Premier League leaders Arsenal are hoping to continue their impressive form as the January transfer window brings fresh opportunities
Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist
06:00, 03 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on December 30, 2025 in London, England.
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Arsenal are riding high at the top of the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are set to take on Bournemouth in the Premier League off the back of a thrilling 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
There's a renewed sense of optimism around the Emirates Stadium following their midweek triumph, with both players and fans believing this could be the season the Gunners finally claim the Premier League title.
They now lead the table by four points after Manchester City's draw with Sunderland, though Mikel Arteta knows his side cannot afford to lose focus at this crucial stage in the season. A tough away game at Bournemouth awaits them this Saturday afternoon, followed by a home fixture against reigning champions Liverpool next week.
Arsenal suffered defeats in both encounters with the Cherries last season, losing 2-1 at home in May and 2-0 away in October after being reduced to ten men. Despite their current poor form, Andoni Iraola's team still have the potential to cause an upset.
Off the pitch, the January transfer window offers Arteta the chance to further strengthen his squad if necessary, having already shared his plans for the month. Now, football.london brings you two of the biggest Arsenal-related stories from recent days.
Rodrygo pushes for Real Madrid exit
Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
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Real Madrid star Rodrygo is being linked with Arsenal again(Image: Diego Souto, Getty Images)
Spanish publication Diario Sport reports Rodrygo is keen to exit Real Madrid this January. The highly-rated 24-year-old is said to have opened talks with two new agents in a bid to accelerate his departure from Los Blancos, where he has won two Champions League titles.
The Brazilian winger's most likely destinations are reportedly Arsenal and fellow title challengers Manchester City, who are on the verge of signing Antoine Semenyo. Liverpool are also believed to be keeping tabs on Rodrygo's situation, as the forward has seen his playing time diminish under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Last September, it was reported that the Gunners had made informal enquiries about Rodrygo when it became clear the player was dissatisfied with his reduced role. However, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta ultimately shifted their focus to Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, both of whom can operate on the left flank but prefer playing elsewhere.
Rodrygo is said to be pushing for a January exit against Real Madrid's wishes, with Alonso keen to keep him until the summer.
Arsenal consider £57m defender
Reported Manchester United target Nathaniel Brown in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
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Nathaniel Brown is a highly-rated defender(Image: Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
Arsenal are among the clubs reportedly interested in securing the services of Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown. The 22-year-old has shone as a left-back and left wing-back for the Bundesliga team this season, contributing one goal and five assists across all competitions.
BILD reports his performances have piqued the interest of a number of top European clubs, including Arsenal. Frankfurt have slapped a £57million price tag on him and are preparing for multiple offers this summer.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will make a move for the German international, given their current depth in his position with players like Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Yet, despite their strong options, injuries have left them somewhat short in that area this season. There's also some talk of Arteta seeing Lewis-Skelly’s future in midfield.
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