Arsenal have blocked loan moves for Ethan Nwaneri despite interest from Bournemouth and West Ham - and the Gunners' plans are now clear
Kieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
08:58, 15 Jan 2026
Andrea Berta
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Andrea Berta had a busy summer(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal appear unlikely to make any significant signings or sales during the January transfer window. Andrea Berta orchestrated several high-profile moves last summer, putting the Gunners in a strong position, but market opportunities could alter this approach.
Before considering new arrivals, Arsenal will likely want to facilitate departures, even if only on a temporary basis. Ethan Nwaneri was one player on the periphery who might have faced that situation, but that no longer seems to be the case.
While there may not be much activity in north London, other Premier League clubs have been very active, with one former Arsenal star making a move. With all this in mind, Daily Star Sport has rounded up the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.
Ethan Nwaneri transfer update
Ethan Nwaneri is set to stay at Arsenal for the remainder of the season
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Ethan Nwaneri is set to stay at Arsenal for the remainder of the season(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))
Bournemouth and West Ham United have both been linked with Ethan Nwaneri, but according toDaily Star Sport sister publication football.london, he is not available for loan.
Nwaneri featured in Arsenal's FA Cup third round victory over Portsmouth, marking his first minutes on the pitch since early December. Regarding his performance and patience, Arteta commented: "Well, that he deserves that, basically.
"Obviously, because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the position, he hasn't been able to play and today he's done it. And I think he had some very good minutes."
Andrea Berta January priority
Andrea Berta, Sporting Director of Arsenal looks on prior to a UEFA Champions League match
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Andrea Berta has made his January plans clear(Image: Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
While Arsenal aren't currently planning January business, it appears set to remain a hectic month for Andrea Berta, reports the Mirror.
This is because, according to The Athletic, the Gunners are already formulating strategies for the forthcoming summer transfer window.
Marc Guehi could well be included in those plans alongside Real Madrid's Rodrygo, AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz as potential targets for a marquee wide forward acquisition.
Former Arsenal star on the move
Donyell Malen of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 27, 2025 in London, England.
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Donyell Malen could be on the move this January(Image: Getty Images)
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Donyell Malen is edging closer to departing Aston Villa for AS Roma, according to The Telegraph. They have suggested a deal appears poised to be finalised as an initial loan with a £25million obligation-to-buy clause attached.
He has featured 29 times this campaign, netting seven goals and providing two assists. His departure seems to be driven entirely by footballing considerations, with his ambition to operate as a striker unlikely to be consistently fulfilled at Villa Park.
The Dutch player progressed through Arsenal's academy before moving on to play for PSV and Ajax in his homeland. Malen then transferred to Borussia Dortmund, where he spent three-and-a-half years before joining Unai Emery's team in January 2025.