Arsenal have received an update from Atletico Madrid regarding Julian Alvarez's potential January transfer exit, while the Gunners are also said to have submitted an offer for a World Cup sensation
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta is already looking at bolstering his squad in January
Arsenal are targeting another week without defeat across all competitions, beginning with the Carabao Cup. But focus around the club is already shifting towards the January transfer window.
The Gunners face two away fixtures, first at Highbury Stadium where Fleetwood Town lie in wait in the fourth round on Tuesday night, before travelling to Anfield for a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Tonight's game sees Fleetwood confront the enormous challenge of welcoming the reigning Premier League champions. Despite 66 league positions separating the two sides, Arteta won't underestimate this Carabao Cup tie. Here, the Daily Star Sport brings you the latest emerging from the red half of north London.
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: Julián Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and RC Deportivo de A Coruna at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on October 24, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez apologised to Atletico Madrid fans(Image: Angel Martinez, Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez transfer decision
Atletico Madrid have reportedly made clear they won't allow Julian Alvarez to depart in January, crushing Arsenal's ambitions of landing the Argentinian striker this season. TEAMtalk claims that the Gunners had maintained dialogue with Alvarez's representatives hoping he might be receptive to a switch to England in the upcoming transfer window.
The attacker had significant aspirations to join Barcelona but Atleti remained firm in their stance to prevent this transfer completely. Arsenal had monitored the situation closely and were poised to be the leading contenders for his services in January.
However, fresh reports suggest that Alvarez won't be allowed to leave Madrid during this season. The striker also appears to have backtracked on his public wish to depart after issuing an apology to supporters following their victory over RC Deportivo.
Alvarez netted the decisive goal and told Movistar Plus that he regrets his earlier comments about potential moves. He said: "I'd like to apologise to our fans for what I said at the World Cup; it was a mistake in terms of how I said it and the timing. I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a fan, I'd be angry too. Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived."
Offer for target confirmed
San Diego, California - September 16: Gilberto Mora #10 of Club Tijuana looks on during the Baja Cup exhibition match against the San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Arsenal have moved to sign Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora (Image: The San Diego Union-Tribune, The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Arsenal have reportedly tabled a bid for teenage prodigy Gilberto Mora ahead of the January transfer window in an attempt to steal a march on their Premier League competitors. According to Sports Witness, the Gunners' pursuit of the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder began last October, and they've now made their move.
Former Mexico defender Claudio Suarez has confirmed that European clubs have submitted bids for Mora. He told Unanimo: "I know for a fact that he's had offers.
"Arsenal showed interest, and so did Bayern Munich. Arsenal's plan was to sign him and then loan him out, since he might not have been a starter for them right away. I happen to know that both Arsenal and Bayern presented him with a great project."
Suarez reckons Mora needs a switch to Europe to elevate his career following an impressive World Cup campaign with Mexico. He said: "The truth is that Gil Mora's situation is unique - the kind that comes along once in a very long while.
"He's extraordinary, both because of his age and the entire development path he's been on since Juan Carlos Osorio gave him his debut. If it were up to me, I'd let him go.
"He needs to head to Europe to start gaining that kind of experience. It wouldn't be the end of the world if things didn't go well -though I personally believe he'll do very well. It's just a matter of finding the right club - somewhere he can adapt quickly and where he'll be well supported."
The 18-year-old has contributed 18 goals and assists across 63 matches for Tijuana and has already opened his account at international level.
He featured in four of Mexico's five World Cup fixtures this summer and also played a key role in their Gold Cup triumph over the United States last year.