The January transfer window is always an unpredictable time for clubs and it appears Arsenal may be set to become a big player in this month's market
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
06:00, 14 Jan 2026
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 27: Arda Guler of Real Madrid CF celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal of his team during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on September 27, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Real Madrid are currently in a difficult state(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
If the first two weeks of January have shown us anything in the football world, it's to brace for surprises. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has so far kept his cards close to his chest regarding any potential transfer activity this month.
The Gunners are juggling four competitions and take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final tonight. However, behind the scenes, the north Londoners are being linked with top-tier talent from across Europe and beyond.
They might even capitalise on the instability at Real Madrid, triggered by the abrupt departure of Xabi Alonso. Football.London delves into the transfer whispers surrounding the Gunners.
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Real Madrid star considering options
Spanish publication Defensa Central reports Arsenal are contemplating a swoop for Real Madrid's young talent Arda Guler. The Turkish midfielder was a key figure under Alonso's management, before the former Bayer Leverkusen boss left the club following a Super Copa final loss to Barcelona.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Guler didn't enjoy the same level of confidence as he did with Alonso. Now, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder having exited the Bernabeu, it's suggested that the 20-year-old is waiting to see what his role will be under incoming manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who takes the reins after managing the Spanish giant's reserve team.
Amidst all this, reports suggest Arsenal are contemplating a move for him. If Arbeloa decides not to lean on Guler as much as Alonso, the Gunners could find themselves in prime position to secure one of Europe's most promising young talents, having been linked with him previously.
However, any such move appears unlikely at this juncture.
Arsenal eyeing January swoop for teenage sensation
Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille OSC looks on during the French Cup match between US Lusitanos Saint-Maur and Lille OSC at Stade Dominque Duvauchelle on December 20, 2025 in Creteil, France.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi is attracting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs(Image: 2025 Franco Arland)
According to RMC Sport, Arsenal are keen to seal a deal for Lille's teenage prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi. The French Moroccan penned his first professional contract at 16 and quickly made his mark on the European scene.
Now 18, he holds the distinction of being the youngest player in the club's history to feature in European competition, making his Europa Conference League debut at just 16. Arsenal, along with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid, are reportedly keeping tabs on the young midfielder, who carries a price tag of over £43m.
Claims have emerged that Arsenal have taken 'formal steps' towards signing him this month, but it remains to be seen whether Lille are ready to let him go so soon.
Brazilian prospect piques Arsenal's interest
Breno Bidon of Corinthians celebrates after scoring his penalty in the shootout during the Copa do Brasil Semi-final Second Leg match between Corinthians and Cruzeiro at Arena Corinthians on December 14, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Bidon has been turning heads in Brazil(Image: 2025 Sports Press Photo)
Reports from Brazil indicate that Arsenal have reached out to Corinthians regarding a potential move for their young talent Breno Bidon. TNT Sports Brasil reports that the Gunners have approached the Brazilian giants to enquire about his availability.
With 56 appearances for Corinthians and a pivotal role in Brazil's record 13th South American Under-20 Championship victory, the young talent is already making waves. Although Arsenal have not yet tabled a firm offer for the dynamic star, who reportedly has an £86m release clause, their ongoing dialogue with his club indicates a keen interest.
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Sporting Lisbon are said to have had a £13m bid for the player, who is also on Manchester United and Arsenal's radar, rebuffed by the Brazilian outfit, who are reportedly holding out for a minimum of £26m.
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