Arsenal are keeping tabs on a star with "something special" in the January transfer window while the Gunners could also benefit from lucrative sell-on clauses
08:10, 02 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta has hinted at more signings
Arsenal could be poised to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window as they strive to stay in control of the Premier League title race.
The Gunners remained at the summit at the start of the year following a convincing 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa on Tuesday. Arsenal have now held the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks, with Manchester City appearing to be their only significant rival for the title. In addition to their impressive recent form, Mikel Arteta has also been buoyed by injury returns.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes are all back available for selection. However, the opening of the winter transfer window could offer the Spaniard a chance to further enhance his squad as the Gunners continue to compete on all four fronts. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Real Madrid target
Arsenal have been linked with Arda Guler
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Arsenal have been linked with Arda Guler(Image: Getty Images)
Arteta may have a wealth of options in midfield, but with a Premier League title at stake, the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly add quality to his squad whenever possible.
While January appears set to be a quiet month for the Gunners, they reportedly have their sights set on Real Madrid's Arda Guler - a player they've previously been linked with, reports the Mirror.
According to CaughtOffside, the Turkish prodigy is highly regarded by Arteta and the north London side who hope to negotiate a deal to sign the 20-year-old this month. But the report suggests the Spanish giants have no plans to let go of the midfielder.
Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal are in charge of the Premier League title race(Image: Getty Images)
While it remains to be seen whether Madrid can be convinced to sell the youngster, he's certainly got a big fan in his boss Xabi Alonso. The 42-year-old heaped praise on Guler earlier this season, with the player becoming a crucial part of his squad.
Speaking about the Turkish international's ability, Alonso said: "With his quality, he's a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much.
"Arda has that something special - that natural talent you can't teach."
Potential January cash boost
Brooke Norton-Cuffy has impressed for Genoa
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Brooke Norton-Cuffy has impressed for Genoa(Image: Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
While Arsenal aren't anticipated to splash significant cash this month, they could pocket some handy transfer money courtesy of two specific sell-on agreements.
The duo of players who might deliver the Gunners a winter payday are Nuno Tavares and Brooke Norton-Cuffy. Tavares, currently plying his trade at Lazio, was offloaded permanently to the Italian outfit last summer for approximately £7.5million following an initial loan period in the capital.
That transaction included a sell-on provision estimated at 25% of any future fee, though Italian media suggest the percentage might reach 35%. The Portugal ace could be leaving Lazio this month as the club holds discussions with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.
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Regarding Norton-Cuffy, who presently features for Genoa, his previous employers secured a sell-on agreement when he made his £1.75m switch, plus £1.75m in add-ons, to the Serie A club in August 2024.
The 21-year-old Englishman is said to be on the radar of Juventus and Inter Milan. A potential transfer could boost Arsenal's financial muscle, giving the north London club even more reason to cheer as they continue their pursuit of the title.