Arsenal have been linked with several deals as the January transfer window rumbles on
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal face a busy month during the January transfer window(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal are facing an important month as the club weigh up whether to make major moves in the transfer window. The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and could look to further their advantage by adding to their squad in January.
Mikel Arteta's side maintained their lead after battling to a 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday night. While it was an opportunity for Arsenal to go another two points ahead, the Gunners did not lose ground after both Manchester City and Aston Villa also drew in midweek.
Man City have shown their ambition to bridge the gap after completing a move for Bournemouth ’s Antoine Semenyo. While there will be plenty of focus paid to big-name signings, the Gunners have shown the latest signs of their long-term planning.
Arsenal complete first January transfer
Arsenal have completed their first move of the transfer window as academy starlet Louie Copley has sealed a loan move to Crawley Town. The 19-year-old midfielder was part of the first team squad during pre-season and was named on the bench for the Gunners’ Champions League match with Club Brugge in December.
He has made 14 appearances for the club’s academy teams so far this term, captaining both the U19s and U21s. Copley joins a Crawley side battling against relegation from League Two as he looks to gain first team experience.
In a club statement, Arsenal said: "Louie Copley has signed a new professional contract with us and has joined League Two side Crawley Town on loan for the remainder of this season. The 19-year-old joined our academy in July 2019 and went on to sign his first professional contract with us in June 2025.”
The statement added: "We wish Louie all the best for his loan spell and look forward to seeing his continued development.”
Louie Copley of Arsenal
Louie Copley was included in a matchday squad last month(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal target prospect
Borussia Dortmund prospect Romeo Ritter has reportedly been the subject of interest from Arsenal. Sky Germany reports that the Gunners have made phone enquiries about the young defender but they are not the only club chasing his signature.
The Gunners are claimed to face competition from AC Milan for Dortmund’s highly-rated centre-back. While it is suggested that Ritter is happy to stay at the German club, Arsenal are monitoring his situation.
The 17-year-old has made two appearances for Borussia Dortmund II during his young career. He has also featured seven times for the club’s U19s and played for the U17s on 22 occasions.
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