Arsenal have had a busy summer transfer window but have plans in place for January to continue their Premier League title challenge after a decent start to the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal’s transfer priority in January will be to ensure the strength of Mikel Arteta’s squad for the end of the season. As such, the focus may be on retaining the current first-team stars rather than bringing in reinforcements to get them over the line.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League table after 17 games, two points behind rivals Manchester City. They have had poor results in recent seasons, but they hope to use this advantage to secure a title shot.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are holding “exploratory talks” over a number of reinforcement options. This is the approach that sporting director Andrea Berta used during his time at the Emirates to consider the most suitable contract for the club.
According to the newspaper, Arsenal are pursuing Rennes defender Jeremy Jaquet. The Frenchman signed a new contract this year until 2029 and could be a suitable option for Arsenal given the injuries to their defenders.
Antoine Semenyo has also attracted interest from the Gunners, with the 25-year-old Bournemouth star growing up as an Arsenal fan. There have been contacts between the two sides, but Arsenal want him to move in the summer rather than next month, and Manchester City appear ready to do so.
read more: Arsenal star confirmed fit for Brighton after latest injury, ‘days’ left until timely returnread more: Mikel Arteta caught off guard by Arsenal’s record, insists ‘rules are different now’
Rather, Arsenal appear ready to take a more reactive approach. But if the opportunity arises, they are ready to act.
“So we always have to be ready,” Arteta said earlier this month. “Depending on what happens, the moment we have the option to either modify the team, improve the team or protect the team, we need to be open to that.
“So, I don’t know, but we’re definitely on guard, we know where the risks are in terms of our team, and we’re prepared in case we have to do something.”
Arsenal spent £250m in the summer signing Victor Gokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zvimendi and Noni Madueke. And now, after a long injury layoff, they have Gabriel Jesus at their disposal.
The Brazilian forward was linked with a move from north London, but quickly returned to the first-team picture after almost a year out of action. Arteta is now said to be sad to lose him.
Academy players will find it easier to leave on loan. However, Harrison Dudziak has already signed a short-term loan deal with Braintree Town. Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly have seen their minutes reduced, but loans to first-team players are far less likely.
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