Five players who could join Arsenal in January

Cameron Smith

• 2 Dec 2025 14:11 CST
• 4 min read

News

Arsenal were extremely active in the transfer market this summer and their shrewd business has helped them establish a strong early lead in the Premier League title race.

However, the north London giants may opt to dip back into the market in January in a bid to help end their five-year trophy drought.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join Arsenal during the January transfer window.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Rodrygo was on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist over the summer, however the Brazil international was reluctant to leave Real Madrid and the Gunners opted to end their interest in his services in favour of bringing Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to the club.

However, it has been suggested that Arteta would like to bolster his attacking unit yet again in 2026 and Rodrygo could be targeted in January following reports that Real Madrid are ready to sell him.

The Brazilian is without a goal since March and after falling down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos are ready to offload him.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)

Arsenal strengthened their midfield roster with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard over the summer, however they remain eager to land a younger alternative and Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi has been identified as a top target.

The teenager has already racked up over 70 first-team appearances for Lille and his performances have unsurprisingly attracted the attention of numerous Premier League teams.

Arsenal are at the front of the queue for his signature and while a January deal may seem unlikely, reports suggest it’s not out of the question.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is hot property ahead of the upcoming January transfer window and Arsenal are firmly in the hunt to sign him.

The Ghana winger has been one of the best players in the Premier League so far this campaign and his exploits for Andoni Iraola’s side has resulted in significant transfer interest.

Liverpool are currently leading the race to land Semenyo, amid their pursuit of a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, but Arsenal are set to challenge for the 25-year-old, who will be available for €74m in January.

Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

Juventus are desperate to reach a contract extension agreement with Turkey superstar Kenan Yildiz, however they are yet to finalise terms with the attacker and he has been tipped to leave as a result.

Chelsea are considered to be the frontrunners for his signature as things stand, while an extended stay at Juventus is also on the cards, as per rumours in Italy.

However, Arsenal have reportedly held talks with his agent Jorge Mendes over a possible deal and they are keeping close tabs on his situation ahead of a potential swoop.

Samu Aghehowa (Porto)

Gabriel Jesus has been heavily linked with a January exit, amid interest from several clubs in Brazil, but Arsenal are only likely to permit a departure if they land a suitable replacement.

With that in mind, the Gunners have reportedly joined Chelsea and Tottenham in the race to sign Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

The Spaniard has already reached the 10-goal mark this season and Arsenal have identified him as a possible centre forward signing for 2026, despite the recent arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

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