Arsenal Transfer Window Enters Critical Phase as Deadline Approaches
With the January transfer window deadline looming next Monday, Arsenal's activity has been relatively subdued, but several potential deals remain in play. Following a significant summer spending spree, the Gunners have prioritised departures this month, with Ethan Nwaneri already securing a loan move to Marseille.
Zinchenko's Ajax Move Faces Thursday Deadline
Oleksandr Zinchenko could be on the move again this month, with Ajax showing strong interest in the experienced left-back. The Ukrainian international is set to be recalled early from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, with a transfer fee and personal terms already agreed between the player and the Amsterdam club.
However, a significant sticking point has emerged regarding Zinchenko's contract situation. According to reports from the Netherlands, Arsenal must decide whether to pay the remainder of his salary, as his current Gunners deal is due to expire this summer. This contractual complication has created an impasse in negotiations.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf reports that Ajax are growing impatient with the delay and have set Arsenal a strict deadline of close of business on Thursday to sanction the move. If this deadline is not met, the Eredivisie giants intend to pursue alternative left-back options elsewhere.
Former Player's Transfer Complicated by Sell-On Clause
Meanwhile, Arsenal's transfer business from previous windows continues to have repercussions. When promising right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy departed for Genoa in 2024, the Gunners inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause into the transfer agreement.
This clause has now become a significant factor in negotiations, as Juventus seek to acquire the 22-year-old defender. The Italian giants want Norton-Cuffy initially on loan with an obligation to buy, provided they secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Genoa have set an asking price of €25 million (approximately £21.5 million) for the young defender, a valuation influenced by the sell-on clause that would see Arsenal receive around £4.3 million from any sale at that price. According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, this asking price is proving a stumbling block for Juventus, who hope their new sporting director Marco Ottolini's recent move from Genoa might help facilitate the deal.
Arsenal's Strategic Approach to January Window
Despite Arsenal's concerning recent form, which has seen their Premier League lead reduced to just four points, the club's decision-makers have opted against significant January reinforcements. Instead, they appear focused on the summer transfer window, when a broader range of talent typically becomes available.
This strategic approach means potential departures for players like Zinchenko and summer signing Christian Norgaard remain possibilities before Monday's deadline, while incoming business appears limited despite arguments that Mikel Arteta's squad could benefit from fresh impetus.
The coming days will prove crucial for Arsenal's transfer business, with contractual complexities and financial considerations creating challenging negotiations as the window enters its final phase.
