Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Mesut Ozil, Wilfried Zaha, Emiliano Buendia, Omar Rekik, Folarin Balogun latest

Mikel Arteta is exploring all options with the need to sell in order to bring in new signings

Callum Rice-Coates
Friday 08 January 2021 11:43 EST
Comments
Mesut Ozil del Arsenal
Mesut Ozil del Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal remain active in the January transfer window with Mikel Arteta moving closer to wielding the axe and prepared to sanction up to eight sales as he reshapes his squad to his liking at the Emirates.

That could mean the Gunners move on the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Mohamed Elneny, Reiss Nelson, Callum Chambers, Folarin Balogun, Joe Willock, Mesut Ozil, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Sead Kolasinac, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Lucas Torreira. While Granit Xhaka and Alexandre Lacazette could yet find themselves elsewhere come the summer. There have been better signs on the pitch ahead of the FA Cup this weekend though, following a 4-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, with Arteta’s side moving away from the bottom of the table and now up to 11th in the Premier League table. This month could yet prove crucial to where Arsenal finish under the Spaniard though, with European football required to maintain the momentum of his revolution in north London.

But their business over the course of the next few weeks could prove pivotal to their chances, with the winter window now wide open for teams to buy and sell. Arsenal completed numerous deals in the summer, including Willian, Gabriel and Dani Ceballos, while that trio was joined by Thomas Partey on deadline day. There could be exciting opportunities ahead with Edu’s relationship with Kia Joorabchian, while one of Arteta’s main priorities will be to shift Mesut Ozil, who remains frozen out at the Emirates.

A deal for Isco has been in the works with Real Madrid open to selling, but that deal could rely on the Gunners creating space in the squad and easing the burden on the club’s wage bill. Defender Sead Kolasinac has returned to Germany with a loan move to Schalke with many more including defenders Shkodran Mustafi and William Saliba and even Mesut Ozil possible departures before the deadline.

We will have all the latest Arsenal news, rumours and gossip - on both comings and goings - throughout the day.

ICYMI

Arsenal confirmed their first signing of the window yesterday…

Callum Rice-Coates8 January 2021 09:19

Arsenal have confirmed they have borrowed £120 million as part of a Bank of England Covid loan scheme.

Arsenal borrow £120 million Covid loan from government scheme

The Gunners have confirmed the “short-term solution” after experiencing financial difficulties during the pandemic

Callum Rice-Coates8 January 2021 09:13

FENERBAHCE BOSS ON OZIL SPECULATION

Fenerbahce manager Erol Bulut has been asked about rumours of Mesut Ozil joining the Turkish club this month.

“Mesut Ozil's situation will become clear in the coming days,” Bulut told beIN Sports. "Mesut’s name is very common.

"It is not possible for me to make a comment before he comes.”

Callum Rice-Coates8 January 2021 09:11

HALLER JOINS AJAX

We’ll be keeping you up to date with major transfer news from elsewhere in addition to the best Arsenal stories. The biggest deal of the window so far, Sebastian Haller joins Ajax from West Ham for £20m.

Jack Rathborn8 January 2021 08:58

ARSENAL PREPARE EIGHT-MAN CLEAROUT

Arsenal are desperate to offload players in January to fund an overhaul of their squad.

Arsenal prepare eight-man clearout to fund Arteta’s squad overhaul

The Gunners are short on funds and will need to trim the wage bill by moving on up to eight players before making signings

 

Callum Rice-Coates8 January 2021 08:34

ISCO NOT A TARGET

Isco is not considered a target by Mikel Arteta, according to The Athletic.

The Real Madrid midfielder is out of favour under Zinedine Zidane and Arsenal are keen on signing a player in his position.

But now it appears the club’s priorities lie elsewhere.

Jack Rathborn8 January 2021 08:14

SOKRATIS WANTED BY GENOA

Genoa are keen on Sokratis Papastathopoulos, report Corriere dello Sport.

The Greek defender is out of favour at the Emirates and Mikel Arteta will likely move him on in the coming weeks or by next summer.

Sokratis could be offered the captaincy at the Serie A club to tempt him, with Arsenal set to move on from their £17m signing.

Jack Rathborn8 January 2021 08:10

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in