As Arsenal navigate a congested fixture list at the summit of the Premier League, transfer activity continues to swirl around the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side, leading the table with 17 games remaining and competing on multiple fronts, are assessing their options in the January window.
Real Madrid's Missed Opportunity for Zubimendi
Real Madrid discovered they were too late in their attempt to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2025, according to reports from Spain. The Spanish giants, then under the management of Xabi Alonso, made a late play for the player he knew from their shared time at Real Sociedad.
However, hesitation from the Madrid hierarchy proved costly. By the time they committed to a move, the 25-year-old had already decided his future lay with Arsenal, who secured his signature for a fee believed to be over £45 million. Alonso, who was sacked on Monday the 12th of January and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, is said to have expressed frustration at missing out on a marquee midfield signing to complement stars like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
Donyell Malen Linked with Serie A Switch
Meanwhile, former Arsenal academy prospect Donyell Malen could be on the move again. The Dutch striker, who returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa last January, is now attracting serious interest from Italy's Serie A.
Sky Italia reports that Juventus have joined Roma in the race for the 26-year-old forward. Malen, who left Arsenal for PSV Eindhoven in 2017, has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season despite a mixed role under Unai Emery, averaging a goal every 150 minutes.
The proposed deal could see Malen initially move on loan with an obligation to buy for around £26 million in the summer, though Juventus's entry into the negotiations may alter the final terms.
Arteta's Cautious January Approach
Amidst these rumours, Mikel Arteta has maintained a pragmatic stance regarding Arsenal's winter business. The Gunners' boss has acknowledged the club is open to strengthening, as they have successfully done in previous January windows with signings like Leandro Trossard, but only if the right player becomes available at the right price.
This follows a significant summer investment which, besides Zubimendi, also brought in Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Ebere Eze. The club also holds a purchase option for current loanee Piero Hincapie, potentially triggering another major expenditure next summer.
With a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea imminent, Arsenal's immediate focus is on the pitch, but the wheels of the transfer market continue to turn in the background.
