Arsenal had a busy summer transfer window and have a plan for January as they continue their Premier League title challenge after a decent start to 2025/26
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are in a good position(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal's January transfer priority will be to guarantee the strength of Mikel Arteta's squad going into the business end of the season. That may see more focus on retaining current first team stars rather than bringing in reinforcements to get over the line.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League after 17 games and are two points ahead of rivals Manchester City. They will hope to capitalise on that advantage and secure a title win after coming up painfully short in recent seasons.
Arsenal are holding 'exploratory talks' over several recruitment options, according to The Athletic. It is an approach that Sporting Director Andrea Berta has utilised during his time at the Emirates to weigh up the most appropriate deal for the club.
The report claims that Arsenal are following Rennes' defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Frenchman signed a new contract until 2029 this year but, given Arsenal's defensive injuries, could represent an appropriate option for Arsenal to act upon.
Antoine Semenyo has also caught the Gunners' interest, with the 25-year-old Bournemouth star growing up as an Arsenal fan. There has been contact between the two parties, but Arsenal's preference is to move in the summer rather than next month, with Manchester City seemingly ready to act.
Arsenal instead seem ready to take a more reactive approach. They will be ready to act if an opportunity arises, however.
“I mean, we always have to be prepared," manager Arteta said earlier this month. "The moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad or to protect the squad, depending on what happens, we need to be open for it.
“So, we don’t know but we’re certainly going to be alert and we know where the risk can come in terms of the squad and be ready just in case we have to do something.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been linked with several deals ahead of the January transfer window
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Arsenal spent in the region of £250million in the summer to add Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke. And now, after a lengthy injury layoff, they have Gabriel Jesus at their disposal.
The Brazilian forward had been linked to a move away from north London but has quickly returned to the first team picture after almost a year out of action. It is said that Arteta would now be loath to lose him.
Academy players could more easily leave on loan; however, Harrison Dudziak has already signed a short-term loan with Braintree Town. Loans for those in the first team are much less likely, despite reduced playing time for Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
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