It's been an incredibly slow transfer window for Arsenal, who are seemingly set to stick with their current crop of players for the second-half of the season instead of splurging in the market
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
07:00, 30 Jan 2026
Oleksandr Zinchenko applauds
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Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly nearing a move to Ajax(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta appears increasingly inclined to trust his existing squad for the remainder of 2025/26 rather than spending heavily during the January transfer window, it seems.
It has been a comparatively quiet month in the red half of north London, as the Gunners let their performances do the talking on the pitch. Not only do Arsenal lead the Premier League standings, four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, but they also secured their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night with a convincing 3-2 victory over Kairat.
Maintaining an unbeaten record in European competition this season, Arsenal finished the league phase of the UCL in first place, earning direct progression to the knockout rounds of the competition. While Arsenal appear highly unlikely to bring any new signings to the Emirates Stadium before Monday's deadline, that hasn't prevented speculation from swirling regarding potential arrivals and departures.
Here, football.london looks at some of the latest transfer developments concerning Arsenal...
Arsenal target in-demand Real Madrid wonderkid
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal currently have Real Madrid's Victor Valdepenas under consideration. The Gunners are understood to have been monitoring the 19-year-old for some time, observing him prior to his senior debut last month.
While the Spaniard's natural role is at centre-back, Valdepenas can also function as a left-back - providing adaptability alongside his talent. Following spells within the youth setups of Villa Rosa, Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid and Leganes, the defender - who has featured for his country at Under-19 level - signed his first professional deal with Los Blancos in 2024.
Victor Valdepenas of Real Madrid CF in action during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid at Mendizorroza Stadium on December 14, 2025, in Vitoria, Spain.
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Arsenal are also targeting Victor Valdepenas(Image: Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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He has subsequently progressed from the C-team through to Alvaro Arbeloa's senior squad, earning his full debut against Alaves in La Liga during December. Tied down until 2029, Real Madrid are under no pressure to offload, and it's understood that Arsenal view Valdepenas as more of a summer prospect rather than one to chase in January's final days.
Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be monitoring the situation currently.
Oleksandr Zinchenko future decided
According to Telegraaf, Arsenal are poised to permit Oleksandr Zinchenko to join Ajax in a transfer valued at £1.3million before deadline day. That sum could increase depending on whether the Eredivisie club can qualify for Champions League football in 2026/27.
Oleksandr Zinchenko stands with his hands on his hips
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Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to join Ajax(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal are anticipated to subsidise the 29-year-old's wages until the summer, and it's reported that the left-back will travel to Amsterdam for a medical on Friday. It follows Arsenal's agreement to loan the Ukrainian to Nottingham Forest for the season last summer, which has proved to be an unsuccessful arrangement.
Zinchenko has featured in only five Premier League matches for the Tricky Trees, along with a further three in the Europa League.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.