Arsenal 'willing' to activate £53 million release clause of long-term transfer target

Arsenal are in the midst of a minor crisis, as losses begin to pile up for Mikel Arteta's men. Thankfully, the January transfer window is open - who will the Gunners look to bring on board to help stop the rot and turn their fortunes around?

Arsenal could look to activate a hefty release clause of a player they have been chasing for several months, recent reports suggest. Additionally, a player who has been expected to leave the club this month may now stay with the Gunners, following recent developments.

Arsenal could activate Martin Zubimendi's £53 million release clause

Martin Zubimendi has been on Arsenal's radar since the 2023 summer transfer window - back then, they ultimately opted to sign Declan Rice instead of the Real Sociedad star, but they may come back for a second bite of the cherry.

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, the Gunners are looking to try and seal a deal once again - despite being snubbed by Zubimendi back in the summer. He currently has a £53 million release clause in his contract - but Arsenal aren't alone in their pursuit, as Catalonian giants Barcelona are also thought to be interested.

Eddie Nketiah may not leave Arsenal in the January transfer window

Gunners forward Eddie Nketiah has been tipped to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window - but this now may not be the case, according to Fabrizio Romano as he spoke with CaughtOffside.

Romano said that before Arsenal consider selling Nketiah, they will 'have to find another option on the market'. If the Gunners cannot find an adequate replacement for the former Leeds United loanee before the end of January, it seems likely that he will stay. Nevertheless, Romano did not rule out the possibility of Nketiah leaving the club in the 2024 summer transfer window.