Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table as they prepare for a trip to Bournemouth, with the January transfer window providing plenty of drama already
09:58, 01 Jan 2026Updated 10:02, 01 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta
View 3 Images
Mikel Arteta has learned who Arsenal must face this weekend
Arsenal's exhilarating triumph over Aston Villa earlier this week delivered a statement of intent to their Premier League competitors.
The Gunners finally broke their disappointing run against Unai Emery's Villa by claiming a thrilling 4-1 victory at home on Tuesday, ensuring they stayed at the summit at the year's end. Mikel Arteta's squad have no opportunity to bask in their success, though, with another challenging fixture looming on Saturday afternoon in the shape of a journey to Bournemouth.
Securing all three points back to north London without sustaining any further injuries will be paramount for Arteta, considering his team's fitness problems this campaign. The launch of the January transfer window also offers a chance for the Arsenal leadership to investigate reinforcements and possible departures in the market. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Burnley FC at Vitality Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Bournemouth, England.
View 3 Images
Antoine Semenyo is likely to leave Bournemouth this month(Image: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Gunners' role in £65m transfer
Arsenal will unintentionally postpone Antoine Semenyo's increasingly probable switch to Manchester City after learning they must face one of the Premier League's best players after all.
City are reportedly in the concluding phases of acquiring the Ghanaian winger from Bournemouth for £65million, with the deal anticipated to be finalised imminently, reports the Mirror.
Nevertheless, Cherries manager Andoni Iraola desires Semenyo in his lineup to face Arsenal on Saturday. The boss commented after Semenyo completed the full 90 minutes against Chelsea on Tuesday: "I don't know what is going to happen, but he will definitely play [against Arsenal]. This is not his last game.
"He needs to recover because we play Arsenal at home in another three days. Against [the team] top of the league, he will be an important player for us, yes."
Semenyo will be hoping to make an impression on his prospective City team-mates before even setting foot in the Etihad by delivering a crucial blow against title contenders Arsenal in that upcoming clash.
The Gunners must now face the Cherries talisman who has already scored nine league goals this season.
Clubs showing interest in Nwaneri
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not been able to give Ethan Nwaneri too many minutes this season
View 3 Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not given Ethan Nwaneri much playing time this season(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri could be excused for having conflicted emotions about this week's victory over Aston Villa.
The 18-year-old attacking talent was completely omitted from the matchday squad to face Emery's men.
This recent setback follows a marked decrease in his playing time this campaign, managing only six Premier League appearances in contrast to his breakthrough season last year when he netted four goals across 26 league matches.
With players like Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and now the returning Kai Havertz positioned above the youngster in the hierarchy, there's a growing sentiment that Nwaneri ought to pursue a January departure to further his progression.
Article continues below
His ability has predictably caught the eye of other clubs, according to The Athletic. However, the report, which doesn't specify which clubs are keen, also suggests Arsenal will be hesitant to part with either Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly this month, having recently tied both players down to fresh long-term deals.