In a fascinating virtual projection of the football transfer market, Football Manager 2026 has simulated Arsenal's January transfer window and deadline day activities, producing some intriguing results for the North London club.
Arsenal's Simulated Transfer Strategy
Arsenal are enjoying a stellar season in this simulation, battling for a long-awaited Premier League title under Mikel Arteta's management. The Gunners are competing on multiple fronts, with the club determined to end the campaign with at least one major trophy to their name.
Despite already boasting impressive squad depth following several expensive summer signings, the simulation suggests Arsenal could emerge even stronger for the crucial title run-in with strategic January reinforcements.
Quiet Window with Strategic Midfield Additions
Somewhat surprisingly, the simulation predicts a relatively quiet transfer window for Arsenal. The Gunners made just two additions to their squad, choosing not to strengthen their defence or attack directly.
Instead, Arteta opted to bolster his midfield options by spending £10.5 million on a Mexico international and securing a free transfer for a midfielder with proven Premier League pedigree.
Arsenal's deadline day passed without any last-minute transfer activity in this virtual scenario.
Incoming Transfers
Marcel Ruiz (Toluca) - £10.5 million
The 25-year-old Mexican international completed his switch from Toluca towards the end of the window. In this Football Manager save, Ruiz has earned 11 caps for Mexico and has penned a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium until July 2030.
Ruiz agreed to a contract worth £86,000 per week, securing his services for the foreseeable future.
Ruben Neves (Free agent) - Free transfer
The surprise signing of Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves will cost Arsenal significantly more in weekly wages. After being released by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, Neves secured a contract worth an eye-watering £135,000 per week at Arsenal.
This substantial salary makes Neves the second-highest earner among new arrivals to the Premier League during the January window in this simulation.
Outgoing Transfers
Will Sweet (Bristol City) - £215,000
Marcell Washington (Crewe Alexandra) - Six-month loan
Arteta approved just two departures in January according to the simulation. Youngster Marcell Washington secured a six-month loan spell at Crewe Alexandra, while Will Sweet completed a permanent transfer to Bristol City for £215,000.
Gabriel Jesus' Situation
Gabriel Jesus' future at Arsenal appears secure in this FM26 save. The Brazilian forward makes four substitute appearances in the simulation, scoring once and providing an assist in the Premier League following his return from the torn ACL that sidelined him from real-life action for eleven months.
However, the simulation suggests Jesus' unfortunate injury problems persist, with the forward suffering a partially torn thigh muscle during training.
Broader Premier League Transfer Activity
Elsewhere in the simulation, Manchester City spent a combined £130 million to bring in former Arsenal player Lucas Torreira from Galatasaray and replicated the real-life signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
City's transfer activity accounted for roughly one third of the league's total £311 million net spend. Torreira's move initially cost City £60 million, though this could increase to £80 million with add-ons.
The biggest transfer outside the Premier League in this simulation was Raphinha's £69 million move from Barcelona to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.
By the time the January window closed in this Football Manager 2026 simulation, Arsenal were just two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool in the Premier League title race, setting up an intriguing virtual battle for the championship.
