Arsenal have a huge December ahead of them in the Premier League and Champions League, with the Gunners hoping to maintain their momentum going into the new year
07:57, 04 Dec 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 3: Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on December 3, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have embarked on a new transfer strategy(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Last night's win over Brentford was merely the start of a massive December for Mikel Arteta's squad, with fixtures mounting up as Christmas approaches.
The Gunners have had a brilliant beginning to their Premier League campaign, with a memorable 4-1 triumph over London rivals Spurs being the standout moment of the season so far. Their form stretches beyond domestic competition as well, with a magnificent victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League establishing the foundation for their progress into the later stages of the league phase.
With Martin Odegaard at last returning following a lengthy injury absence, Arteta will have additional attacking threat back to assist with the title pursuit. Before another weekend of Premier League football, the Daily Star Sport examines all the latest developments emerging from the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta makes transfer admission
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: David Raya of Arsenal gesture to the fans to celebrate the victory following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on December 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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David Raya has been one of Arteta's best signings(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal attempted to secure David Raya "much earlier" before being forced to wait another two years for his signature.
Raya joined for £30million from Brentford in 2024 following a season-long loan spell at the Emirates. He displaced Arsenal's previous number one Aaron Ramsdale and claimed the Premier League Golden Glove, recording 16 league clean sheets in 41 matches across all competitions.
"An amazing goalkeeper," said Arteta. "It's a great story as well and how it happened. We tried to sign David much earlier, it was as soon as I arrived almost, and he had to wait another two years. The start that he had and the journey that we had together has been phenomenal for us and I'm very happy to have him."
Speaking on whether it's the best signing he's made, Arteta added: "It's a very difficult question to answer but he's certainly one that is taking us to a different level. He's certainly a player that has brought something to our way of playing."
Berta eyes next masterstroke
Arsenal have embarked on implementing a new transfer approach focused on recruiting talent that will completely transform how Mikel Arteta strengthens his first-team squad. According to The Telegraph, it has been reported that Arsenal will be shifting their attention to purchasing players in the 16-18 age bracket.
By adopting this strategy, they will enhance the calibre of their academy side, which has fallen short of standards recently.
This approach will also eliminate the intermediary in major transactions - in a Premier League sense this would be Brighton or Brentford, clubs famous for snapping up young prospects before flogging them for enormous sums - Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro serve as prime examples. This fresh approach is exemplified by the recent signings of twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Ecuador, who are due to arrive in London in 2027.
Shamrock Rovers youngster Victor Ozhianvuna, also 16, is expected to join Arsenal when he turns 18 in January 2027.
Put simply, securing talent in London alone is no longer sufficient, particularly if they want to rival Chelsea, who landed Estevao last summer for £29m. He has since become a Brazilian international and one of the Premier League's most exciting emerging stars.
The report suggests that Tommy Setford's arrival from Ajax last year marked the official beginning of this new approach at Arsenal. If they succeed in attracting some of the world's finest young prospects, this strategy could prove to be a masterstroke by sporting director Andrea Berta.
Arsenal to 'plot' move for Bundesliga star
NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 04: Jean-Mattéo Bahoya of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
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Arsenal are interested in signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya(Image: Ivan Romano, Getty Images)
According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are "seriously considering" moving for Eintracht Frankfurt star Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has featured in half of Frankfurt's matches this season but his ability has already attracted attention beyond Germany.
Multiple Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring the youngster, who has represented France at various youth levels. Frankfurt are said to value their player at £61.5million.
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Bahoya had the chance to move to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League during the summer, but he turned it down. Explaining his choice to L'Equipe, he said: "I honestly didn't hesitate for a moment. It was a logical decision. I want to have a great season here and compete in the Champions League.
"We'll see what happens after this season. In any rate, Frankfurt was the ideal place for me and I'm happy I stayed."