Arsenal transfer latest: Gunners overtake Man Utd in £61m pursuit as wonderkid targeted

Two names have been linked with Arsenal once again following the start of the January transfer window

Arsenal's incredible run of form doesn’t appear to be slowing their transfer market activity.

Despite Mikel Arteta's men sitting atop both the Premier League and Champions League tables, they're seemingly not resting on their laurels this month.

The recent return from injury of key players such as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes has bolstered an already formidable squad following their spectacular summer spending spree.

Yet, Arsenal's injuries this season have underscored the unpredictability of player availability, while past January windows have seen the Gunners pay the price for inactivity once the season reaches its climax.

With Arteta already outlining his potential plans to inject fresh talent into the squad this month, several names are being mentioned as potential new arrivals in N5.

Now, football.london takes a closer look at two players who could be unveiled at the Emirates Stadium this month, according to recent reports.

Arteta pursuing wonderkid

It's no secret that Arsenal have been intensifying their efforts to bolster their academy talent over the last 18 months. The Gunners' youth recruitment drive has already brought them Irish midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna, 16, from Shamrock Rovers, along with Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero, 16, all set to officially join next year when they reach the required age.

Arsenal appear determined to continue their recruitment drive, with The Sun reporting that the Gunners are now pursuing 17-year-old Blackburn Rovers sensation Igor Tyjon. The striker broke into Blackburn's first team in 2024 aged just 16 and remains on scholarship terms having reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign a professional deal.

It’s claimed Blackburn have already rejected several bids from Arsenal worth over £1million for the teenager, though they are begrudgingly now accepting he will leave at some stage given his refusal to sign a pro contract. This month is the final chance for Blackburn to command a transfer fee for Tyjon.

Leading race for Man Utd target

Arsenal are reportedly leading the charge to secure Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. The 23-year-old Germany international has attracted interest from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, having emerged as one of the Bundesliga's finest wingers.

Adeyemi, valued at around £61m, was reported last month to be seeking an exit from the German giants. With the uncertainty following Ruben Amorim's departure at United, CaughtOffside says their north London rivals Arsenal are better positioned to land the player given Arteta's proven track record.

The report claims Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta has established the groundwork for the transfer and "outlined a defined role" for Adeyemi, who is viewed as long-term competition for Gabriel Martinelli down the left wing.