Arsenal transfer news: Martin Zubimendi 'green light', Alexander Isak plan and Arda Guler deal

Mikel Arteta could reignite Arsenal's title hopes by bringing a few new faces to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window. The Gunners continue to be heavily linked with numerous players but, with Edu on gardening leave, it remains to be seen whether or not Jason Ayto will lead recruitment in the new year.

Last year, Arsenal forked out over £200m on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber without delving into the winter market. This summer, the North Londoners were little more conservative, spending around £100m for David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.

Arsenal also wrapped up loan deals for Raheem Sterling and Neto. After investing heavily in his midfield and backline, Arteta may finally decide to sign a new striker – especially with Kai Havertz' form and Gabriel Jesus' injury record in mind.

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Arteta's side have fallen nine points behind Liverpool in recent weeks, so the Spaniard will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to turn things around. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal transfer news.

Newcastle swoop put on hold

According to Sky Sports in Germany, as quoted by the Mirror, Arsenal have put their pursuit of Alexander Isak on hold until a new sporting director has been appointed. Edu has been placed on gardening leave by the Gunners, with Jason Ayto stepping into the role on a temporary basis.

Earlier this month, Isak insisted that he's 'fully focused' at Newcastle. The 25-year-old striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as he continues to impress in the Premier League.

Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbal Skanalen, as quoted by 90min, Isak said: "Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. There have been many such years where it has been talked about.

"It doesn't affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else."

Arsenal ready to bid for Zubimendi

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are ready to bid £50m for Martin Zubimendi. The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer, but a switch failed to materialise.

The report states that Real Sociedad are now ready to listen to offers for Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window, with the La Liga outfit's asking price expected to be closer to £60m. Caught Offside have credited Manchester City as a potential suitor too, with the Premier League champions eager to replace Rodri.

As quoted by Spanish outlet Estadio Desportivo during the November international break, Zubimendi insisted that he's happy at Real Sociedad. He said: "There will always be rumours and there is again now that the month of January is approaching, but I don’t waste energy on the noise outside. I’m happy with how I’m handling it and I’m going to take it."

Real Madrid fend off Arsenal interest

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid have no intention of offloading Arda Guler in the January transfer window. The 19-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal recently as Arteta looks to bolster his options this winter.

The report states that Los Blancos remain committed to keeping Guler, who's under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2029. During the November international break, TBR Football reported that the Gunners, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were interested in signing the teenager.

Carlo Ancelotti has recently reaffirmed Real Madrid's stance on Guler, who has struggled to force himself into the Italian's starting lineup this season. As quoted by the Mirror, he said: "When the team plays well it’s because everyone contributes.

"When the team plays well it’s because everyone contributes. Arda has contributed a lot when it comes to creativity in the final third, he has been close to scoring goals, he has played a complete game. These are players that we can count on at this moment because the demands of the games are very high. We need everyone going forward."

Arsenal eye Brentford winger

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have joined the race to sign Bryan Mbeumo ahead of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old forward has enjoyed a brilliant start to the Premier League season, scoring eight goals in 12 games for Brentford.

The report states that Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Mbeumo's situation at the G-Tech Community Stadium. The Cameroon international sees his contract expire in June 2026.

Caught Offside add that Brentford are expected to demand around £40m for his signature. Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have managed to score more goals in the English top flight so far this term.