just signed Viktor Gyokeres, but with the Swedish striker still finding his feet in north London, they lack the relentless firepower that some of their domestic and European rivals boast. Alvarez, who scored 29 goals last season, could provide exactly that.
The 25-year-old is an attractive target not only because of his Premier League experience, but also due to his versatility, capable of playing across the front line. Atletico are keen to keep Alvarez, but would be tempted to sell if an offer approached the £81.8 million they paid for him in 2024.
Arsenal spent over £160m on attacking talent – Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke – during the summer, and adding Alvarez to the mix could create a crowded forward line. However, the 2022 World Cup winner could be the spark in front of goal that Arsenal need to finish the season in style.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
