While Arsenal anticipate a quiet January transfer window, the groundwork is being laid for significant summer moves, with the club linked to a major defensive target and a Champions League-winning winger.
Summer Battle Brews for Newcastle's Livramento
Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City are set for a head-to-head clash this summer in the race to sign Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento. According to reports, interested clubs have been warned they will need to pay in excess of £60 million to secure the defender's services.
Livramento, who joined Newcastle from Southampton for £30 million in 2023, is under contract at St James' Park until 2028. However, talks over a new deal are yet to commence, with manager Eddie Howe viewing the player as a key asset and making fresh terms a 'priority'. The 21-year-old's situation has alerted top Premier League sides, with Manchester City's long-standing interest making them 'serious contenders'.
Arsenal, who spent around £250 million last summer on signings like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, are not expected to be major players this month. However, sporting director Andrea Berta is continuously scouting for future reinforcements, with defensive additions a potential focus at season's end.
Gunners Hold Initial Talks for PSG Star Barcola
In another development, Arsenal are said to be among several elite clubs who have made an enquiry for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old Frenchman, a Champions League winner with PSG, is attracting significant attention from the Premier League.
Sources indicate that Arsenal are 'one of the many' clubs to have held 'initial' discussions with intermediaries regarding Barcola's availability. The aim is to gain an early advantage in what is expected to be a competitive market, with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool also credited with interest. Any potential transfer for the winger is viewed as more likely in the summer window rather than during January.
Title Charge Takes Priority Over January Splash
These transfer manoeuvres come as Mikel Arteta's squad enjoys a commanding position at the Premier League summit. The Gunners currently sit six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, presenting a golden opportunity to end a title drought stretching back to 2004.
With the team performing consistently, the immediate focus remains on the pitch. Arteta has not completely ruled out January activity, but major business is considered improbable. The club's strategy appears centred on consolidating their lead while laying the foundations for summer deals that could further strengthen a squad already challenging for the highest honours.
Other potential targets include Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is free to talk to foreign clubs as his contract enters its final months, highlighting the long-term planning underway at the Emirates Stadium.
