Arsenal target Kroupi and Yildiz for attack

Arsenal’s attack has stalled, with forward options limited and midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to leave in January, leaving a clear gap that Mikel Arteta wants to fill before the busy festive run‑in. The Gunners also aim to maintain their three‑point Premier League lead and progress in the Champions League, making a versatile signing essential.

Sport commentator Dan Burnham wrote at 04:00 on 04 November 2026 that Mikel Arteta will be happy if January goes to plan. Arsenal's season is shaping up to be another successful one. The Gunners have opened up a three‑point gap at the Premier League summit. They can now look to climb towards the top of the Champions League table with a very winnable fixture away at Slavia Prague on Wednesday.

League lead and Champions League hopes

The only notable low point has been their premature Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two's Fleetwood Town on penalties. That exit helps to ease their fixture congestion heading into a packed festive period after the second international break of the season. Mikel Arteta is not looking to rest on his laurels, with the January transfer window set to be busy at the Emirates Stadium.

highlights two updates, representing a double January transfer agenda for the Gunners. Arsenal's defence has been immense this season, with summer signing Ezri Konsa deputising for the injured William Saliba, who is now back in training. The attack is the main area of concern, and Arteta is pushing to resolve it when the market re‑opens.

January targets to bolster attack

Arsenal are keen to revisit their interest in Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, although the Cherries are reluctant to sell in January. Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz remains on the list of targets to strengthen the left flank. The priority is a versatile forward who can play in multiple positions. Kroupi has just returned from injury for Bournemouth.

Martin Zubimendi has seen his minutes severely limited since returning from winning the World Cup with Spain. After a mixed first season in north London, he now finds himself behind Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield pecking order. Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Mikel Merino have largely been favoured as rotation options. Zubimendi is not getting the minutes he desires from Arteta.

According to TEAMtalk, Zubimendi has made his mind up on his future and is ready to leave in January to get his career back on track. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are credited with interest in taking him back to his home country. He has a contract until 2030. Arsenal will be keen to at least recoup the £60 million they spent to sign him last year.