Arsenal have been linked with several moves throughout the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta prepares his side for their Carabao Cup semi-final
Jake Bayliss
18:00, 12 Jan 2026
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal
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Ethan Nwaneri has been the subject of transfer speculation(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have a few weeks remaining to wrap up their January transfer window dealings. Mikel Arteta may look to new signings to give his side the edge as the team continue to compete on multiple fronts.
The Gunners have utilised their impressive squad depth throughout this season. The team boast a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, are first in the Champions League standings and remain contenders in both domestic cup competitions.
While Arteta's immediate attention will be on the first leg of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, there has been speculation about potential incoming and outgoing deals across the month. Here, football.london examines some of the transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners.
Ethan Nwaneri update
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Ethan Nwaneri's situation at the club. The youngster has seen his game time decrease this season, sparking rumours about his future.
The Mirror reports that Bournemouth are interested in a loan deal for the forward following the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City. The 18-year-old made 11 league starts for the Gunners last season but his six Premier League appearances this term have all been as a substitute due to the club's summer signings.
Mikel Arteta and Ethan Nwaneri
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about Ethan Nwaneri(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The additions of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, coupled with Arsenal's existing attacking options, have resulted in limited game time for Nwaneri. The teenager was handed his fourth start of the season as the Gunners triumphed over Portsmouth in the FA Cup, earning plaudits from his manager.
Discussing Nwaneri, who inked a new contract in the summer, Arteta said: "He deserved that. Because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the positions, he hasn't been able to play. Today he's done it, and I think he had some very good minutes."
Arsenal in transfer battle
Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs eyeing Marseille prodigy Darryl Bakola. The 18-year-old winger made his senior team debut last January and has since featured in Roberto De Zerbi's side on 10 occasions.
French outlet La Provence reports that the Gunners are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Bakola. Arsenal are said to be joined by Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Eintracht Frankfurt and Saudi Arabian clubs in the race for the teenager's signature.
Darryl Bakola of Marseille
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Darryl Bakola started Marseille's Champions League win over Newcastle in November(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
The report further indicates that Bakola and fellow youngster Robinio Vaz could depart in the current transfer window after failing to agree on new contracts. Bakola, capable of playing in an attacking midfield role or out wide, has reportedly turned down an offer from Marseille, with his representatives reportedly unhappy with the proposed wages.
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However, according to La Provence, the French outfit are not prepared to improve their offer. The promising youngster's contract is set to last until 2027 but Marseille might opt to sell the forward.
Highlighting the financial challenges that Marseille are grappling with, club president Pablo Longoria recently said: "We need to maintain our competitiveness and reduce the team's cost."
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