Report: Eight players on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the January transfer window | OneFootball

Arsenal January transfer window shortlist

Arsenal head into January sat at the summit of the Premier League, and the focus has shifted from chasing to holding position. Caught Offside report that Mikel Arteta has “hinted that reinforcements could arrive”, which captures the mood around the club, alert to opportunities, not locked into impulse buys.

The report pinpoints why. Arsenal’s first half has been impressive, yet “injuries in defense and the heavy workload placed on key midfielders” have exposed where depth could decide the run in. With domestic and European fixtures piling up, one or two targeted additions can protect performance levels when rotation becomes unavoidable.

January window approach at Emirates Stadium

Caught Offside suggest “January business is expected to be measured rather than reckless”. That aligns with Arsenal’s recent pattern, deals that improve the squad now, while also fitting the next phase. In practice, it points to flexibility, moving quickly if the right player becomes attainable.

Defensive options, Bartesaghi, Ahanor, Jacquet

At left back, Davide Bartesaghi is described as “the highly rated AC Milan youngster” and “a potential solution for left-back depth”, with “sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside”. The appeal is obvious, a developing option who can cover minutes and grow into the environment.

At centre back, Honest Ahanor of Atalanta is noted as an emerging candidate, while Jérémy Jacquet of Rennes has been the subject of “informal discussions”. There is no mention of an offer, which makes this feel like smart groundwork rather than an imminent deal.

Photo IMAGO

Midfield rotation plans, Bouaddi, Stanković, Neves

In midfield, Lille prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi is presented as a premium target, valued at “€50-60 million”. That price shapes any January thinking, yet the report says Arsenal are weighing whether a move is feasible “if the right conditions arise”. Aleksandar Stanković of Club Brugge is also mentioned, admired for “dynamism and intensity”, attributes that suit Arteta’s high tempo demands.

Rúben Neves is the experienced option. He is “keen on a return to European football” and has been offered to several top clubs, including Arsenal. It may stay at that stage, although January often turns on availability and timing.

Attacking targets, Yıldız and a “Ødegaard-style” project

Kenan Yıldız remains a long term name, with Juventus “reluctant to consider a January sale”. That feels like a summer conversation.

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Arda Güler is the eye catching detail. Arsenal are said to view him as a potential “Ødegaard-style” project, possibly via a loan to buy structure, though Xabi Alonso is “keen to keep him”. If he stays put, Arsenal can still take encouragement from the underlying message, recruitment is active, planning is detailed, and the title push is being treated as a real moment.

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As an Arsenal supporter, this reads like the calm January briefing you want when you are top of the league. Arteta has “hinted that reinforcements could arrive”, and that is enough to keep hope ticking without unrealistic expectations. The squad is strong, yet it has looked stretched when injuries bite, especially at full back and through midfield.

If Bartesaghi is being tracked as “a potential solution for left-back depth”, it feels like a tidy move, low fuss, useful minutes, and long term upside. The centre back names, Honest Ahanor and Jérémy Jacquet, also suggest Arsenal are thinking beyond a quick patch up, they are planning for the next two seasons while trying to win now.

Midfield is where I would push hardest. Bouaddi at “€50-60 million” is steep for January, though the profile is exciting, energy, bravery on the ball, and room to grow. Stanković being praised for “dynamism and intensity” hits the same note, Arsenal need legs to keep the press sharp late in games.

Güler as a “Ødegaard-style” project is the detail that gets fans dreaming. If Xabi Alonso is “keen to keep him”, then keep the relationship warm and revisit it, because one creative addition could be the difference between first and second.