Arsenal transfer latest: Divisive former star's £26m move as club open to youngster offers

With Arsenal sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Mikel Arteta is biding his time in the transfer market while other clubs act quickly

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted the Gunners are prepared to splash the cash in the January transfer window if the right opportunity presents itself. Despite holding a six-point lead at the summit of the Premier League after 20 matches, Arteta's men face a stern test against reigning champions Liverpool on Thursday evening and that gap at the top could come down before they kick off against Arne Slot's side.

While Arsenal have remained patient so far following a statement-making summer which saw Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and several others make high-profile moves to North London, their closest challengers could end up being the bigger spenders in January. Manchester City, currently second in the league, are close to sealing a £65million deal for Antoine Semenyo, who could make his final appearance for Bournemouth when they face Tottenham on Wednesday.

Following their clash with Liverpool, the Gunners have fixtures against Portsmouth in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup before resuming league duties against Nottingham Forest on 17th January. By the time their next league match comes around, they may have decided to dip into their pockets again, having already spent over £200m during the summer.

For now, it seems there is also an emphasis on departures, whether permanent or on loan, as Arteta prepares for the business end of the season. Here are our latest transfer updates including a potential big-money move for a player who sparked debate during his own stint at Arsenal a few years ago.

Guendouzi edges closer to exit

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is on the brink of a permanent transfer to Fenerbahce. L'Equipe reports that a preliminary agreement has been reached for the French international to make a move which could see the Turkish side pay up to £26m.

Guendouzi has been with current club Lazio for two-and-a-half years, initially joining on loan from Marseille before making the move permanent in the summer of 2024. Despite making 15 Serie A appearances this season, Lazio are prepared to sell another player just days after striker Taty Castellanos moved to West Ham.

French international Guendouzi, now 26, signed for Arsenal under Unai Emery as a teenager. He made 82 appearances over two seasons for the Gunners but fell out of favour with Mikel Arteta following a clash with Brighton's Neal Maupay during a 2020 Premier League match.

That encounter with Brighton marked his last game in English football, though he has since managed to revive his career. He earned his first senior cap for France in 2021 while on loan at Marseille and has since accumulated 14 senior caps for Les Bleus, representing his country at the 2022 World Cup.

Arsenal open to Kacurri bids

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are ready to consider loan or permanent offers for Maldini Kacurri this month. The young centre-back has returned to North London after a successful loan spell with National League side Morecambe but is expected to be on the move again soon.

Kacurri was a regular for the non-league side, earning their player of the month accolade twice. The defender, who boasts a senior international cap for Albania, is out of contract come summer and has reportedly piqued the interest of clubs within the EFL.

The 20 year old had his first taste of senior Arsenal action last season, featuring for 20 minutes against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. He also warmed the bench for several Premier League matches and two Champions League fixtures, including a league phase victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Another young talent, Harrison Dudziak, is also said to be drawing attention. The 19 year old midfielder is currently on loan at non-league Braintree Town until 21 January but could potentially follow that with a move up the pyramid.