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Arsenal transfer latest: Teenager impresses Gunners scouts as double deal done

Football.london brings you the latest round-up of transfer news from N5

Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist

18:00, 27 Jan 2026

Brazilian teenager Rafael Belinho of Dinamo Zagreb holds trophy

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Arsenal could sign teenage sensation Rafael Belinho

Several developments have emerged from Arsenal despite the club's quiet January transfer window so far. The Gunners were not expected to be especially busy this month, considering their record-breaking investment in top talent last summer.

They did, however, confirm the departure of teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri on loan to Marseille until the end of the campaign, as the youngster seeks to gain more first-team experience.

Mikel Arteta's men have been unable to secure a victory in their last three Premier League matches, which has naturally sparked concern among supporters. However, the Gunners remain in an excellent position, topping both the Premier League and Champions League standings, suggesting they're unlikely to spend heavily in the January window as a knee-jerk reaction.

Still, sporting director Andrea Berta is undoubtedly working behind the scenes with Arteta to improve the side in the short-term and the long-term. Football.london now brings you two of the most recent stories surrounding the north London club.

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Gunners monitoring Brazilian teenager

Arsenal are among several elite European sides monitoring 17-year-old Brazilian Rafael Belinho. The teenage sensation, who like former Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva also holds a Croatian passport, recently completed a move from Dinamo Zagreb to NK Kustosija.

That stemmed from his reluctance to commit to a lengthy professional contract with Dinamo, which would have tied him to the club for a minimum of three years. The plan is for Belinho to progress freely before securing a transfer to a big European club upon reaching 18.

He is regarded as one of the finest talents born in 2009 in the world, with Arsenal and Manchester United already among those who have sent scouts to watch him. The Athletic reports the Gunners are following his progress and could make a move once he turns 18 as part of their wider recent plans to bring in the best young talent from around the world.

Academy youngsters sign deals

Josiah King signing his Arsenal professional contract

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Josiah King has signed his Arsenal professional contract(Image: @Arsenal)

Arsenal announced on Tuesday that two academy prospects had signed their first professional contracts with the club. Versatile midfielder Ife Ibrahim, who arrived at Arsenal aged seven, put pen to paper on his first senior deal surrounded by family and friends.

The 18-year-old, who was entering the final six months of his scholarship contract, said: "I think it's a blessing, you know, a great opportunity. Not many people get to sign a professional contract, so I'm very grateful and blessed to be here.

"I came here when I was at the age of seven. I went through the pre-academy stage and then got signed at the age of nine. I've been here ever since. I always say it's a privilege. Arsenal's a very big club, so I'm very blessed to be here and continue my journey and make it."

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Josiah King also signed his contract on his 17th birthday, the youngest age at which a player can commit their future to the club. "It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time," King said. "So it’s always good to achieve something that you’ve always wanted to achieve. So I’m happy about that. It’s a good day to celebrate my birthday. It’s in the top-one birthdays, for sure."

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Arsenal continue their UEFA Champions League campaign as they host FC Kairat on January 28. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.

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