While Arsenal anticipate a quiet January transfer window, the groundwork for significant summer moves is already being laid. The Premier League leaders are reportedly preparing for a major battle with Manchester City for a key defender and have held initial talks over a coveted winger.
Arsenal and City Set for £60m Livramento Showdown
Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City are gearing up for a head-to-head contest to sign Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento this summer. According to reports, interested clubs have been warned they will need to pay in excess of £60 million to secure his signature.
Livramento, whose current contract runs until 2028, is viewed as a vital asset by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. Securing the 22-year-old to new terms is understood to be a priority for the Magpies, but formal talks over an extension are yet to begin. The defender, who joined Newcastle from Southampton for £30 million in 2023, recently suffered an injury during the FA Cup third-round victory over Bournemouth.
Manchester City are considered serious contenders, having held a long-standing interest in the player. Arsenal, however, are also keen to bolster their defensive options ahead of next season, potentially reigniting a pursuit that was mooted last year.
Gunners Hold 'Initial Talks' for PSG Winger Barcola
In another developing story, Arsenal are said to be among several Premier League giants showing interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old winger, a Champions League winner with PSG, is attracting attention from England's top clubs.
Sources indicate that Arsenal are one of many clubs to have held initial discussions with intermediaries regarding the French international. The aim is to gain an early advantage in what is expected to be a competitive race for his signature, with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool also credited with interest. Any potential transfer for Barcola is viewed as more likely to occur in the summer window rather than this month.
Quiet January Expected After Summer Spending Spree
This cautious approach in January follows a substantial summer outlay of around £250 million on new recruits. Major additions included striker Viktor Gyokeres, wingers Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, and midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The investment has paid dividends on the pitch, with Mikel Arteta's side sitting six points clear at the Premier League summit, ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa. This position offers a huge opportunity to end a title drought stretching back to 2004.
While the winter window may be tranquil, sporting director Andrea Berta and his team remain active in the market, exploring opportunities for future investment. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is in the final months of his contract and free to talk to foreign clubs, has also been linked as a potential reinforcement for the Gunners' backline.
