Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Premier League, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia
With deadline day fast approaching, Arsenal could still finalise a number of deals as they prepare to enter the final months of the 2025-26 campaign.
Towards the end of last year, Mikel Arteta said Arsenal would be “actively looking” at potential signings in the January transfer window as they looked to build on their superb start to the season.
"The window is there. I mean, we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it," he said. "We have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that's a different story."
So far, it has been a quiet window for the Gunners, with the only activity being departures. Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Ajax until the end of the season, while Ethan Nwaneri made a loan switch to Marseille.
Advert
They have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, although the Argentine recently squashed rumours of a potential exit, saying he is "very focused on what lies ahead with Atletico".
In terms of more realistic targets, we have put together three potential signings that Arsenal could make to strengthen their title bid, with the first being Real Madrid's Victor Valdepenas.
Valdepenas, who made his senior debut for Madrid this season in a 2-1 win over Alaves, is a versatile left-footed defender who can play at both centre-back and full-back.
At times this season, midfielder Christian Norgaard has been forced to fill in at centre-half, so the addition of Valdepenas could prove pivotal for Mikel Arteta's side as they challenge in four different competitions.
The 19-year-old has a £43 million release clause in his contract at Los Blancos, according to a report from the BBC, which claims internal discussions towards a potential approach have already taken place.
Another realistic signing could be winger Yannick Carrasco, who looks set to leave Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab in January, with a loan deal being touted.
The 32-year-old is reportedly being chased by a number of clubs, including Roma, but he could see North London as an attractive destination. Of course, Arsenal chief Andrea Berta personally recommended Carrasco when he was at Atletico.
Finally, former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who was previously linked with a move to Arsenal, could bring some much-needed Premier League experience to the fold as they look to maintain their lead in the title race.
Arteta, meanwhile, has 'always liked' Neves, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old has scored eight goals in 22 games for Saudi side Al Hilal this season.
Do you think Arsenal need to make any signings in January? If so, who should they bring in? Let us know in the comments.
