The clock is ticking on the January transfer window for Premier League leaders Arsenal and a medical has been planned after an 'agreement' was reached
10:52, 28 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal return to Champions League action midweek
Arsenal remain in pole position to clinch the Premier League title despite Sunday's setback against Manchester United.
Yet they are only four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa following the 3-2 defeat and the January transfer window offers the opportunity to bolster their squad. This month's most notable piece of business by the Gunners has involved Ethan Nwaneri joining Marseille on loan until the end of the campaign.
Nwaneri shone for the Gunners during a breakout season last term, netting nine goals in all competitions, but had struggled to secure regular playing time this campaign. He enjoyed a fairy tale beginning to his French adventure, finding the net just 13 minutes into his debut on Saturday as his new team claimed a 3-1 victory over Lens. Here, Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal news and transfer speculation.
Ethan Nwaneri
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Ethan Nwaneri has joined Marseille on loan(Image: Getty Images)
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Zinchenko 'set for Ajax medical'
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche remained tight-lipped about the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko earlier this month.
The Ukrainian international, currently on a season-long loan from Arsenal, has found it tough to secure regular playing time at the City Ground due to injuries and frequent managerial changes.
Dyche revealed plans to discuss the full-back's future with him, amidst rumours that they're prepared to return him to his parent club. Now, as per Voetbal International, an agreement has been reached between Arsenal and Forest to terminate Zinchenko's loan spell at the City Ground.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Nottingham Forest warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at City Ground on December 27, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Oleksandr Zinchenko is close to joining Ajax(Image: MB Media, Getty Images)
This arrangement will pave the way for the Ukrainian international to join Ajax, seemingly on a permanent basis rather than another loan, as his contract with Arsenal is due to run out in the summer. Zinchenko is expected to undergo a medical later this week before signing a six-month deal with the Johan Cruijff Arena.
When asked about Zinchenko joining his team, Ajax's interim manager Fred Grim said: "I hope that [Zinchenko's signing] will take shape soon.
"At Ajax, we're very busy strengthening our squad. It will have to be finalised in the coming week. In my opinion, there are still some possibilities then."
Gunners youngsters attract interest
Harrison Dudziak of Arsenal (right)
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Harrison Dudziak of Arsenal (right)
Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that several academy players could also depart the club before the transfer window closes. They suggest that Braintree Town are keen on securing England midfielder Harrison Dudziak, 20, on a longer-term loan deal.
Albanian defender Maldini Kacurri, 20, is also reportedly drawing attention from League Two clubs.
Arsenal tracking Brazilian teenager
Brazilian teenager Rafael Belinho of Dinamo Zagreb
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Brazilian teenager Rafael Belinho of Dinamo Zagreb(Image: Instagram)
The Premier League leaders are said to be among several top European clubs tracking 17-year-old Brazilian midfielder Rafael Belinho.
The teenage wonderkid, who like former Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva also holds a Croatian passport, completed a surprise move from Dinamo Zagreb to NK Kustosija.
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That was because he wasn’t prepared to pen a long-term professional deal with Dinamo, which would have kept him at the club for at least three years.
NK Kustosija's plan is said to be to allow Belinho to develop and then move on to a big European club once he's turned 18. Arsenal and Manchester United are thought to be among clubs who have sent scouts to watch him.
The Athletic reports the Gunners are following his progress and could make a move after his next birthday.