Arsenal transfer twist as club 'U-turn on deal' and leave Gunners in tricky situation

It looks to be a busy month in north London as Mikel Arteta potentially turns to the January transfer window to ensure Arsenal clinch their first Premier League title in more than two decades

Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to return to Arsenal this month, as Nottingham Forest look to cut the defender's loan deal short.

The Ukrainian joined Forest on a season-long loan in the summer, but has failed to make much of a mark at the City Ground. To date, Zinchenko has made just four Premier League starts for the club, with Forest reportedly looking at the possibility of sending him back to the Emirates Stadium in the coming weeks.

BBC Sport suggest that there is no clause at play which allows Zinchenko to return to his parent club early, which could make the move a complicated affair. As Arsenal already harbour a full squad, it could also be met with pushback from the Gunners, who are not obligated to facilitate an early return.

Nottingham Forest have struggled for form this season, currently occupying 17th in the Premier League standings with six wins, three draws and 12 losses to show for their endeavours. They are also just seven points from the drop zone.

It's a stark contrast from the situation at Arsenal at present, with Mikel Arteta's table-topping Gunners on track to clinch their first Premier League title in more than two decades.

With that being said, Arteta may opt to dip into the January transfer window to give his club the best chance of finishing the job in the second-half of the season.

Arda Guler is one name who has recently been brought into conversation, as the Gunners could potentially capitalise on Xabi Alonso's exit from the Bernabeu. The Turkish winger, who can also operate as an attacking-midfielder, has impressed with the La Liga giants since moving from Fenerbahce in 2023.

However, questions now surround his future in the starting XI, despite the talent reportedly being incessant on remaining with Los Blancos and fighting for his place.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have also been linked with Juventus wonderkid, Kenan Yildiz, despite expectations that the 20-year-old is set to sign a new contract.

In terms of outgoings, meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as part of a swap deal for Vinicius Jr, while Bournemouth and West Ham reportedly hold an interest in Ethan Nwaneri.

Transfers aside, Arsenal will hope to build an advantage on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, when the two teams meet at Stamford Bridge for the first leg of the semi-finals.

However, Liam Rosenior will demand a result from his first-team as he starts to settle into life in west London.

Rosenior overseen a 5-1 win over Charlton at the weekend in the FA Cup, but will get his first taste of what the English top flight holds in store for him when he comes up against a formidable Arsenal side.