Arsenal are not expected to make any signings in the January transfer window, but a statement £87m move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez could be on the cards this summer
Kieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
08:13, 26 Jan 2026
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is likely already identifying potential summer signings
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is likely already identifying potential summer signings(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
Arsenal are anticipated to have another hectic summer transfer window after making minimal moves in January. With just over one week remaining in the current trading period, the Gunners appear unlikely to finalise any new signings, though departures have been approved.
A loan switch to Marseille for Ethan Nwaneri was amongst those moves, with Arteta justifying the decision to send him to France - a call that has already been vindicated. Oleksandr Zinchenko is also anticipated to have his transfer confirmed, with Ajax securing him on a permanent deal.
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez represents one target for Arsenal, whilst Barcelona are also monitoring the Argentine. With all of that considered, Daily Star Sport has examined the latest Arsenal transfer news and speculation as the January window draws to a close.
£87m signing 'explored'
Arsenal continue to be linked with a transfer for Julian Alvarez
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Arsenal continue to be linked with a transfer for Julian Alvarez(Image: (Photo by Elif Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images))
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ESPN have reported that Arsenal are exploring a summer move for Alvarez. Their report has suggested that an informal enquiry regarding his availability has been submitted, reports the Mirror.
Having purchased Alvarez from Manchester City for just over £80million, it has been further claimed that securing him would cost in excess of £87million.
Diego Simeone, when quizzed about whether Atletico fans should keep faith in the adaptable forward Julian Alvarez, had a rather pointed response.
He retorted: "Seriously? Are you seriously asking me that? The truth is that Julian Alvarez speaks for himself because of the name he has, the authority he carries, and the career he's built, right?".
Mikel Arteta sees immediate results
Two soccer players engage in a match on a field, with one player in white attempting to control the ball while another player in white and black lies on the ground, also in pursuit of the ball. The background features a crowd of spectators watching the game.
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Ethan Nwaneri made an instant impact on his Marseille debut(Image: AP)
Ethan Nwaneri made an instant impact on his Marseille debut, netting a long-range left-footer just 13 minutes into the game after a brilliant run. Arteta shared his thoughts on why this path was chosen for Nwaneri, a decision that quickly proved to be spot-on.
When probed about Nwaneri, De Zerbi offered a distinct yet confident reply: "Ethan Nwaneri will become a top player; I'm sure about that."
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The young talent was positioned centrally and played for 58 minutes in their 3-1 triumph over Lens. Nwaneri soon had another shot on target, further validating the decision to switch his position based on his performance.