As the January transfer window hits the midway point, Arsenal finally look to be making some major moves. Despite the injury issues facing Mikel Arteta, there was minimal activity regarding new signings coming into Emirates Stadium but that has seemingly changed.

On Tuesday, it was shockingly revealed that Arsenal had all-but-wrapped up a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad with the midfielder to join this summer. Such a decision being made ahead of the 2025/26 season suggests both Thomas Partey and Jorginho will depart at the end of their contracts.

As for imminent arrivals, the need for an attacker to come in continues to heighten following confirmation of Gabriel Jesus suffering a serious knee injury. Despite the complications over a potential deal, Nico Williams remains Arteta's favoured target with a fresh update now coming to light.

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With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours with just over two weeks of the January trading period remaining.

Zubimendi release clause decision

Arsenal look set to pay Martin Zubimendi's Real Sociedad release clause in instalments, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Speaking to NBC, he said: “Martin Zubimendi’s release clause is £50.6million (€60m), my understanding is that they [Arsenal] might look to pay a bit more so that they can stagger the payments and that would allow them to do other business next summer.”

football.london says: This is quite a clever move from Arsenal if they are able to pull it off. Being on the verge of agreeing such a deal well in advance is also very impressive and this smart financial decision would cap it off brilliantly.

While the Gunners will of course still have to pay the money, making such a big call allows a significant amount of time for focus to be on other moves for positions in need of strengthening. The £50million is not necessarily a big fee but with so much concern surrounding profit and sustainability rules, it makes sense to be careful.

Staggering payments leaves the door open to further investment in the squad with it feasible Arsenal make another triple-figure purchase, this time for either an elite-level striker or game-changing versatile attacker.

Williams update

A departure from Bilbao appears inevitable for Williams and Arsenal being his eventual destination is the most likely scenario. Despite the financial worries, the Gunners remain keen on signing him with El Nacional claiming though he has not yet made a final decision, Arsenal have the advantage.

It it also said that Arteta has contacted his brother Inaki Williams' younger brother and agent in order to convince him of the move.

football.london says: It is certainly plausible that Arsenal break their wage structure in order to sign Williams with Arteta clearly of the belief he can change the club's fortunes.

With Barcelona perhaps as their only real competition, previous issues in wide areas being solved certainly suggests Arsenal are in pole position. The goal contributions have dried up for Williams in recent months since shining at Euro 2024, but his talent remains and is unquestionable.

Arteta now faces arguably the biggest decision of his managerial tenure with it unlikely both the Spain international and an elite-level striker can join in the same window.