Arsenal could make some savvy transfer moves before the January window is over amid potential exits for long-time stars
Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2026 in London, England.
Martin Odegaard could be replaced(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Arsenal continue to lead the Premier League but they'll likely need reinforcements to secure that sought-after title in the summer.
The Gunners failed to capitalise on Manchester City's derby day defeat on Saturday to move nine points clear at the league summit. A 0-0 against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground was all Mikel Arteta's side could muster after being denied a penalty at the death.
Despite this slip-up, Arsenal remain seven points clear at the top but will need to ensure no more blunders are made towards the tail-end of the season. The north London side will likely be active in the January transfer market in order to boost their chances of lifting the title in May.
Two deals in motion
Two longstanding Arsenal stars look to be on their way out this week. Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been linked with moves in recent weeks with a host of clubs interested.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Marseille have agreed a deal with the Gunners to secure Nwaneri on loan for the rest of the season. It is understood that the 18-year-old wonderkid is expected to travel to finalise the deal after Arsenal's Champions League clash with Inter Milan and a "sizeable fee" has been agreed.
The report also states that boss Arteta pushed hard for the move in order for Nwaneri to work under Roberto De Zerbi.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko is reportedly in talks to leave permanently as his loan deal at Forest failed to work out. The 27-year-old started just four Premier League games under Sean Dyche and the Metro reports that things are moving quickly to cancel the temporary move.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during a training session at the Singapore Sports Hub on July 26, 2025 in Singapore.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ethan Nwaneri are reportedly both on the move(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Ajax have emerged as top contenders with the initial plan to take the Ukrainian on loan for the rest of the season. However, with Zinchenko's contract at Arsenal set to run out this summer, the Dutch club have delayed a plans to secure his services permanently.
De Telegraaf reports that the "ball is currently in Arsenal's court", but expectations are that a deal will happen between both clubs.
Martin Odegaard bombshell drops
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks on as he prepares to take a throw in during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 17, 2026 in Nottingham, England.
Martin Odegaard may not be so secure in his position at Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal could look to line up a long-term replacement for club captain Martin Odegaard, if recent reports are to be believed.
ESPN [via Football London] claims that Arsenal are targeting the signing of Real Madrid's Arda Guler to become Odegaard's eventual replacement in the midfield at the Emirates Stadium.
Arda Gueler of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Levante UD at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 17, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Arda Guler is looked upon as Odegaard's replacement(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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The Norwegian hasn't been prioritised by sporting director Andrea Berta for a new deal in north London. Instead, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice are next on the club's list for negotiations after Bukayo Saka's future was secured.
Turkey international Gulerr has managed three goals and seven assists in 20 LaLiga matches for Madrid so far this season, surpassing Odegaard's solitary strike and three assists in 16 games.
The Gunners will require reinforcements if they are to go on a run of dominance similar to Manchester City or Liverpool's, with Arteta keen to make sure his squad is at its best the entire season.
A January move for Guler has not yet been reported but with Xabi Alonso's sacking and Alvaro Arbeloa's subsequent arrival in Madrid, the north London side may be tempted to try and take advantage of the upheaval and launch a bid in this window instead.
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