Arsenal transfer latest - Wilson deal 'one to watch' as double exit close

That's a wrap!

That concludes today's Arsenal transfer news - return tomorrow for more Gunners rumours and reports...

ICYIM - Arteta bemoans squad depth

Despite not signing anyone this month, the Arsenal boss has still publicly vented his frustration at the Gunners' depth. Speaking during his pre-Forest presser, the Spaniard claimed: "We have one of the thinnest squads in the League, that's for sure, and when you talk about the numbers, especially in certain areas, we are really thin.

"It wasn't possible [to do any January deals]. And now we didn't have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it, so we decided not to do something yet.

When does January transfer window close? Premier League details for deadline day

February 1 is transfer deadline day, though it is likely to be one of the quieter ones in Premier League history.

TThe January transfer window will close at 11pm on Thursday for Premier League teams. That gives them slightly longer to do business than their European rivals, with the Bundesliga's window ending at 5pm, Serie A's ending at 7pm and La Liga's closing on Wednesday.

Teams in Portugal will have until Friday to complete their business, while Turkish Super Lig clubs have another week on top of that. The final European window to close is Switzerland on 15 February.

Gunners have fight on their hands for Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi is a very familiar name for Arsenal fans, who have constantly seen their club linked with the Real Sociedad midfielder. The 24-year-old Spain international has spent his entire senior career with La Real, but could be on the move this summer.

Zubimendi has a €60million (£53m) release clause that Arsenal could trigger – and that financial hurdle isn’t the only one for the club to clear, with Bayern Munich lurking with intent. Bild reports that Bayern have made Zubimendi their top priority transfer target for the summer.

He is their new target after failing to land Fulham ’s Joao Palhinha over the summer. Thomas Tuchel wants a No6 and Zubimendi fits the bill. Bayern’s interest could force Arsenal’s hand.

ICYMI - Biereth outlines Arsenal ambitions

Arsenal striker Mika Biereth is hoping to impress during his loan spell at Sturm Graz and break into the Gunners first team once he returns.

Man Utd finally listen to Ralf Rangnick after ignoring his six-man transfer plan

Biereth spent the first half of the season out on loan at Motherwell, where he scored six goals and provided five assists in 14 Scottish Premiership games. However, he was recalled earlier this month and shipped out on loan to Sturm Graz for the remainder of the campaign.

Sturm Graz currently sit second in Austrian Bundesliga, just two points behind RB Salzburg, and Arsenal will be watching Biereth's performances closely. "It's not just my dream; it's probably many people's dream to play for Arsenal," he said in an interview with Danish magazine Tipsbladet.

‌"All I can do is get better and better when I'm away on loan deals. Hopefully, I can get the opportunity when I come back to the club. Arsenal is keeping an eye on all my matches, and that's good, so hopefully, I can become even better when I return."

Read the full story here

Mikel Arteta finally agrees to let Arsenal wonderkid leave to Premier League rival

Arsenal youngster Lino Sousa is set to join Aston Villa permanently ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

Sousa, 19, is a versatile young defender who joined the Gunners from West Bromwich Albion back in the 2022 January transfer window and has been involved in first-team training regularly under Mikel Arteta.

The talented teenager has failed to break into Arteta's team, though, and is now on the cusp of linking up with Villa, per a new report from football.london. Reports elsewhere claim that Villa have beaten off significant interest to land the youngster's signature from the likes of Juventus and Galatasaray.

Although Sousa was fast-tracked into senior training after impressing scouts, his route to the first team has been blocked by the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber.

ICYMI - Arsenal in Osimhen talks

Perhaps any progress in the next 24 hours or so will be in the hopes of securing a deal come the summer. Journalist Ciro Venerato has claimed that contact has been made by the Gunners for Victor Osimhen.

The Nigeria international is expected to move to Real Madrid, Barcelona or 'an English club' after Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis' latest comments.

It would certainly be a blockbuster move.

Throwback

Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has departed Valencia and completed a move to Atletico Madrid.

The defender was said to be stuck on 19 appearances, with the club reluctant to offer him a 20th outing this term as it would have trigged a contract extension.

More Lino Sousa

Reports suggest that the defender has already completed his medical and Aston Villa are setting up a loan to Plymouth Argyle.

Things are moving quickly.

More Marquinhos

The deal is done according to reports in Brazil, per Sport Witness. There is currently no information on making the deal permanent however, as Fluminense look set to win the race. Corinthians are also said to have engaged in talks however.

Sutton on Osimhen and Arsenal and Chelsea

The former Blues striker said: “He is better than what Chelsea and Arsenal have got. Do we think that Arsenal are going to push more than Chelsea in the next couple of seasons? Probably, but Chelsea are a bit of a slow burner. They are getting a little bit better Chelsea. It’s difficult to see how this one will pan out. But Arsenal are getting desperate for a number nine."

Deal agreed

Arsenal have agreed a deal to see Lino Sousa join Aston Villa reports the Athletic.

The young full back joined the Gunners from West Brom two years ago and now looks set to depart.

Deadline day

Things are looking quiet at the moment but Arsenal have pounced in the past. The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Saurez and Kim Kallstrom all arrived in the final moments.

Arsenal exit

The Evening Standard report that in addition to Marquinhos, that Bradley Ibrahim is set set seal an exit from thhe Emirates. The 19-year-old midfielder appears ready to accept a permanent move to Hertha Berlin.

No Arsenal hijack.

There has been talk over whether the Gunners could pounce to land Ibrahim Osman with West Ham and Brighton yet to get a deal over the line. No bid from Arsenal yet says journalist Ben Jacobs, though a move to the Premier League has yet to be ruled out this month, perhaps the summer could suit.

Transfer news

It's been a quiet month but there is still a busy 24 hours or so ahead for a number of clubs and you can keep up to date with the news outside of Arsenal with our transfer blog here.

Youngster wanted

The talk around Amario Cozier-Duberry has not stopped eithher with the youngster's contract set to expire in the summer. Newcastle were already said to be interested in the teen, and Fabrizio Romano suggests that Wolves and Anderlecht are also targeting the ace.

He could yet remain with the Gunners but it could be a tense few months.

Loan deal negotiations

Reports in Brazil suggest Marquinhos could return to his homeland on loan. The 20-year-old is currently hoping to earn his nation a place in the Olympics and now a move to Fluminense could also be possible though it seems an option for a permanent deal is also on the cards.

Marquinhos was recalled from Nantes this month.

Gabriel Jesus believes he can solve Arsenal problem

The forward was pleased with his contribution against Nottingham Forest and believes he can lead the Gunners' forward line.

He said: "I am changing my mindset, I think I am more focused on the game now. Before, when I miss one or two chances…but that was not the case this time."
Read the full story by John Cross here.

Summer opportunity

Probably not one for Arsenal come the summer but interesting nevertheless. There appears to be little certainty over Luka Modric's future come the summer. Carlo Ancelotti has said it lies in the Croatian's hands.

He said: “Modrić is a legend of Real Madrid and football. He is the one who will decide about next season”.

Arsenal's angry confrontation

Mikel Arteta was required to calm down Oleksandar Zinchenko after the Gunners' win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, amid a heated conflict with Ben White.

Full story.

Arteta's assessment

These comments don't strike too much hope but signal that the club know that there is work to be done. Can any opportunities arise in the next 24 hours?

"We have one of the thinnest squads in the League, that's for sure, and when you talk about the numbers, especially in certain areas, we are really thin.

"It wasn't possible [to do any January deals]. And now we didn't have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it, so we decided not to do something yet."

Arsenal in Osimhen talks

Perhaps any progress in the next 24 hours or so will be in the hopes of securing a deal come the summer. Journalist Ciro Venerato has claimed that contact has been made by the Gunners for Victor Osimhen.

The Nigeria international is expected to move to Real Madrid, Barcelona or 'an English club' after Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis' latest comments.

It would certainly be a blockbuster move.

Jonathan David comments

Arsenal and talk of a new striker has not diminished throughout January and one prospective target in Jonathan David has been asked about his future. The Canadian striker has been linked to Chelsea this month but has regularly been mentioned in the same breath as Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 24-year-old told Telefoot: "When you're young, these are the clubs you watch and think about. It's flattering. I appreciate that."

LILLE - Jonathan David of Lille OSC during the French Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and Paris Saint-Germain at Pierre-Mauroy Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Lille, France. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | Gerrit van Keulen (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) (ANP via Getty Images)

Benzema's final transfer decision

The French forward appeared like he could have an interesting option for a number of sides this month. However, having hit out at reports he could soon depart Saudi Arabia, he does appear to firmly be staying with Al-Ittihad.

Benzema had taken an unsanctioned holiday and missed team duties.

Full story.

Scholes' foul-mouthed rant on Zinchenko

The former Man United midfielder believes it is an 'insult' that Zinchenko features in a midfield role at all for Arsenal.

Full story

Howe on Isak

The possibility of any move for Wilson could have been impacted by Sweden star Alexander Isak limping off the pitch before half time in Newcastle's win over Aston Villa.

Howe said: "I expect us to be finished for the window. There’s very little time for us to do anything — either in or out. We don’t know the severity of Isak’s injury but hope it’s not too bad. But his injury isn’t likely to change things. I don’t think we have the ability to do that (sign someone).”

Smith Rowe hint dropped

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has dropped the clearest hint yet that Emile Smith Rowe will remain with the Gunners beyond the January transfer window.

“I’m really pleased with Emile because it’s been a long time since he had an opportunity to start a game. He’s been training really well, really sharp," Arteta said.

“That he went for it, that he was free, he was flowing, he was moving, he was participating, his body language was good - he’s just a beautiful footballer to watch.

“I’m really pleased because he was really connected with the team and I thought he played the game in a really good way.”

Wilson deal 'one to watch'

Arsenal are monitoring the status of Callum Wilson, with a deal for the Newcastle star still possible.

The Magpies have insisted the striker is not for sale, but reports state that he is still 'one to watch' in the final days of the window.

There could be an 'opportunity' before the deadline, but the only way he will leave St James' Park is for a bumper permanent deal.

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