Arsenal appear poised for a notably quiet January transfer window, with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta content to maintain the current squad's stability. This decision means the Gunners are unlikely to sanction any major arrivals or departures before the month's end, a stark contrast to their busy summer of marquee signings.
Ethan Nwaneri's Loan Situation Clarified
One player who will not be leaving the Emirates Stadium on loan this month is teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri. Despite interest from Premier League rivals including Bournemouth and West Ham United, football.london reports that the versatile attacker is not available for a temporary move.
Nwaneri, who recently started in Arsenal's FA Cup third-round victory over Portsmouth, has found first-team minutes limited this season. However, after that match – his first significant action since early December – Arteta praised the youngster's patience and performance, stating he "deserved" the opportunity.
The club's hierarchy has decided that a loan spell for the highly-rated 18-year-old is not essential at this juncture, preferring to keep him integrated within the first-team setup for the remainder of the campaign.
Andrea Berta's Focus Shifts to Summer Planning
While the winter window may be tranquil, sporting director Andrea Berta is already laying the groundwork for a potentially explosive summer. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are diligently drawing up plans for the next transfer period, with several high-profile targets on their radar.
Defensive reinforcements remain a consideration, with Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi a player of long-standing interest to the North London club. However, the primary focus appears to be on adding a blockbuster wide forward.
A shortlist for that role is understood to include elite names such as Real Madrid's Rodrygo, AC Milan's Rafael Leao, and Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz. These moves would represent a continuation of the ambitious strategy Berta oversaw in the previous summer window.
Former Gunner Donyell Malen Nears Serie A Switch
In other transfer news involving an Arsenal academy graduate, Donyell Malen is closing in on a move from Aston Villa to AS Roma. The Telegraph reports that a deal is set to be completed, structured as an initial loan with a £25 million obligation-to-buy clause.
The Dutch forward, who came through the ranks at Hale End before spells at PSV and Borussia Dortmund, has scored seven goals in 29 appearances for Villa this season. His anticipated departure is said to be driven by footballing reasons, specifically his desire to play consistently as a central striker – a role unlikely to be guaranteed under Unai Emery.
This move underscores the ongoing activity elsewhere in the Premier League, even as Arsenal adopt a more reserved stance this January.
