Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. | Getty Images
Arsenal are being linked with a handful of players ahead of the 7pm transfer deadline on Monday
It has been a quiet month for Arsenal on the transfer front but any new signings are not completely out of the question ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline.
The Gunners have a strong squad after spending £250m in the summer to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options. They remain in all four competitions as they look to chase down silverware and win their first major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020.
Asked about transfers in the last few days of the transfer window, Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s visit to Leeds United: “We have our ambitions, but we also have our own restrictions. We need to know what we have to do, what we can do and what we believe is the right thing to do.”
Arsenal are being linked with some new players and ahead of the deadline on Monday and we take a look at what their new starting XI might look like if the latest transfer rumours turn out to be true.
Goalkeeper and defence
Not much change is needed at the back for Arsenal. David Raya has proven an impressive addition since his move from Brentford and the Spaniard has firmly established himself as the number one at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta is spoiled for options in defence. One of his best defences would feature Jurrien Timber at right-back with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in central defence. When fit, Arteta has often chosen Riccardo Calafiori as his left-back.
In reality, no major changes will be needed for Arsenal in defence over the coming seasons. Their biggest challenge will be finding the best young players to future-proof their defence.
Midfield and attack
It is in the midfield and attack Arsenal are being linked with new players. According to Fichajes in Spain, the Gunners are interested in Real Madrid star Arda Guler with Arteta said to be ‘completely enamoured’ by the player’s talent.
An £87m price tag is mooted, and that is a fee which could bring Real Madrid to the table. He can play on the right wing and in attacking midfield.
Elsewhere, TEAMtalk report Arsenal are ready to ‘escalate’ their interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and are willing to offer some first-team players as part of a potential deal.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli ‘have been mentioned as potential makeweights’ in a deal to get the former Manchester City striker to North London.
If all those deals come to fruition, here is what Arsenal’s new-look starting XI might look like: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Guler; Saka, Alvarez, Trossard
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