Arsenal latest: Antoine Semenyo transfer twist as Gabriel Martinelli role clear

football.london takes a look at the latest news stories from N5, including a stunning transfer revelation involving Arsenal

Arsenal are set to face Brighton in their penultimate Premier League game of 2025 this Saturday afternoon. The Gunners, who were top of the league going into Christmas, will be playing for a crucial three points against the Seagulls as Manchester City ramp up the pressure.

Mikel Arteta's men then take on Aston Villa on Tuesday as they look to avenge the gut-wrenching defeat at Villa Park just a few weeks ago. Arsenal remain in the running for all four competitions they're participating in this season, following their midweek Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace.

Yet, despite their closest rivals looking to bolster their ranks, it's thought that the Gunners are set for an uneventful January transfer window, as football.london takes a look at two of the latest Arsenal-related stories.

Semenyo's preference revealed

Arsenal were reportedly Antoine Semenyo’s top pick for a January transfer destination. The Bournemouth winger is rumoured to be on the brink of signing for Manchester City, with Arsenal's title rivals likely to outmanoeuvre Manchester United and Liverpool to activate his £65million release clause early next month.

This comes as a setback for Arteta, particularly given recent reports suggesting the 25-year-old Ghanaian would have gladly chosen Arsenal over City, having been a Gunners fan since childhood. According to The Athletic, the in-form forward's 'first-choice' would have been Arsenal if they had initiated talks this month.

But while the north Londoners held an appreciation for Semenyo, a move for the player would have had to wait until the summer of 2026, given how heavily they spent last summer. Ultimately, Semenyo's preference to leave this January before his release clause ends is a key factor in his likely transfer.

Liverpool are also believed to hold an interest in the player, while Chelsea made tentative enquiries for a player who has already netted eight Premier League goals this campaign. United, meanwhile, made a hard play to sign the standout Cherries star but there was always an acceptance that a deal would be hard, given his desire to immediately compete for the game's top prizes.

Martinelli's true character

Gabriel Martinelli has revealed how he supported fellow Arsenal forward and compatriot Gabriel Jesus during his recovery from an ACL injury. Jesus spent the majority of this year rehabilitating after suffering an ACL rupture in January.

The forward made his eagerly anticipated comeback against Club Brugge in the Champions League earlier this month, admitting he 'mentally collapsed' and endured '300 bad days' owing to his absence from the pitch. But Jesus was lucky that fellow Brazilian Martinelli drew on his own injury experiences to offer support.

Martinelli told Sky Sports: "I had some things with my meniscus as well a few years ago and I know it's not easy to be out for that long. When I had the opportunity to be around him, I was there.

"I tried to be with him to talk because I know it's a hard time, even though he's older than me, I tried to be close to him as well. He's one of the guys that when I was so young, I watched him on the TV playing for Palmeiras in Brazil.

"It's just three years difference, but he went to the first team so quick when he was 16. I was 12 or 13 and I was watching him, so I always tell him that. It's really good to have him back and hopefully in the next games he can score and do well."