The January transfer window has just over a week to run - and Arsenal are running out of time to strengthen their squad
Harry Brent Senior Sports Writer
18:00, 25 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta pointing
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Mikel Arteta has plenty to think about(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are closing in on what would be their first Premier League crown in more than two decades - but plenty of work remains before the title is secured. With only a handful of days left until the January transfer window closes, attention is firmly fixed on the table-toppers and whether they decide to add extra depth to their options.
So far this month, the Gunners have completed just one major piece of business, sending Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille on loan until the end of the campaign. But no new faces have arrived.
Mikel Arteta is now tasked with a careful judgment call - keeping a title-contending side firing on all cylinders while weighing up whether fresh arrivals could tilt a close battle in their favour. That decision carries extra weight given Arsenal's recent track record of failing to act decisively during mid-season windows.
Still, with most things falling into place - Arsenal lead the Premier League, top their Champions League group, and are progressing strongly in the cups - there is a case to be made that unnecessary additions could do more harm than good.
Reports linking the club to high-profile players have gathered pace over recent weeks, with Arsenal possibly considering an early push on deals originally planned for the summer. However, the clock is ticking, and opportunities to finalise transfers are narrowing fast. Here, football.london rounds up the latest transfer news.
Barcola interest
Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of PSG attacker Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old has drawn widespread attention across the continent after netting 21 times last season, and he has maintained that level this year with seven goals in 16 Ligue 1 matches.
The Gunners are said to be exploring ways to improve on Gabriel Martinelli, with Barcola now sitting prominently on their list of targets. RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande is also being monitored, with Manchester City and Manchester United both keeping tabs on his progress.
If a deal for Diomande cannot be done, Arsenal may shift their full focus toward Barcola. Even so, a move for the French winger before the end of this season appears unlikely. PSG are reluctant to part with him, suggesting any talks would be complex and potentially drawn out.
Barcola in action vs Arsenal
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Bradley Barcola is high on Arsenal's wishlist(Image: )
Alvarez bid 'would be accepted'
Arsenal have reportedly been informed that a bid in the region of £80million for Julian Alvarez 'would be accepted' by Atletico Madrid. The Argentine international, who previously starred for Man City, has been linked with a Premier League return, with Chelsea also tracking developments.
The Gunners have only just signed Viktor Gyokeres, but with the Sweden international still adapting to life in north London, Arteta's side arguably lack the ruthless edge in attack that several of their rivals, both domestically and abroad, possess. Alvarez, who scored 29 goals last season, could help bridge that gap.
Julian Alvarez
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Julian Alvarez could be on his way back to England(Image: )
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The 25-year-old appeals not only for his familiarity with the Premier League, but also for his adaptability, having the ability to operate anywhere across the forward line. Atletico are eager to retain him, but it's understood they could be persuaded to negotiate if an offer nears the £81.8m they spent to sign him in 2024.
Having already invested more than £160m on attacking reinforcements - including Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke - Arsenal would risk overcrowding their frontline by adding Alvarez. Nevertheless, the 2022 World Cup winner might be the decisive finishing touch needed to drive a strong end to the season.
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