Arsenal’s January transfer priorities are shifting towards young, high-upside talents who can address immediate squad gaps from injuries while building for the long-term title challenge. With Mikel Arteta’s side top of the Premier League but plagued by absences at left-back, midfield and up front, the window represents a chance to add depth without derailing summer spending. Rising stars like Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi top the wishlist, blending youth with first-team readiness.
Why January Matters for Arsenal
Arsenal enter 2026 in pole position but vulnerable: injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and others have exposed even their extensive depth, particularly in defence and midfield. The club spent nearly €300 million last summer on signings like Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, leaving little room for extravagance, yet Arteta craves “fresh legs” to sustain a four-front push. January targets thus prioritise versatile prospects under 22 who offer resale value and rotation options, rather than marquee names.
- Fixture congestion demands backups for Declan Rice and Ødegaard, where over-reliance risks burnout.
- Left-sided reinforcements could free Myles Lewis-Skelly for loan development.
- Up front, Gabriel Jesus’s form opens debates on adding pacey alternatives without blocking academy paths.
Top Rising Star Target: Ayyoub Bouaddi
Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi emerges as Arsenal’s dream January coup, with initial contacts already made despite summer 2026 being the more likely timeline. The France U21 international has 14 Ligue 1 starts and five Europa League outings this season, boasting 1.81 tackles per game, 5.26 duels won and strong possession recovery stats that echo a young Zubimendi. Arteta sees him as Rice insurance, providing defensive bite and progression without the €70m+ price tag of established names.
Reports from TuttoJuve highlight Arsenal beating Manchester City, United and Liverpool to his signature, with sporting director Andrea Berta pushing for an accelerated deal. Bouaddi’s ever-present role at Lille – rarely substituted – proves readiness for Premier League minutes, making him ideal for cup ties and rotation amid Arsenal’s injury crisis.
Defensive Priorities: Left-Back and Centre-Back Depth
Injuries have ravaged Arsenal’s backline, with Calafiori and Timber sidelined, forcing improvisations like Rice at right-back. Rising talents like AC Milan’s 19-year-old left-back Lorenzo Bartesaghi and Elche’s 20-year-old Rodrigo Mendoza (€20m release clause) fit the profile: versatile, left-footed prospects who can compete immediately and develop. Bartesaghi pairs with reported interest in Milan’s 20-year-old keeper Lorenzo Torriani for a youth double-dip.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya, Frankfurt’s €70m-rated 20-year-old left winger, adds attacking width while covering left-back in emergencies. Sky Sports Germany notes Arsenal’s interest, though a summer move feels likelier unless injuries worsen. These targets align with Arteta’s youth strategy, avoiding the pitfalls of overpaying for Rodrygo or Rafael Leão.
Attacking Options and Potential Outgoings
Up top, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (€74m) tempts as Jesus cover, with his Premier League form making him a low-risk accelerator, though City and Liverpool lead the chase. Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, already on 10 goals, offers a Gyökeres backup, while Juventus’s Kenan Yildiz lurks if contract talks stall. These wingers/strikers address Arsenal’s “stale attack” critiques without massive outlay.
Outgoings grease the wheels: Leandro Trossard could fetch €40m+ given his goal contributions but seems highly unlikely to be sacrificed given his form; Lewis-Skelly eyes loan for minutes. Such sales fund youth inflows, much like punters using a bet365 bonus code to extend play without dipping deeper into the pot – smart leverage for sustained success.
Feasibility and Broader Strategy
Arsenal’s position of strength – top of the table, Champions League progression – gives leverage for opportunistic deals, but January realism tempers ambition. Bouaddi remains the most concrete link, with Lille open to negotiation amid his breakout. Deals for Bartesaghi or Mendoza hinge on injury returns, while Semenyo tests Bournemouth’s resolve.
Arteta’s “future-proofing” echoes successful gambles on Saka or Saliba: invest in 18-21-year-olds now, reap dividends later. Rivals like City hoard depth, but Arsenal’s Hale End pipeline plus smart January adds could widen the gap. Expect 1-2 youth signings totalling €50-80m, balanced by sales, positioning the Gunners to dominate spring and beyond. If executed, these rising stars turn vulnerability into versatility, cementing Arsenal’s title credentials.