Arsenal have their sights set on the Premier League title, as they welcome the current champions Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium, while work continues in the background on some potential January deals
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, blows a kiss to the crowd following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa
Mikel Arteta may land a transfer windfall at Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
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The Premier League title race is heating up, and for Arsenal, the New Year brings a chance to lift silverware. Their first match of 2026 comes at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners play host to rivals Liverpool in a match that will impact the race for the league and the top four.
Mikel Arteta has already managed to navigate some tricky periods through the first half of the campaign, and as the injury issues ease, there will be some confidence that form can continue to pick up. Liverpool won't be an easy opponent, however, even with their struggles this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the difference-maker the last time the two teams faced off, as his quality free-kick beat the outstretched hand of David Raya to earn the Reds all three points. With a recent return to form, even with the absence of top performances, Arne Slot will be looking to cause some problems for his opposite number.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are scouring the market for some possible opportunities to strengthen the squad over the January transfer window. So, with that said, here's a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners this winter.
Arsenal transfer windfall
Arsenal could be in line for a transfer windfall this January, as Corriere dello Sport reports that former defender Nuno Tavares could leave Lazio. The 25-year-old has been linked with a possible exit, just a few months on from making the permanent move to the Italian side last summer.
Tavares had spent four years at the Emirates Stadium, signing from Benfica as a potential future prospect, but he struggled to convince Arteta of his ability. Loans at Marseille and Nottingham Forest followed, as well as a one-year stay at Lazio, before they triggered a permanent option in his loan deal.
Now, with a possible exit from Serie A on the cards, Arsenal could be in line to land a windfall of cash. Reports claimed that the Gunners inserted a 25% clause in his deal when he was sold last summer, meaning they could land a decent amount for their transfer warchest.
Nuno Tavares of Lazio looks during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909
ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 07: Nuno Tavares of Lazio looks during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
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Arsenal have previously been criticised for their inability to fetch big fees for transfer exits, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still the club-record sale. However, after a summer spend amounting to roughly £250m, any extra income could help the club with other deals to balance the books.
It remains to be seen just how much Lazio would land for Tavares, however, if he is sold and whether it will have a tangible impact on the finances.
Arsenal revive Jeremy Jacquet interest
Arsenal were scouring the summer transfer market for potential value in their backline, eventually landing on Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie as their two additions. However, they also showed interest in landing Rennes youngster Jeremy Jacquet as one for the future.
Now, a few months on from that interest, TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal are still among those pursuing the 20-year-old as part of a potential tug-of-war for his signature. Rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are also credited with some interest in the star.
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 7: Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and teammates celebrate the victory following the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris FC and Stade Rennais FC (Rennes) at Stade Jean Bouin on November 7, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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Jacquet has been a regular for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, with the right-footed centre-back making 16 appearances in the league so far. It's no surprise that his club quickly offered a new contract in May 2025, which was promptly signed and will keep him there until 2029.
As teams circle for his signature, however, it seems increasingly difficult for the French outfit to keep hold of him. With Arsenal's strength in defensive depth, it remains to be seen how likely it is that they can convince the youngster that they are the club to be at, over some of their peers.