Arsenal can still sign players despite the January transfer window slamming shut at 7pm on Monday - with former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielders on the market
16:33, 02 Feb 2026
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
The January transfer window may have slammed shut, but Arsenal can still sign players. The Gunners explored the market for a potential replacement for the injured Mikel Merino on deadline day, with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali reported to be among those wanted.
However, Mikel Arteta's side ended the window without a single first-team signing, meaning they ended up failing to bring in a new midfielder after Merino suffered a foot injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period. Even though the 7pm deadline has passed, the Gunners can still sign players.
This is because the free agent market is still active, with a number of players without a contract still looking for a new club. Arsenal could therefore dip into that area to strengthen in midfield, with several ex-Premier League stars available. With this in mind, football.london has picked out six free agents that the Gunners can sign...
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Jesse Lingard
An attacking midfielder, former Manchester United and West Ham man Lingard has been a free agent since his contract at FC Seoul was terminated in December. The 33-year-old enjoyed a productive two years in South Korea, scoring 19 times in 67 appearances and captaining the club during the 2025 season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with the Gunners over the last couple of months after his contract at Besiktas was terminated back in August. The former England international, 32, made 20 appearances for the Super Lig side last season and hasn't played a competitive game since last May.
Tiemoue Bakayoko
Defensive midfielder Bakayoko has been without a club since leaving PAOK at the end of last season. He had signed a one-year deal at the Greek side following his departure from Lorient. Bakayoko, 31, made 43 appearances during a troubled spell at Chelsea, where he spent five of his six years there on loan at AC Milan, Monaco and Napoli.
Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, playing for AC Milan
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Former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko(Image: Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
James Rodriguez
Talented attacking midfielder Rodriguez has been a free agent since his contract ran out at Liga MX side Leon. He has a huge amount of pedigree in the game after playing more than 200 matches for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton combined. However, the Colombian is set to turn 35 in July and is starting to regress.
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Cesar Araujo
Araujo, 24, is by far the youngest player on the list and he could be an astute addition for the Gunners after impressing in the MLS at Orlando City. The Uruguay international has been a free agent since the start of January and has made more than 200 appearances across his career to date.
Allan Saint-Maximin
Away from midfielders and there is one player available that could tempt Arsenal. His name is former Newcastle forward Saint-Maximin, who is a free agent after leaving Club America on Saturday. The 28-year-old left winger enjoyed an impressive four-year spell at the Magpies between 2019 and 2023.
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