Arsenal squad vs Liverpool
Arsenal squad vs Liverpool
Arsenal's January planning comes with a growing list of questions about who might be heading out.
Mikel Arteta has built a squad packed with quality, but keeping everyone happy is another matter, and recent reports suggest some difficult conversations could be coming at the Emirates.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Viktor Gyökeres is one name to watch, with some reports last month suggesting the Sweden striker was open to leaving in January after struggling to secure the regular football he wants.
Kai Havertz has been preferred up front, while Arsenal's summer pursuit of Julian Alvarez has also contributed to the uncertainty surrounding Gyokeres.
Atlético Madrid are still reportedly keen, with clubs elsewhere also looking at his situation, and Arsenal could consider a departure as they continue assessing potential attacking additions.
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|Viktor Gyökeres’ all-time Arsenal stats|
|Competition|Appearances|Goals|Assists|Minutes played|
|---|
|Premier League|42|14|2|2,385|
|Champions League|16|5|2|1,075|
|League Cup|6|2|1|440|
|FA Cup|2|1|0|74|
|Community Shield|1|0|0|15|
|Total|67|22|5|3,989|
That would give Arteta a decision to make, and letting a striker go during the season would require confidence that the Gunners still have enough firepower for the months ahead.
Martin Odegaard's circumstances are different, although his name has also appeared in recent transfer coverage.
Sky Germany reported that Arsenal could consider selling their captain next summer if they cannot agree a new contract, as his current deal runs until 2028, making the coming months significant.
Odegaard-Arsenal-Brighton
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
The same report said Odegaard could envisage playing for Bayern Munich, but stressed he is currently outside their priority targets.
Odegaard remains a central figure for Arteta, so losing him would be a major call, and Arsenal would reportedly prefer to settle the issue with a signature and keep their influential captain in north London.
Riccardo Calafiori has attracted attention too, with Real Madrid previously making enquiries and are considering a move next summer. Arsenal's response is firm, though, regarding the star defender as an untouchable member of Arteta's squad.
Saka-Arsenal-Calafiori
Those stories leave Arteta managing several different situations, from players chasing more minutes to rivals eyeing established starters.
Another expensive signing now appears ready to explore his options.
Martín Zubimendi ready to leave Arsenal as Liverpool approached over January move
Zubimendi-Calafiori-Gabriel-Odegaard-Arsenal
According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, Martín Zubimendi is ready to leave Arsenal in January, with seven major clubs made aware of his situation.
Liverpool have been approached about the midfielder's potential availability.
However, the report considers them less likely to act, pointing out that their previous interest came under a different management team.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have shown interest, while Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been informed too as well.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal for around £60m in 2025, but the Spain international has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
Zubimendi-Gyokeres-Arsenal
Bruno Guimarães' summer arrival has added to the competition, leaving the 27-year-old facing a battle for the sort of role he expected, with Myles Lewis-Skelly also promoted ahead of him last season, showing that his selection problems predate Guimaraes' arrival.
Arsenal know how Zubimendi feels and could consider a loan, with the terms of any move still needing to suit the club.
For Arteta, this is a delicate call.
Zubimendi wants his career moving again, while Arsenal must weigh the benefit of keeping experienced cover against the value of allowing him to play regularly elsewhere.