Arsenal are targeting Julian Alvarez as Mikel Arteta looks to solve their search for a top class centre forward and not long left in the January transfer window
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s and Neil Docking
06:30, 27 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal return to Premier League action(Image: )
Arsenal could still complete several signings as the transfer deadline day draws near.
The Gunners arguably boast the most formidable squad in the Premier League, yet Mikel Arteta's team still have areas that might need strengthening during the January window. The North London outfit maintain a four-point advantage at the summit of the league standings, despite their devastating late defeat against Manchester United, and remain active across four tournaments.
The club's focus now shifts to Wednesday's clash with Kairat, as Arsenal chase a perfect record of eight victories from eight in the Champions League. While much speculation will centre on how Arteta might opt to reinforce his squad, new Marseille loanee Ethan Nwaneri has already demonstrated how a temporary departure from the Emirates can prove advantageous. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
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Arsenal are reportedly keen on a move to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid.(Image: )
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Julian Alvarez position
Arsenal have been reportedly monitoring Atletico Madrid frontman Julian Alvarez ahead of the January transfer period.
The ex-Manchester City ace has netted 40 times in 86 appearances since his move to the Spanish club in 2024, reports the Mirror.
ESPN has reported Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Alvarez, who carries a hefty price tag of around £87m. The Gunners already boast the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in their ranks.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal still lack a top class centre forward
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal still lack a top class centre forward(Image: Getty Images)
However, Gary Lineker believes Alvarez would bolster their attacking line-up, while also revealing he 'knows the forward is unhappy' at his current club - suggesting he might be open to a move.
"It's probably complete b******* as most of these things are on social media but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico," Lineker shared on the Rest is Football podcast. "Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he's a World Cup winner for crying out loud.
"Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis."
Manager addresses transfer
Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to leave Nottingham Forest
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Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to leave Nottingham Forest(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Ajax manager Fred Grim has addressed his club's interest in Arsenal loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The 29-year-old secured a temporary move to Nottingham Forest in the summer but has struggled for regular minutes, making 10 appearances across all competitions.
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche admitted the club had held discussions about Zinchenko's future, having fallen further down the pecking order due to Ola Aina recovering from injury.
Ajax are reportedly interested in signing Zinchenko permanently, with Ajax boss Grim offering an update on the deal.
He said: "I hope that [Zinchenko's signing] will take shape soon. At Ajax, we're very busy strengthening our squad.
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"It will have to be finalised in the coming week. In my opinion, there are still some possibilities then."