January is getting closer, but Arsenal remain measured in how they are approaching the window. There is no rush. There is no sense of panic. Their January transfer plans feel calm, even as speculation builds elsewhere and other clubs begin to move. That contrast has been noticeable, even if Arsenal have not addressed it directly. This approach feels familiar. Mikel Arteta has handled winter windows this way before. Arsenal rarely move early in January. They tend to wait until a clear need appears or an opportunity becomes too good to ignore.
Until then, the club usually stays quiet. Situations are allowed to develop. Sometimes that takes longer than people expect. Reports continue to link Arsenal with players across several positions. What those reports do not suggest is urgency. There is no single target dominating the conversation. For now, everything feels open-ended. That may be deliberate.
MIDFIELD PLANNING BRINGS BOUADDI INTO VIEW
Midfield planning is one area where Arsenal appear to be thinking ahead rather than reacting. The Mirror report that the club have made contact with Lille about Ayyoub Bouaddi. The talks centre on the 18-year-old midfielder. Bouaddi is highly rated in France. He is already attracting wider attention.
Lille are believed to value him at around £40m. That figure reflects potential rather than experience. Arsenal reportedly see Bouaddi as a long-term project. He is not viewed as someone expected to make an immediate impact in the first team. There is no suggestion this would be rushed. Or even quick.
That stance says something about how Arsenal see their current midfield group. There is a level of comfort there. The club feel stable enough to plan ahead. They are not chasing short-term fixes as pressure rises. Not every window needs a solution.
GABRIEL JESUS AND THE QUESTION OF MINUTES
Gabriel Jesus has also appeared in recent reports. Sports Mole claim intermediaries have offered the striker to AC Milan. A loan move has been discussed for January. Milan are said to be assessing his fitness. No decision has been made. Nothing has moved quickly.
From Arsenal’s side, the picture remains mixed. Jesus still offers quality and intensity. His work without the ball remains important. Injuries, however, have made it difficult for him to build rhythm. It has been stop-start. Any decision would depend on timing. Squad depth would also matter. Arsenal are unlikely to weaken the group without suitable cover. Especially mid-season.
🚨🌕 | Gabriel Jesus has once again been proposed to AC Milan.
Talks have emerged of a possible loan for the Brazilian striker.
Internal evaluations regarding the striker's physical condition are underway at the Milan and a new update between the parties is expected after… pic.twitter.com/Hsq7ryJ4XM
— Milan Matters (@MilanMatters) December 21, 2025
DEFENSIVE NAMES STAY ON THE RADAR
At the back, Arsenal are still keeping an eye on younger options. Nothing feels close right now. One name that has surfaced is Víctor Valdepeñas from Real Madrid. Arsenal see him as a long-term option rather than someone for immediate use. He can play at left-back and also move inside. That flexibility stands out. Arteta values players who can shift roles during games. Valdepeñas fits that idea. This is the kind of profile Arsenal tend to monitor quietly. There is no rush. There is no expectation of movement now. It is simply something noted and left open.
There has also been renewed noise around Giorgio Scalvini. Football-Talk suggest Arsenal are weighing things up. This feels more like background interest than an active plan. Recent injuries have brought defensive depth back into focus, even if there is no pressure to act yet.
ATTACKING LINKS BRING MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
Up front, January looks quieter. Arsenal are not expected to move for Antoine Semenyo this winter. David Ornstein reports the club would rather wait until the summer. Semenyo is open to leaving now. That difference in timing matters. It often slows things down.
More surprising claims involve Gabriel Martinelli. TEAMtalk suggest Arsenal could consider a sale if it helps fund a bigger move. Rodrygo has been mentioned. This remains speculative.
Arsenal are also monitoring Ousmane Dembele at PSG. Any move there would come later. If it comes at all.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
This window feels driven by choice rather than pressure. Arsenal are gathering information instead of forcing decisions. That approach may frustrate some supporters. The club seem comfortable sitting with that uncertainty for now.
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