Arsenal news in what promises to be a hectic month on and off the pitch for the Gunners
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
06:00, 04 Jan 2026
Andrea Berta
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It's shaping up to be a busy month for Andrea Berta(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are currently navigating their busiest period of the season, with a packed fixture list coinciding with the transfer window.
Following Saturday's game at Bournemouth, the Gunners are now gearing up for Thursday's home game against reigning champions Liverpool. That is swiftly followed by an FA Cup journey to Portsmouth, the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea and Champions League ties against Inter Milan and Kairat Almaty.
Additionally, there are Premier League clashes with Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Leeds United on the horizon. Off the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta is looking into ways to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad in light of recent injuries.
There could also be some departures, with youngster Ethan Nwaneri potentially heading out on loan. football.london brings you a round-up of Gunners news...
New contract offer
Arsenal are reportedly close to offering defender Jurrien Timber a lucrative new contract.
According to TEAMtalk, both Arteta and Berta have been greatly impressed by the Dutchman's consistent performances since he overcame the injury issues that marred his early days at the club.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal applauds the fans prior to the Premier League match against Everton
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Jurrien Timber could be about to extend his Arsenal contract(Image: Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
While big-money summer signings have grabbed the headlines, securing the futures of key players and young prospects has also been high on Berta's agenda.
William Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have all recently put pen to paper on new deals, with Bukayo Saka also reportedly on the brink of committing his future to the Gunners by extending his contract.
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Yildiz breakthrough
A player who has been linked with Arsenal this month may be staying put after all.
The Gunners and Liverpool were rumoured to be potential landing spots for Turkish sensation Kenan Yildiz, whose contract negotiations with Juventus had seemingly hit a snag.
Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and AC Milan. The match ended 0-0 tie.
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The chances of Kenan Yildiz joining Arsenal appear to have receded(Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, progress has been made, with Juve now prepared to table a £5million per year offer, equating to an annual pay increase of approximately £1.3m Despite the swirling rumours about his future and interest from other clubs, Yildiz's preference was always to stay in Turin.
It's reported that his representatives anticipate his new contract, which would keep him at Juventus until 2030 or 2031, to be wrapped up soon. This development would effectively quash any realistic hopes Arsenal had of securing the gifted forward's services in the near term.
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