As the January transfer window enters its final week, Arsenal find themselves in a notably quiet period, with no new signings to bolster their squad this winter. The Gunners have been equally inactive in terms of outgoing transfers, with only one notable departure so far.
Ethan Nwaneri's Loan Move to Marseille
Young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has secured a loan move to French club Marseille, marking the sole exit from Arsenal during this transfer window. Marseille president Pablo Longoria has provided clarity on the deal, emphasising that including an option to buy Nwaneri permanently was never a realistic possibility.
Longoria told The Telegraph: "Let's say a very clear thing – an option to buy is unrealistic. He's one of the main assets for the future of Arsenal. The value for us is his talent and his sporting performances."
He further highlighted the appeal of working under Marseille's coach, Roberto De Zerbi, stating: "Our coach, Roberto De Zerbi, is a good incentive, he's recognised as one of the most creative coaches in Europe, and that kind of thing for the players is important."
Oleksandr Zinchenko's Impending Departure
In addition to Nwaneri's loan, Arsenal are set to see Oleksandr Zinchenko leave the club. The defender is due to join Ajax via Nottingham Forest, with his contract expiring at the end of the current season. This move underscores the likelihood of more outgoings than incomings for Arsenal in the remaining days of the transfer window.
Academy Player Osman Kamara on Trial
One of Arsenal's longest-serving academy players, Osman Kamara, recently featured for Blackburn Rovers' Under-21s in a Premier League 2 match. The 19-year-old winger, who joined Arsenal at the age of eight and has spent over a decade at the club, came on as a substitute and scored in a 5-0 victory.
Kamara is in the final season of his first professional contract, signed in the summer of 2024, and an exit now appears increasingly likely at the end of this season. His trial with Blackburn Rovers follows a recent start for Arsenal's Under-21s in a 7-0 loss to Liverpool, highlighting the competitive challenges he faces within the club's youth setup.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Arsenal's focus seems to be on managing departures rather than securing new arrivals, as they navigate a subdued winter window amidst ongoing squad evaluations.
