Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League and Mikel Arteta has several key decisions to make this month as the Gunners look to win their first top-flight title in more than two decades.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to make an early return to Arsenal this month, as Nottingham Forest consider terminating the defender’s loan deal prematurely. The Ukraine international switched to Forest on a season-long loan this summer, but has struggled to make an impact at the City Ground.
So far, Zinchenko has only made four Premier League starts for the club, leading to speculation that Forest might send him back to the Emirates Stadium in the coming weeks. BBC Sport indicates that there isn’t a clause allowing Zinchenko to return to his parent club early, which could complicate matters.
Given Arsenal already have a full squad, the Gunners might resist facilitating an early return as they’re not obliged to do so.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s trophyless scenario spelled out as Gunners warned loss could ‘break their spirit’
Forest have had a challenging season so far, currently sitting 17th position in the Premier League standings with six victories, three draws and 12 defeats. They are also just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
This is in stark contrast to the situation at Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Gunners are on course to secure their first Premier League title in over two decades.
With this in mind, Arteta might opt to delve into the January transfer market to bolster his squad and increase their chances of maintaining their lead in the second half of the season.
Arda Guler is a name that has recently entered the fray, with Arsenal potentially looking to take advantage of Xabi Alonso’s departure from the Bernabeu. The Turkish winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, has made a strong impression at the La Liga giants since his move from Fenerbahce in 2023.
However, doubts now linger over his future in the starting line-up, despite the player reportedly being determined to stay with Los Blancos and fight for his place.
In other news, Arsenal have been linked with Juventus prodigy, Kenan Yildiz, even though it’s expected that the 20-year-old is on the verge of signing a new contract.
On the departure front, Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid – as part of a shock if unlikely swap deal for Vinicius Jr – while Bournemouth and West Ham are said to be interested in Ethan Nwaneri.
Aside from transfers, Arsenal have a slender lead in their Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea having defeated the Blues 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Ben White and Viktor Gyokeres gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead – before Alejandro Garnacho reduced the deficit.
Martin Zubimendi fired a third goal for Arsenal, with Garnacho grabbing a second in the 83rd minute to set up an exciting battle at the Emirates Stadium next month. It’s the first defeat as Chelsea manager for Liam Rosenior after overseeing a 5-1 victory over Charlton in the FA Cup at the weekend.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
