The 2025/26 campaign has been a roaring success for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal so far to date, with the club perfectly poised to win multiple trophies come the end of May.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League after the first 22 matches of the season, subsequently boasting a seven-point gap to second-placed Manchester City.
As for the Champions League, his side have won all seven group matches, with no other side able to match such a record, which has resulted in them also sitting at the summit of the table.
Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal applauds the fans
They also have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after the semi-final first-leg triumph over Chelsea last week, with the prospect of an FA Cup trophy also a distinct possibility this year.
It truly could be a year to remember for Arteta and the fanbase, but if they are to win multiple trophies, they may need added reinforcements in key areas during the January window.
Arsenal position themselves to make a move for £78m star
In an attempt to bolster the backline in recent months, Arsenal identified Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet as a possible option to provide needed depth and cover.
The Frenchman has been on their radar over the last couple of months, but it now appears as though they are set to miss out on a deal for his signature this window.
Stade Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet and Adrien Truffert
Premier League rivals Chelsea have stormed into the race for his signature this January, with Liam Rosenior’s side reportedly in advanced talks over a deal for the 20-year-old.
However, the Gunners have also targeted options further up the pitch, which has led to rumours over a move to land Real Madrid sensation Arda Güler in the near future.
According to CaughtOffside, Arteta’s men are positioning themselves for a possible move to land the Turkish international who has registered 10 combined goals and assists in LaLiga this season.
The report also states that Chelsea are keen on a deal to land the 20-year-old, but that the Spanish giants are reluctant to offload their star youngster at present.
Arda Guler for Real Madrid
However, the article further adds that Alvaro Arbeloa’s men could be tempted to cash in if an offer around the €90m (£78m) mark is made by any interested party.
Why Guler would end Odegaard’s stay at Arsenal
Signing players from Real Madrid hasn’t been alien to Arsenal over recent years, as seen with the move to land attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard in the summer of 2021.
martin-odegaard-arsenal
The Norwegian joined the Gunners for a reported £30m that window and has since gone on to make 200 appearances under Arteta, even becoming the club’s captain.
However, this season has been one to forget for the 27-year-old, as seen by his dismal tally of one goal and three assists in his 16 Premier League outings to date.
As a result, many fans have directed their discontent towards the player, with many supporters criticising his lack of impact in attacking areas.
Odegaard has only completed 85% of his passes to date, whilst drawing criticism for his lack of shots from outside the box - subsequently registering less than one per game.
ODEGAARD
As a result, a deal for Guler could end his career at the Emirates, with the Madrid youngster a player who can push him further down the pecking order in the near future.
It would be a hefty investment from the hierarchy, but it’s a move that could see the Gunners land a star who is only going to improve further in the years ahead.
When comparing his stats to those of Odegaard this campaign, Guler has dominated in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’s already a better talent in 2026.
The Madrid sensation, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Mesut Ozil, has created more chances per 90, whilst achieving a better pass completion rate this campaign.
How Guler & Odegaard compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Shots taken
Dribbles completed
Crosses completed
Duels won
Stats via FotMob
Such numbers showcase why he would be a bigger creative threat for Arteta at present, with the youngster already able to provide a better option than Odegaard in tight areas.
He’s also registered more shots per 90 so far in 2025/26, with the Turkish international subsequently posing a bigger threat in the final third of the pitch.
arda-guler-real-madrid
Guler’s dominance over the Arsenal number eight is further reflected in his higher tally of dribbles completed, whilst also finding a teammate with more of his attempted crosses to date.
£78m would be a huge statement of intent from the hierarchy once again, especially after the huge spending spree that took place during the summer transfer window.
However, any deal would likely spell the end for Odegaard in North London, with the Madrid star undoubtedly a bigger talent who would need valuable game time to continue his development.
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Like Nwaneri, it would be in the Arsenal star's best interests.