Arsenal transfer news

THE January window provides an opportunity for Mikel Arteta to breathe new life into his struggling Arsenal side.The Gunners have won just one of their last five Premier League games, and have fallen from being top on Christmas day down to fourth after successive losses in the capital.
Mikel Arteta wants to add to his squad in JanuaryCredit: Getty
Last week they had 30 shots on goal at the Emirates but still managed to lose 2-0 to West Ham before a dismal 2-1 defeat away to goal-shy Fulham.
Arteta is in need of some spark, and fresh faces could be the key, but the Spaniard has suggested the club need to sell first before considering splashing the cash this month.
Alongside sporting director Edu, Arteta has several game plans depending on who they can shift and how quickly they can act in the market.
Here, SunSport assesses six options the Arsenal boss has in adding to his transfer kitty:
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CEDRIC SOARES
The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back has been deemed surplus to requirements in North London for some time now, having spent the end of last season on loan at Fulham.
His contract expires in the summer, with the club very unlikely to extend his deal after initially signing on loan in January 2020 from Southampton before making it permanent that summer.
Cedric Soares has made just two first team appearances this seasonCredit: Reuters
Arteta has previously spoken of Cedric’s positive influence in the dressing room and in training, but game time has been seriously limited – just 65 minutes this campaign.
Turkish sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor are interested in a loan plus an obligation to buy. Arsenal would rather sell now, but may be left with little choice if offers come in.
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It could be seen as a gamble by Arteta, given Arsenal’s injury issues in that position, but Takehiro Tomiyasu returned to action at Craven Cottage while Jurrien Timber is expected to make his long-awaited comeback in mid-February.
EDDIE NKETIAH
The future looked bright for the England striker when he signed a new long-term deal at Arsenal in the summer of 2022 – taking on Thierry Henry’s famous No.14 shirt.
But since then, despite an impressive goal-to-game ratio – mainly from the bench – Nketiah has struggled to convince Arteta he can lead the line for an entire season.
Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a January move to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
As it stands, Arteta wants to keep him at the club, a useful squad player who is currently Arsenal’s joint-top Prem scorer with five goals in 10 starts so far.
There has been interest around the 24-year-old for some time now, and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs this month on a potential move.
With his contract not expiring until 2027, Arsenal would be looking for an extraordinary offer to let Nketiah leave. Until then, he will remain in Arteta’s plans.
EMILE SMITH ROWE
Despite still having his minutes managed since coming back from injury, it was a surprise to see Smith Rowe an unused sub as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser against Fulham.
During the early days of Arteta’s reign, he was one of catalysts for their upturn in form, providing goals, assists and energy.
Emile Smith Rowe has suffered several injury issues in the last 18 monthsCredit: Alamy
Now, since his last new contract in July 2021, he has made 51 Prem appearances across three seasons, yet has made just one Prem start across the past two seasons.
He may be a fan favourite, but Arteta could see this as the time to cash in on a young player who still has potential to make his mark in this division.
Tied up until 2026, Arsenal will again be waiting for a significant offer before making a decision.
Newcastle have previously been interested but are only looking at loan deals with an obligation to buy during this window, and have their eyes on Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
AARON RAMSDALE
The player who more than most has his eyes on the exit door with the Euros approaching in the summer, having been ousted as No.1 by the arrival of David Raya in the summer.
Ramsdale was bought for £30m including add-ons from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021. His contract expires in 2026 with an option to extend until 2027.
Aaron Ramsdale is no longer Arsenal’s No1Credit: Getty
Arsenal will want to at least get back what they put in should he leave, but again, Arteta has been insistent in his desire for Ramsdale to fight for his place from the bench.
Yet Ramsdale knows his Three Lions chances are slipping away week by week. He has made just five Prem appearances this season, the last one coming in November.
Chelsea and Newcastle are keeping tabs on the situation, both clubs suffering from injuries to their first-choice keepers currently.
JAKUB KIWIOR
The Polish defender only signed last January in a £20m five-and-a-half-year deal from Italian outfit Spezia, but is already fighting to stay in North London.
Kiwior was axed at half-time against Fulham having struggled in an unfamiliar left-back role, just his eighth Prem appearance of the season.
Jakub Kiwior has failed to impress so far this seasonCredit: Getty
Like Cedric, it would be a risk to sell him without bringing in a like-for-like given Arsenal’s injury worries at the back, as well as Kiwior’s flexibility in defence and holding midfield.
It could be a departure that makes sense given Tomiyasu, Timber and Thomas Partey are all expected back within the next month.
However, Tomiyasu is set to join up with Japan for the Asian Cup and Kiwior may be needed as cover.
REISS NELSON
One of Arteta’s most loyal servants and a player the Spanish coach still feels he can get more from, Nelson has been on the periphery of the starting XI for some time.
The issue for the 24-year-old academy graduate is that he is attempting to break into a crowded position – one that already has Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Reiss Nelson signed a new four-year deal in JulyCredit: Alamy
The four-year deal he signed back in July will help keep his price high should Arteta feel, like Smith Rowe’s situation, that now is the time to cash in and move on.
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Again, it would be a risk to see a valued squad member depart. Wolves have been interested in the player in the past, and Nelson is sure to attract further Prem suitors should offers begin to flood in.
For now, Arteta is happy with Nelson’s position in the squad, but his impacts off the bench this season have been underwhelming at best. More

FULHAM have extended Tom Cairney’s contract by one more year.The Scottish midfielder, who would have been a free agent this summer, is now tied to the club until 2025 meaning he will complete a decade of service at Craven Cottage.
Fulham have extended Tom Cairney’s contract by one more yearCredit: Rex
This is because Fulham have triggered their option of giving Cairney an extra 12 months after some impressive recent performances for Marco Silva’s side.
The 32-year-old was impressive in his team’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday and he made his 300th club appearance in the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham last month.
A £2.8million signing from Blackburn in 2015, he missed the start of this season with a knee injury but has worked his way back into the team.
His contract extension follows the news that Tim Ream has extended his stay at Fulham until 2025. He also joined the club in 2015.
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Also revealed by SunSport, Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the season as a free agent.
The Cottagers have offered the centre-back, 26, a new deal with his current terms due to expire in the summer.
But Tosin, who attracted interest from Tottenham and Monaco during the last transfer window, is expected to snub it as he wishes to move on for nothing when the campaign ends.
Spurs have made signing a new centre-back their top transfer priority in January.
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At present, Fulham still expect the Manchester City academy product to stay in January despite there only being months remaining on his deal.
Tosin will be able to agree a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from the start of next month.
Silva is believed to have not given up hope that Tosin will have a change of heart before the season ends.
Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP More

ARSENAL are reportedly open to letting Takehiro Tomiyasu leave on loan next month.The Gunners are expected to be active in the January transfer market as they target their first Premier League title in 20 years.
Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Takehiro Tomiyasu on loanCredit: Alamy
The Serie A champions are also interested in Jakub KiwiorCredit: AFP
Mikel Arteta is eager to sign a defender, a midfielder and a striker when the window opens.
However, some current players will have to be offloaded to make way for new additions.
And according to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Tomiyasu could be allowed to leave.
Napoli are understood to be interested in signing the full-back on loan in January.
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The Serie A champions are also considering a swoop for Jakub Kiwior, but Arsenal are less likely to sanction a loan for him.
Arteta is allegedly willing to let Kiwior leave in a permanent transfer next month.
The 23-year-old has been limited to 21 appearances since joining Arsenal in January 2022.
Meanwhile, Tomiyasu has established himself as an important member of Arteta’s squad.
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The full-back has made 19 appearances so far this season, but recently suffered a calf injury which has left him sidelined.
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners have been linked with several players ahead of the January transfer window, including Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke and Matthijs de Ligt. More

NEWCASTLE are lining up a shock double transfer swoop on Arsenal, according to reports. The Magpies face a crucial January transfer window amid poor form, a depleted squad littered with injuries, Sandro Tonali banned and financial restrictions making money tight.
Emile Smith Rowe has struggled for game time this season at ArsenalCredit: Getty
Aaron Ramsdale could be reunited with Eddie Howe at Newcastle after losing his placeCredit: Reuters
Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento all arrived for big money in the summer with Chris Wood and Allan Saint-Maximin the two significant departures.
But with the Toon already close to profit and sustainability rules limits, it is understood Eddie Howe is targeting loan deals and free agents for the second half of the season.
A versatile forward to add goals, a midfielder to cover for Tonali and a goalkeeper while Nick Pope is sidelined by his shoulder injury are among the key priorities.
And according to The Athletic, two of those holes could be plugged by Arsenal outcasts – Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.
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Ramsdale, 25, is warming the bench this season following David Raya’s arrival from Brentford and, despite Mikel Arteta’s promise to rotate his goalkeepers, the £30million England international is barely getting a look in.
Howe signed Ramsdale at Bournemouth and therefore the pair know each other well.
And if a loan move can be negotiated, it could suit all parties.
David De Gea has also been linked with a switch to St James’ Park.
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But although a free agent, the Spaniard would demand big wages and be a direct threat to Pope as the No1 choice.
Sam Johnstone at Crystal Palace and Tottenham’s forgotten man Hugo Lloris are other targets.
Further forward, Smith Rowe could be lined up to inject some added creativity into the Newcastle team, especially with Tonali, Barnes and Jacob Murphy unavailable.
Smith Rowe, 23, has struggled for game time this season with injuries and selection – limiting him to just 116 minutes of Premier League action across six appearances.
His one assist came in his only start as the Gunners thumped Sheffield United 5-0 in October.
Chelsea and West Ham have also been linked with the three-cap Three Lions international this season.
‘NO ASSURANCES’
The Athletic report also names Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart and Boulaye Dia of Salernitana as other targets.
Toon target Kalvin Phillips looks set to join Juventus on loan while Conor Gallagher’s £40m price tag set by Chelsea is simply too much for a January deal.
Howe – who insists there will be no first-team exits from St James’ Park next month – is feeling the heat after six defeats in seven.
And asked about money available for the upcoming window, he said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
“It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
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“Financial fair play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
“FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
Newcastle’s squad has been struck by a wave of injuriesCredit: Reuters
Smith Rowe and Ramsdale could both head to St James’ Park on loanCredit: Getty More