Arsenal transfer latest: Jeremy Jacquet, Antoine Semenyo and more | OneFootball

Arsenal Enter January from Position of Strength

The Athletic has provided a detailed examination of Arsenal’s thinking ahead of the January transfer window. The context is important. Last summer was transformative. Arsenal committed more than £250million to eight first team signings, including Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, and the return on that investment has been immediate. They lead both the Premier League and their Champions League group, a reflection of planning matched by execution.

That success changes the tone of January. This is not a club scrambling to plug gaps. Instead, Arsenal approach the window with confidence, clarity and restraint. The Athletic frame it as a market viewed from strength, not necessity, even as financial balance and squad management remain part of the wider picture.

Arteta Focused on Protection and Readiness

Mikel Arteta’s priority, as outlined by The Athletic, is to carry momentum into the decisive months. Recruitment is secondary to protection. Speaking on December 5, Arteta said of January: “I mean, we always have to be prepared. The moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad or to protect the squad, depending on what happens, we need to be open for it.

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“So, we don’t know but we’re certainly going to be alert and we know where the risk can come in terms of the squad and be ready just in case we have to do something.”

Those words underline a reactive approach. Arsenal are not chasing headlines. They are prepared to respond if injuries demand action, but otherwise content to trust the group assembled over the summer.

Defensive Cover and Emerging Talent

The Athletic note that Arsenal are blessed with one of the strongest squads in Europe. There are no glaring needs, a striking contrast to previous seasons. The only mild concern sits in defence, where injuries have sidelined Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White.

Alongside short term cover, Arsenal continue to invest in the future. Recent pre contract agreements for Victor Ozhianvuna and Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero reflect a long term vision that extends beyond immediate pressures.

In terms of established targets, exploratory talks continue. As The Athletic report, “One player Arsenal continue to follow is Jeremy Jacquet — although having signed a new contract until 2029 in May, the 20 year old French centre back would command a considerable fee.” That sentence captures Arsenal’s discipline. Admiration does not automatically lead to action.

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Antoine Semenyo has also featured prominently. The Athletic explain that while Arsenal admire the Bournemouth winger, contact was based on a summer move rather than January, with Manchester City now his preferred destination.

Sales, Loans and Financial Balance

After last summer’s spending, sales will eventually be required. Arsenal’s squad is near capacity, making additions difficult without departures. Yet Arteta remains cautious.

Young talents Myles Lewis Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have attracted interest, but Arsenal are reluctant to lose either after tying them to long term deals. Gabriel Jesus had been open to a January exit, but his return to fitness has restored his importance. As The Athletic note, Arteta would be loath to let him leave now.

Loans are more likely among academy players, with Harrison Dudziak already moving to Braintree Town. First team loans are unlikely, with Arteta valuing depth over flexibility.

Financially, Arsenal remain compliant, though last summer tested limits. As The Athletic conclude, Arsenal’s strong position means their goals remain achievable even without January additions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal supporters, this report feels reassuring rather than frustrating. Fans have waited years to see the club reach a position where January windows are about control, not correction. Leading the Premier League and competing strongly in Europe has changed expectations.

Arteta’s language around protection resonates. Supporters understand that injuries have already tested depth, especially in defence. The idea of reacting only if necessary feels mature, even if it lacks excitement.

There will be mixed emotions around players like Semenyo or Jacquet. Fans naturally want reinforcements to push for titles, but there is also pride in the squad already built. Spending heavily again in January risks unsettling balance and finances.

The handling of Gabriel Jesus will be particularly welcomed. His return adds experience and quality at a crucial point. Letting him go mid season would feel like unnecessary risk.

Ultimately, Arsenal fans will judge this window on outcomes, not activity. If the team remains competitive across four competitions, patience will feel justified. Sometimes the strongest move is knowing when not to make one.