Arsenal remain seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and could be busy in the January transfer window
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
18:00, 20 Jan 2026
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal boards the flight to Milan at Luton Airport on January 19, 2026 in Luton, England.
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Martin Odegaard could see his replacement arrive this month(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal remain at the top of the Premier League, but they may need to bolster their squad in order to get over the line and clinch that coveted title.
The Gunners missed an opportunity to extend their lead to nine points at the top of the league following Manchester City's derby day loss on Saturday. A goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground was all Mikel Arteta's team could manage, after being denied a last-minute penalty.
Despite this hiccup, Arsenal still hold a seven-point lead at the summit, but they'll need to avoid any further slip-ups as the season draws to a close. The north London outfit could be busy in the January transfer window to enhance their chances of lifting the trophy come May.
Recent reports have detailed both incoming and outgoing transfers at the Emirates Stadium, with one young prodigy set to depart this week. Here, football.london provides all the latest updates on Arsenal's transfer dealings.
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Two deals could be sealed in days
Two long-serving Arsenal stars appear to be heading for the exit this week. Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been linked with moves away from the club in recent weeks, with several clubs showing interest.
football.london understands Arsenal and Marseille are in discussions over a loan move for Ethan Nwaneri that would not include a buy option but would see the club benefit from a loan fee.
The Athletic reported earlier on Tuesday that the 18-year-old wonderkid is set to travel to complete the move following Arsenal's Champions League fixture against Inter Milan, with a "sizeable fee" having been agreed.
The report also indicates that manager Arteta was keen on facilitating the switch so Nwaneri could gain experience under Roberto De Zerbi.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 30, 2025 in London Colney, England.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ethan Nwaneri could be on the move(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Zinchenko is in discussions over a permanent departure after his loan spell at Forest didn't materialise as hoped. The 27-year-old made just four Premier League starts under Sean Dyche, and the Metro reports that moves are progressing swiftly to terminate the temporary arrangement.
The Gunners had already agreed a six-month loan with Ajax for Zinchenko which would have seen the Dutch side pay the entirety of the player's wages but the club are now re-negotiating the deal in the hope of sealing his permanent exit.
The former Manchester City player had been due to undergo a medical on Tuesday ahead of a loan move but that has now been postponed while the parties reconvene. There remains confidence, however, that the move will be finalised.
De Telegraaf reports that the "ball is currently in Arsenal's court," though an agreement is expected between the two clubs.
Martin Odegaard bombshell
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal walks out onto the pitch with a mascot prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 17, 2026 in Nottingham, England.
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Martin Odegaard's position may not be as secure as he'd hope(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal could be looking to identify a long-term successor for club captain Martin Odegaard, according to recent reports.
ESPN reports that Arsenal are pursuing Real Madrid's Arda Guler as a potential replacement for Odegaard in the midfield at the Emirates Stadium. The Norwegian hasn't been earmarked for a new contract by the north London club's sporting director, Andrea Berta.
Instead, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice are next in line for contract talks following the securing of Bukayo Saka's future.
Arda Güler of Real Madrid CF is seen during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Levante UD at the Santiago Bernabéu. Final Score: Real Madrid CF 2 - 0 Levante UD.
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Arda Güler has been targeted(Image: Gokhan Taner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Turkey international Guler has outperformed Odegaard this season, netting three goals and providing seven assists in 20 LaLiga matches for Madrid, compared to Odegaard's single goal and trio of assists from 16 appearances.
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If Arsenal are to emulate the sustained success of Manchester City or Liverpool, reinforcements will be necessary. Arteta is keen to ensure his squad remains competitive throughout the season.
While a January swoop for Guler hasn't been mooted yet, the recent managerial shake-up at Madrid — with Xabi Alonso's dismissal and Alvaro Arbeloa's subsequent appointment — could prompt the Gunners to capitalise on the turmoil and make their move in this transfer window.
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