Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Benjamin Sesko update, Gyokeres move, Wissa decision

The feel-good factor around Arsenal has returned after their North London Derby triumph over Tottenham and that will certainly increase if the Gunners make some big moves in the second half of the January transfer window.

Signing an attacker is the absolute priority for Arsenal, as their lack of a cutting edge against Spurs showcasing that, with Mikel Arteta delivering a fresh transfer plea.

Though the focus should be further up the pitch, a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been all but wrapped up. Acquiring one of their four striker targets this month appears unlikely but there are certainly some positives to take.

Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are both fresh off scoring again for Newcastle and RB Leipzig, respectively, while the battle for Viktor Gyokeres’ signature could have taken a twist with Manchester United and Ruben Amorim believed to be looking at some alternatives.

Arsenal interested in signing Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League yesterday with a 2-1 comeback triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Brentford FC at Amex Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Despite the victory, the Gunners were unconvincing in front of goal, and they were guilty of squandering four big chances over the course of 95 minutes.

The London giants clearly need reinforcement in the final third to compensate for the long-term injury absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

RMC Sport now claim that the Gunners are one of the clubs interested in signing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo this winter alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

The Cameroonian has had a fantastic Premier League campaign with 13 goals and three assists. The Bees are reportedly bracing for bids during the back end of the transfer window.

Mbeumo has a Transfermarkt value of £42 million, but RMC Sport claim that Brentford could demand a higher fee to part ways with the 25-year-old before the transfer deadline.

The former Troyes star has been very consistent for the Bees this term. He is one of the best Premier League attackers with 17 goal contributions from 25 appearances in all competitions.

Mbeumo is primarily a right winger by trade, but he can play up front in a two-striker partnership. He would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners, but a deal won’t be straightforward.

The Gunners could have an edge over Spurs and United with Champions League football. Convincing Mbeumo could be easy, but the Bees could play hardball over negotiations.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank recently said that there is no possibility of Mbeumo leaving this winter. The Bees are unlikely to sanction his sale unless they receive a significant transfer bid.

Lewis-Skelly impresses for Arsenal in north London derby win vs Tottenham

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Gunners dominated proceedings for the first 20 minutes, but Spurs broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after Son Heung-min scored from a huge deflection.

However, Arsenal managed to secure a lead before the break. Gabriel Magalhaes inflicted an own goal on Spurs with a trademark header from a corner in the 40th minute.

Leandro Trossard made it 2-1 in the Gunners’ favour with a sublime left-footed strike.

The Gunners controlled the game after the interval. They had plenty of opportunities to extend their advantage but lacked the cutting edge. Martin Odegaard missed the best scoring chance.

Gabriel was undoubtedly the man of the match. Aside from scoring, he won 100 percent of his aerial duels and made two late challenges to deny clear-cut goals for Dominic Solanke.

Alongside him, we were very impressed with Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was exceptional from left-back.

The 18-year-old has had a stellar breakthrough season with the Gunners. With Riccardo Calafiori’s injury woes, Lewis-Skelly has capitalised to become a regular starter since his league debut.

The Gunners graduate had a passing accuracy of 94 percent last night. He completed 100 percent of his dribbles with six recoveries. He also won five duels and three tackles in the derby.

Lewis-Skelly comfortably handled the threat of Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson. In our view, the youngster has become undroppable on the back of an exceptional display versus Spurs.

Kai Havertz’s Arsenal issue – Benjamin Sesko and £51m ace join as Ethan Nwaneri decision made

The next two transfer windows could result in Kai Havertz tumbling down the Arsenal pecking order.

Havertz, 25, enjoyed a strong debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium after joining the club from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for £65 million. He looked to be an inspired signing last season, as he brought the best out of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, while also contributing plenty of key goals along the way.

However, Saka’s injury seems to have highlighted Havertz’s struggles without the England international’s support. The Gunners are also dealing with another long-term injury to Gabriel Jesus, which means they’re likely to dip into the transfer market for at least one centre-forward.

Despite Havertz still seemingly having Arteta’s confidence, any potential transfers could see him lose his spot in the starting eleven. Football London takes a look at the possible transfer activities that could relegate Havertz to the bench.

Despite the clear need for a new striker, Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi. While it appears that any move for the Euro 2024 winner would likely see him stay in Spain until season’s end, it’s not unthinkable that his arrival could pose a threat to Havertz’s position.

Arteta has utilised Havertz not just in the forward line but also in central midfield. With Zubimendi’s arrival, Arteta will have a plethora of options including Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard and the incoming Sociedad man.

Reports: Ronald Araujo spurns potential Juventus move, will stay at Barcelona

Juventus may be close to officially adding a Randal, but the same doesn’t look like it’s happen with the Bianconeri signing a Ronald over the next couple of weeks.

Basically, what looked like a potential addition is no longer on the list.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and Mundo Deportivo in Spain on Wednesday, Juventus’ potential move for Barcelona defender Araujo has seemingly come to an end. That is because the 25-year-old Uruguayan defender has decided to stay at Barcelona after a lengthy meeting with Barca sporting director Deco in which it basically ended with an agreement that Araujo will sign a new contract with the club.

Araujo’s current contract with Barcelona runs through 2026.

Just a few short hours after reports of his decision to stay with Barcelona came out, Araujo was in the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie against Real Betis.

ith no a move for Araujo very much unlikely all of the sudden, Juventus must now pivot to try and find a central defender to sign during the January transfer window. The first signing to give some much-needed defensive help has come in the form of Vitória Guimarães fullback Alberto Costa, who officially joined Juventus later in the day Wednesday. But the need for a central defender to provide some sort of depth behind Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti still very much remains the top priority for the final two weeks of January.

In the wake of the talks for Araujo suddenly coming to an end, the same group of names have been thrown out there as potential pivot moves. Defenders like Milan’s Fikayo Tomori as well as Dávid Hancko of Feyenoord and Kevin Danso from Lens in Ligue 1.

All three of those names come with their own challenges — which, unsurprisingly, have to do with the financial aspect of things, especially for Hancko and Danso. Another name that seems unlikely at the moment, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, would very much like to leave, according to previous reports, but is basically be blocked and isn’t considered on the market by his current employer.

Barça NewsHansi Flick talks Olmo, Pedri, Yamal, Araujo, Lewandowski after Barcelona 5-1 Real Betis

Barcelona advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa Del Rey with a resounding 5-1 victory over Real Betis.

It was an empowering display from the Catalans, who were coming on the back of the Spanish Super Cup triumph against Real Madrid.

Speaking to the media after the game, Barcelona coach Hansi Fl

Flick went on to explain some of the changes he made against Real Betis, including Robert Lewandowski starting on the bench.ick addressed questions on his team selection and the road ahead.

Ansu Fati, meanwhile, once again failed to get into the team. Talking about the struggling forward, Flick said the player must show he is fit enough to start.

Meanwhile, there were certain green shoots for Barcelona, with respect to Frenkie de Jong and his performance against Real Betis.

The performance against Betis will certainly be a confidence booster for the Dutchman, whose future at Barcelona has come under focus in recent weeks.

Another future with an uncertain future at Camp Nou is Ronald Araujo, who is on the radar of multiple clubs across Europe. Flick, though, remained coy about the defender’s future.

Three talking points as Barcelona dismantle Real Betis 5-1 in Copa del Rey

FC Barcelona took on Real Betis in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey and absolutely blew their opponents away with an impressive 5-1 win. It was a performance of the highest order from Hansi Flick’s men.

It was not just about the goals that they scored but Barcelona played some of the most beautiful football they have in the last few years. For around 70 minutes, they did not surrender possession of the ball and it felt more like a rondo session than a football game.

With all this in mind, here are three talking points for Barcelona as they dismantled Real Betis 5-1 in the Round of 16 clash of the Copa del Rey at the Montjuic.

1. Hansi Flick depicts tactical nous

Hansi Flick is not one of those football managers who is very rigid about the positions that his players should occupy on a football pitch. He allows players to be fluid to bring the best out of them and trusts them to trust their instincts.

However, this can often be misinterpreted as the German coach not having tactical nous but last night against Real Betis, Hansi Flicks showed just how strong he is tactically. In fact, he has depicted this on a number of occasions.

The German coach started the season off with a 4-2-3-1 formation but after a run of middling results in November and December, he realized the need for ball retention and shifted to a more classical 4-3-3.

Last night, against Real Betis, he set his team up in the same formation, with Dani Olmo playing as a false nine rather than Robert Lewandowski as a natural striker.

Having four midfielders with the quality of Olmo, Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong meant that ball retention was incredible against Betis, and with both Raphinha and Lamine on point from minute 1, this system offered a lot of happiness last night and a lot of promise for the future.

2. Lamine Yamal has added another weapon to his arsenal

At this point, one is running out of superlatives to describe Lamine Yamal. What he does on the pitch isn’t even astonishing anymore, and it has become the bare minimum one expects from him whenever he plays for Barcelona.

Since the turn of 2025 though, it looks like Lamine has added yet another weapon to his arsenal. Finding the back of the net was one thing the Spaniard had not yet cracked, often due to being rushed in front of the goal. However, that seems to have changed.

In three games since the turn of the year, Lamine has netted three goals. He was very unlucky not to have more against his name last night and if he keeps this form going, it is only a matter of time before he nets his first hattrick.

3. Jules ‘underrated’ Kounde

It is often difficult to shed tags that one has earned for a significant period in his career. Prior to his move to Barcelona, Jules Kounde was one of the best center-backs in the league for a good couple of seasons playing for Sevilla.

Right now though, there should be absolutely no doubt on anyone’s mind that Jules Kounde is right up there with the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Reece James in ‘the best right-backs in the world’ discussions.

What Leandro Trossard did to Tottenham fans after Arsenal goal following Man United anger

Leandro Trossard was in the thick of the first-half action for Arsenal against North London rivals Tottenham with a controversial contribution to the equaliser before a superb strike.

The Gunners had dominated the opening stages only for Son Heung-min to put Tottenham ahead. Supporters inside the Emirates Stadium were sent into shock.

Only days prior that had been the same case when Manchester United were in town. Giving Arsenal a fierce fight they had come away the victors of an FA Cup third round tie and an increased allocation of 8,000 travelling fans across the Clock End’s entire lower tier had truly knocked the Arsenal contingent for six.

A reaction was needed, and that was what Trossard managed to inspire in a four-minute frenzy. His first act was to win the corner that resulted in Dominic Solanke’s own-goal – replays afterwards suggest the ball had in fact left the field with a touch off the Gunners’ winger rather than Spurs defender Pedro Porro.

“It looks like it’s very lucky,” was Martin Keown’s verdict on the matter for TNT Sports at half-time.

There was no reversing the decision and a minute before the break Trossard bounded towards Spurs’ 18-yard box with options aplenty ahead and two defenders in his path.

Arsenal’s next five fixtures compared to Liverpool, Man City and Forest after Tottenham win

Arsenal only have a few days on the training pitches before they return to action. On Saturday afternoon, the Gunners will host Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium as they both look to climb the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta will be eager to narrow Liverpool’s advantage at the top of the table. The Reds have still only lost once in the English top flight this term, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground back in September.

While Arne Slot has distanced his side from title rivals, Liverpool have picked up just two points from their last two games – which could prove costly by May.

Aston Villa (H) – Premier League – Saturday, January 18

After locking horns with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal must face Aston Villa. It’ll be another difficult clash for the Gunners, so Arteta will want his players to show their teeth and prove their title credentials.

Dinamo Zagreb (H) – Champions League – Wednesday, January 22

Arsenal are currently third in the Champions League table, with only Barcelona and Liverpool enjoying a better start to the ‘new-look’ European campaign. This will be the Gunners’ final home game in the competition before the knockout stages commence.

Wolves (A) – Premier League – Sunday, January 25

Wolves have really struggled to distance themselves from a relegation scrap this season. That said, Vitor Pereira, who recently replaced Gary O’Neil in the dugout, has some exciting players, like Matheus Cunha, at his disposal who could really rock the boat.

Girona (A) – Champions League – Wednesday, January 29

This will be Arsenal’s final game in the Champions League group stage before the knockout stage gets underway. Girona haven’t been quite as impressive as they were last season, placing 8th in La Liga and 30th in the European standings.

Manchester City (H) – Premier League – Sunday, February 2

In recent years, this would be branded a title showdown, but neither side have managed to get close to Liverpool. That said, if Arsenal head into the clash with some momentum while Manchester City are still licking their wounds then Arteta will back his side to walk away victorious.

Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham Hotspur as Rice shows Zubimendi what to expect in derby win

Arsenal took a big step forward to better form and two points closer to league leaders Liverpool with a big win in the North London Derby. After a very tough week, this result will certainly do wonders for the side’s confidence.

Son Heung-min hit Arsenal with a sucker punch midway through the first half, a poorly-cleared cross fell to the feet of the South Korean, whose shot then deflected off William Saliba to beat David Raya. However, it would be a Spurs player to give Arsenal a gift as Dominic Solanke deflected the ball into his own net from a corner.

Leandro Trossard, who ironically was last to touch the ball before the corner for the Gunners’ opener was given, then smashed in a shot which Antonin Kinsky should really have done better with.

David Raya – Tested midway through the first half by a Dejan Kulusevski chance from close range which the Spaniard did well to get down and meet. Little the keeper could do from the Son goal after the deflection beat him. 7

Jurrien Timber – Timber manages to glide through games, making contributions where supporting the attack and very rarely putting a foot wrong. He has needed to partner with right-footers since Bukayo Saka’s injury which has perhaps lessened his chances to overlap but he continued to be solid. 7

William Saliba – Sadly the man on the end of Son Heung-min’s shot which allowed the ball to beat David Raya. Nearly allowed Son another chance at goal after losing it to the Spurs talisman but thankfully watched the resulting shot go wide. 6

Gabriel Magalhaes – The Brazilian produced a brilliant tackle to prevent Dominic Solanke a tap-in in the first half, and did so again in the second half. Solid again at the back and the mistake from the game against Manchester United was clearly in the rear-view mirror. 8