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Arsenal transfer latest as Gunners scouts sent to watch wonderkid

football.london takes a look at the latest transfer news from the Emirates Stadium

Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist

18:00, 19 Jan 2026

Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Bournemouth, England.

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Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are yet to sign a player this month(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are yet to make their mark on the January transfer window.

With the Gunners leading both the Premier League and the Champions League tables, it seems Mikel Arteta already has a wealth of talent at his disposal, which could finally allow him to clinch some silverware this season.

The Gunners' significant spending in the previous summer transfer window has been instrumental in their success, with Arteta arguably possessing the most impressive squad depth in the country.

It's well known that Arsenal typically hold back on spending in January, preferring to plan ahead for the summer, which may leave some supporters feeling slightly let down this month.

But the dismal 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest over the weekend certainly highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in terms of creating chances and finishing. football.london now turns its attention to two of the latest transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners.

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Gunners scout Real Madrid wonderkid

Victor Valdepenas of Real Madrid CF in action during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid at Mendizorroza Stadium on December 14, 2025, in Vitoria, Spain.

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Arsenal are targeting Victor Valdepenas(Image: Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas. Despite having an array of options at left centre-back and left-back, it's understood Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta is an admirer of the versatile Spanish youngster.

According to The Sun, Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the 6ft2in talent on more than one occasion. Currently on the fringes of Real Madrid's first team, Valdepenas made his debut at left-back last month against Alaves, before being substituted in the 78th minute.

However, prising the promising youngster away from Real Madrid could prove a challenge for Arsenal, given Los Blancos’ reluctance to lose such a talent to a European rival. Fabrizio Romano previously stated on the Here We Go Podcast that Arsenal had been keeping tabs on Valdepenas for several months, hoping to replicate their successful coup of Cristhian Mosquera last summer.

Dimarco interest surfaces

Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Federico Dimarco had been linked with Manchester United(Image: Inter via Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing yet another left-sided defender, Federico Dimarco, ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan. The Inter star has consistently been one of Europe's top wing-backs in recent seasons, sparking interest from Manchester United.

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However, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and United's shift away from his wing-back reliant system, their interest in the Italian seems to have cooled. Italian outlet Tuttosport claims this could potentially pave the way for a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Dimarco, 28, is yet to agree a new deal to extend his stay at the San Siro beyond 2027, with Arsenal reported to be showing a genuine interest in signing him. Inter are aware of the interest and are planning to offer him a new deal until at least 2029 with an improved salary.

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