Arsenal transfer news and rumours: January transfer window 2023

With the winter transfer window having opened on January 1, we round up Arsenal's done deals, plus the players linked with moves in and out of the Emirates.

Arteta wants more options | Nev: They need reinforcements

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his side "don't have many options" in attack but insists they are trying to improve this in January.

Speaking after their goalless draw against Newcastle, he told Sky Sports: "We have what we have. Obviously we have some injuries as well and attacking areas... we don't have that many options. But it is what it is.

"That is something we always try, to improve our team. Every window is really important because we still have a lot of things to do with this team."

Meanwhile, Gary Neville believes Arsenal's current depth is a "big problem" if they are to win the Premier League title this season.

He told Sky Sports: "Ordinarily, Arsenal would bring on substitutions, change the shape of the game, disrupt the Newcastle defence.

"But Arsenal don't have that luxury, and it's a big problem, particularly in tight games like this.

"We're only 17 games into the season - there's 21 games left. We knew before the game that Arsenal needed improvements in their squad and this, I'm sure, will reinforce that."

Arsenal remain in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the signing of Mykhalio Mudryk, with continued negotiations centred around the size of the fee and payment structure.

A source close to the deal told Sky Sports News on Tuesday Arsenal are prepared to move closer to Shakhtar's £85m valuation of the Ukraine winger, and there is confidence the clubs will "find a solution".

The Premier League leaders had a £55m bid for Mudryk rejected last week, with London rivals Chelsea also understood to be interested in the 21-year-old.

Arsenal also remain in negotiations with Atletico Madrid over the potential loan signing of Joao Felix.

The Spanish club want in the region of £19m for a six-month loan, which would include the Portugal forward's wages.

Arsenal feel the fee is too high, but there remains hope a deal can be done due to the deal suiting both club's short-term needs.

The proposed loan would provide Arsenal with cover for the injured Gabriel Jesus, while not damaging Atletico's ability to demand a big transfer fee for Felix in the summer, given the 23-year-old's contract runs until 2026.​​​​​

Arsenal the 'prime destination for young talent'

The Daily Telegraph's Sam Dean has written about this subject and spoke on Sky Sports News in reviewing the papers...

"It's the way Arsenal are playing and the age of the squad they've got right now that is contributing to this. If you look at the front four against Brighton - Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli and Odegaard - the oldest of that front four is Odegaard at 24.

"This has become very quickly under Mikel Arteta one of the absolute prime destinations for top talented young players and when you look across the game, who Arsenal are targeting and what the appeal the club might hold for some of these players, it is hard to think of a more enticing project right now.

"We all know they want to sign Mykhailo Mudryk and it seems pretty clear from his social media activity at the very least that he is keen on joining Arsenal. That paints a picture of its own as this is a place now where talent goes to thrive when only a few years ago it struggled.

"The philosophy Arteta has instilled has made joining Arsenal a very attractive proposition. It's absolutely a possibility that Mudryk won't join this month as Shakhtar want so much for him. There is a big gap in the valuation.

"Arsenal are trying to drive that price down. The longer the window goes on, the more Mudryk is angling that he wants to go, the feeling is that it will happen but it is not a done deal as Arsenal have walked away in the past when the price is too big. It is clear he is the man Arsenal want and it is clear that he wants them too."

'Mudryk keen on Arsenal move'

Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam:

"Mykhailo Mudryk has been teasing Arsenal fans by watching the side in action. He's probably one of the most exciting wingers in European football and has the potential to go right to the very top.

"He's a 21-year-old Ukrainian international and Arsenal are continuing their dialogue with Shakhtar Donetsk.

"There have been some reports that their initial offer has been rejected. There is a gap between what Arsenal are willing to pay and what Shakhtar are willing to receive. They are discussing the structure of the deal.

"The player is keen on the move which makes Arsenal a lot more comfortable with the situation."

Who have Arsenal been linked with?

Mykhailo Mudryk - Shakhtar Donetsk are expected to reject Arsenal's improved bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk as Chelsea threaten to scupper the Gunners' move for the Ukraine winger (Daily Mail, January 5); Chelsea are attempting to hijack Arsenal's move for Mykhaylo Mudryk and [Mudryk's club Shakhtar Donetsk] are set for talks with the Blues in London this week (The Sun, January 4); Arsenal have made a second bid for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk worth up to £62m but are haggling over the upfront fee (The Sun, January 3); Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Mudryk by making an improved offer to Shakhtar Donetsk (The Times, January 2); Mudryk has reportedly agreed personal terms on a proposed transfer to Arsenal as the forward edges closer to a move to Emirates Stadium (Daily Mirror, January 2); Shakhtar have confirmed they are willing to sell Mudryk to Arsenal in January (Daily Telegraph, December 30).

Elye Wahi - Arsenal have reportedly been following the progress of Montpellier striker Wahi (Daily Express, January 2).

Joao Felix - Manchester United and Arsenal are the frontrunners to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix in January (Daily Express, January 2); Joao Felix has Premier League interest but the €21m price is a stumbling block for any loan move (The Athletic, January 2).

Dusan Vlahovic - Arsenal are ready to battle Chelsea to sign striker Dusan Vlahovic next month (The Sun on Sunday, January 1).

Alexis Mac Allister - Brighton are confident World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister will still be their player at the end of January, amid interest from Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United (The Athletic, January 2); Arsenal and Tottenham have been dealt a transfer blow as Brighton star Mac Allister prefers a move to Juventus, reports suggest (The Sun, December 30).

Youri Tielemans - Premier League leaders Arsenal are in fresh talks over Leicester midfielder Tielemans (The Sun, December 28).

Ibrahima Bamba - Arsenal could be facing a battle to sign Italian youngster Bamba, who currently plays in Portugal for Vitoria Guimaraes, with PSG, Club Brugge and Atalanta also interested in the 20-year-old (Daily Mirror, December 27).

Adrien Rabiot - Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Juventus midfielder Rabiot in the summer after his potential move to Manchester United last summer fell through (Daily Mail, December 23).

Ferran Torres - Arsenal are set to rekindle their interest in Barcelona forward Torres after missing out on an audacious bid to sign him over the summer (Daily Mirror, December 12).

The players linked with an Arsenal exit

Cedric Soares - Fulham are expected to make a formal offer for Arsenal defender Cedric in the coming days (Evening Standard, December 29); Fulham want to sign Arsenal right-back Cedric in the January transfer window (Sky Sports, December 14).

Martin Odegaard - Arsenal could be at risk of losing captain Odegaard following reports that his early season form has caught the eye of Real Madrid (Daily Mirror, January 2).

What are the latest contract talks?

Bukayo Saka - Arsenal have triggered a clause in Bukayo Saka's contract to keep him at the club until at least 2024, according to reports (The Sun, January 3).

William Saliba - Arsenal have triggered the defender's contract extension until June 2024 (Sun, December 31).

Gabriel Martinelli - Talks between Arsenal and Martinelli about a new contract are in the "final stages", according to reports (The Sun, December 29); Arsenal are close to agreeing a new contract with the Brazil winger that will result in Martinelli becoming one of the club's top earners (Daily Mail, December 20).

Reiss Nelson - The 23-year-old winger is hoping to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Arsenal (The Sun, December 15).

Confirmed Arsenal signings

None.

Confirmed Arsenal departures

None.