Arsenal are set to complete at least two deals in the final two weeks of the January transfer window with Mikel Arteta chasing Premier League and Champions League trophies
Kieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist and Neil Docking
07:58, 21 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could make more signings
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could make more signings(Image: )
Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta appears poised to finalise two contrasting January transfers in the coming days.
With injury issues subsiding, Mikel Arteta is nearing a fully fit squad, which is expected to result in less playing time for peripheral players. Ethan Nwaneri is one such player, with loan offers from West Ham and Bournemouth rejected, but an ideal opportunity has presented itself. Oleksandr Zinchenko also looks set for a change following a frank admission from Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche.
The trend of signing young talents for the future has become more prevalent in north London, as demonstrated by the agreement for Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero. Another promising teenager is now firmly on Arsenal's radar, but he is a more established name as he is contracted to Real Madrid. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates following their 3-1 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
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)
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£44m Real Madrid starlet on Arsenal's 'radar'
According to The Athletic, the Gunners' long-term defensive target Jeremy Jacquet - a 20-year-old centre-back at Rennes - is likely to join Chelsea.
However, Real Madrid's Victor Valdepenas has been mentioned as a potential target for Arsenal in the summer, reports the Mirror.
The 19-year-old, who made his debut for Real last month, is highly regarded by the Spanish giants, which could make securing his signature a challenging task. He can play at centre-back and left-back.
It's reported that a £44m release clause is included in the new contract he recently signed, which runs until 2029.
Nwaneri set to land in Marseille today
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Arsenal on January 11, 2026 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Marseille on loan(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Marseille have agreed to take Ethan Nwaneri on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season.
It appears the French club was chosen as the best fit for the Gunners' attacking midfielder, with Roberto De Zerbi's style playing a significant role.
The loan deal has progressed swiftly, with Foot Mercato reporting Nwaneri, 18, is expected to arrive in Marseille today to finalise his move.
He will link up with former Manchester United and England striker Mason Greenwood and Matt O'Riley, an English-born player currently on loan from Brighton.
Zinchenko off to Ajax
Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set to end his loan move with Nottingham Forest and join Ajax
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Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set to end his loan move with Nottingham Forest and join Ajax(Image: )
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Dutch heavyweights Ajax are poised to secure Oleksandr Zinchenko on a full-time basis once his loan spell at Nottingham Forest ends.
Initially, a loan move was on the cards for the 29-year-old left-back or left sided midfielder, but this has now shifted to Ajax shelling out a modest fee.
The Ukrainian international has only made five appearances since Dyche took over, with just one start in the Premier League. His medical has been postponed, but it's still anticipated that the transfer will be finalised before the window shuts.