Arsenal’s January plans are already taking shape, with Andrea Berta looking to strengthen the Premier League champions again.
A new wide forward appears to be one priority.
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to return for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa after considering the Norwegian during the summer.
Nusa would bring pace and unpredictability on the left, with some reports suggesting that he is now a leading target, although Leipzig have little interest in losing an important player halfway through the season.
Kenan Yildiz has been mentioned as an alternative, but persuading Juventus to sell would require an enormous offer.
Arsenal are looking further into the future as well.
|
Kenan Yildiz vs Antonio Nusa – 2025/26 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat |
Kenan Yildiz |
Antonio Nusa |
|
Club |
Juventus |
RB Leipzig |
|
League appearances |
36 |
31 |
|
League goals |
10 |
4 |
|
League assists |
7 |
3 |
|
Domestic cup appearances |
1 |
4 |
|
Domestic cup goals |
0 |
1 |
|
Domestic cup assists |
0 |
1 |
|
European appearances |
10 |
0 |
|
European goals |
1 |
0 |
|
European assists |
3 |
0 |
|
All-competition appearances |
47 |
35 |
|
All-competition goals |
11 |
5 |
|
All-competition assists |
10 |
4 |
|
Total goal contributions |
21 |
9 |
|
Goal contributions per appearance |
0.45 |
0.26 |
Reports this week claimed the club have approached Tijuana over Gilberto Mora, with the highly rated Mexican attracting interest from several leading European sides.
Contract planning is another part of the picture.
Talks with Declan Rice over fresh terms are believed to be progressing, while David Raya, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz all have deals running until 2028 and could require attention.
There has also been speculation over possible exits, with Atlético Madrid and Juventus said to be watching Noni Madueke, while Max Dowman could attract loan interest if Arsenal decide he needs regular senior football.
However, the most eye-catching name now back in the conversation is Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez transfer boost as striker opens door to January move
Journalist Sebastien Vidal claims the Atlético Madrid forward has softened his position on a possible move to Arsenal.
Alvarez was thought to favour Barcelona during the summer, but he is now reportedly prepared to consider the Gunners if they revive their pursuit in January, which Andrea Berta is considering.
That would represent a major change.
Arsenal explored a summer move, but Atlético kept hold of their star attacker and the player’s apparent preference for Barcelona made an already difficult deal even harder.
If Alvarez is now genuinely receptive to joining Arsenal, one of the biggest barriers may have disappeared, but the La Liga side did slap a £127m price tag on his head in the summer.
He is an obvious fit for Mikel Arteta as well.
Alvarez can lead the line, operate behind another striker or drift into the channels. His energy without the ball would suit Arsenal’s pressing game, while his experience at Man City means there should be few concerns about adapting to the Premier League.
A deal would still be extremely difficult.
Atletico invested heavily to sign Alvarez from City and have no reason to accept a reduced price.
Negotiating such a major transfer in January would be even harder if the Spanish club remain involved in domestic and European competition.
Arsenal must also decide how Alvarez would fit alongside Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres.
His arrival would create fierce competition, but that may be exactly what Arteta wants as the club chase trophies on several fronts.
There is no guarantee Arsenal will submit an offer, yet a player who previously appeared focused on Barca is now said to be considering north London.
Arsenal have already shown a willingness to pursue elite attackers, and Alvarez remains one of the biggest possible upgrades available.
If the door is genuinely open, Berta may be tempted to walk through it in January.
