Arsenal transfer latest: Mikel Arteta faces Chelsea hijack as Gunners eye same trick

Here football.london takes a look at Arsenal's plans for the transfer window with the latest news from N5

Arsenal are yet to come alive in the January transfer window. If past winter windows are anything to go by, it's unlikely that the Gunners hierarchy will be tempted to splash out on mid-season signings.

With the exception of Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, such moves have been few and far between, even to Mikel Arteta's frustration at times. However, this season paints a different picture, with Arsenal already well-equipped following a significant summer spending spree in 2025, propelling them to the top of both the domestic and Champions League table.

But with their eyes set on a potential quadruple, Arsenal aren't resting on their laurels. Sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to be using this period to strategise for the summer transfer window.

Next up for Arsenal is an away fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, followed by a trip to Inter Milan next week. Despite a growing consensus that there won't be any arrivals or departures at the Emirates this month, football.london delves into two of the latest transfer rumours involving Arsenal.

Arteta eyes Real Madrid repeat

One exciting player linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently is Real Madrid's Arda Guler. Fabrizio Romano reported last September that the Gunners have had a long-standing interest in the Turkish midfielder, dating back to the summer of 2024.

Guler started the season as a pivotal figure in Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid squad but his form and involvement have deteriorated of late, with his place in the team uncertain under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, according to ESPN.

Arsenal are said to be monitoring his situation closely from now until the summer, before potentially making their move. Arteta has shown he is capable of poaching out-of-favour wonderkids from under Real Madrid’s noses in the past, having done so with Martin Odegaard in 2021.

Prior to Odegaard, Guler's idol Mesut Ozil and Dani Ceballos also made the switch from the Bernabeu to north London in pursuit of more playing time. The same report also links the Gunners with an interest in 20-year-old Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza.

Chelsea join race for defender

Arsenal have been consistently linked with 20-year-old Rennes starlet Jeremy Jacquet in recent months. Berta is reportedly a fan of the French central defender, with the Gunners keeping a close eye on his development despite their already formidable defensive line-up.

However, Jacquet's performances in Ligue 1 have made him one of Europe's most sought-after young players, with Chelsea now reportedly entering the fray to sign him. Given their defensive woes, Jacquet is more likely to secure a starting spot at Chelsea than Arsenal, potentially giving them the edge if he has to choose between the two London rivals.

Chelsea hijacking their pursuit of Jacquet would be a setback for Arsenal, especially as their transfer target Marc Guehi is now also expected to sign with rivals Manchester City in a £20m deal.