Arsenal may already have identified a top target for next summer.placeholder image
Arsenal may already have identified a top target for next summer. | Getty Images
Arsenal may look to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad despite their strong position in the Premier League
Arsenal got a lot of things right on and off the pitch in the second half of 2025 and head into the new year with optimism that they can finally get their hands on a first major trophy in six years under Mikel Arteta.
The Premier League title is the main priority and its destination is certainly in their hands at present with the Gunners seven points clear at the top of the table on Saturday, though back-to-back goalless draws in the league have seen them miss out on a colossal opportunity to go clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa.
The Gunners have built surely the strongest squad of the Arteta era following a £250million expenditure over the summer but are always looking to improve on a winning formula amidst the current January transfer window. One transfer target for 2026 has emerged, though it would take a massive swoop on a Premier League rival in order to seal the deal.
Arsenal targeting ‘audacious’ Anthony Gordon move
Reports from Caught Offside state that Arsenal are preparing an ‘audacious summer move’ for Newcastle United and England winger Anthony Gordon, who has become a key player for both club and country over recent seasons and is seen as a strong option to offer the Gunners increased strength in depth on the left wing.
Arsenal are ready to ‘test Newcastle’s resolve with a substantial offer’ in the summer for the 24-year-old, who they have ‘tracked’ for several months following a historical admiration since he broke through at Everton in 2022.
Reports by Caught Offside relay information from an ‘insider’ source on X, which quotes: “Understand Arsenal are targeting a move for Anthony Gordon in the summer.”
The Magpies are said to be facing a ‘financial dilemma’ which could force them to make one high-value sale in the summer, and this could ultimately be ‘dynamic’ winger Gordon, who has registered eight goals and four assists in all competitions this season.
While a potential transfer fee is not cited, it is believed to be a ‘massive’ amount. Previous reports by TEAMtalk in 2025 cited an £80m valuation by Newcastle for the England international.
Arteta expresses frustration after goalless Nottingham Forest draw
Reflecting on Arsenal’s 0-0 draw away at struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, Arteta stated his side need to “improve” and suggested that there is still more to come from his side, despite their strong league position.
He told BBC Match of the Day: "We obviously wanted to win the game, we knew the game was going to be very tough and very close as well from the way that they play. We created four big, big, big chances and a clear penalty, but we weren't able to win the game. I've just seen the replays, I think it's a clear intention to clear the ball inside and it's a clear penalty so I don't understand why it's not been given.
"We could've been better, but as well, this is happening all around the league for every single team. We have to improve and be better, especially when we create four big chances, you have to put them away.
"You have to produce that moment. We've created certain moments, but credit to them as well because they are very well-organised and they disrupt your momentum in clever ways all the time. We knew that. We tried to at the end find a goal. I don't think we conceded a single shot, again. But that's the margins and we didn't find a way to win it."
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