Arsenal transfer targets: Key update 2026

Fresh January transfer chatter centers on Real Madrid forward Endrick, with several Premier League clubs reportedly weighing up loan options. Arsenal is proceeding cautiously amid agent-led outreach, while Real Madrid remains reluctant to sell and intends to retain control over the player’s future.

Arsenal transfer targets

The 20-year-old Brazil international has seen his representatives begin sounding out potential loan destinations ahead of the January window, due to limited first-team opportunities at Real Madrid. While Real Madrid is understood to prefer keeping Endrick for the long term, the club hierarchy and several insiders have not ruled out a temporary move away from the Spanish capital. Madrid previously arranged a loan to Lyon for the latter half of last season, and interest in Endrick has resurfaced as the market approaches.

Current information suggests Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are the most concrete candidates open to taking Endrick on loan without an option to buy. By contrast, earlier discussions involving Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly centered on loan-to-buy arrangements. The present state of play is largely agent-driven and no formal agreement has been reached, though observers anticipate some movement as January nears, with links also appearing from Serie A clubs.

Where Endrick fits in Arsenal’s plans

Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with Endrick in recent months, including a noted interest in April. The club’s recruitment strategy this season has been cautious about opportunities that are primarily driven by agents, a stance that was evident last summer when Arsenal decided against signing Malick Fofana late in the transfer window.

Internally, Arsenal are keeping attacking options open, particularly if Viktor Gyökeres becomes unsettled or receives interest elsewhere after a diminished role this season. The club continue to monitor several young forwards, including Eli Junior Kroupi, though a potential deal could be complicated if Bournemouth defender Alex Scott moves away in January. Can Uzun is another young forward admired by Arsenal and could represent a lower-profile option to watch.

Background and wider context

Endrick’s situation reflects a common pattern for young talents at top clubs: limited minutes prompt temporary moves to maintain development and match sharpness. Real Madrid backed the player through the summer and facilitated a loan to Lyon last season; they reportedly want to retain control over his long-term future rather than agreeing to an immediate permanent transfer.

Clubs prepared to accept a straight loan without an option to buy are more attractive to Real in the short term because such arrangements preserve Madrid’s future options. This helps explain why Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham are viewed as more concrete suitors than teams seeking a loan-to-buy arrangement.

For Arsenal, the priority is less about reactive moves and more about strategic signings that fit a longer-term plan. While a sudden Endrick loan to Arsenal remains unlikely under current reporting, the club will continue to evaluate other targets and assess Gyokeres’ situation before deciding on attacking reinforcements.

Supporting details

Key points confirmed by reporting include: Endrick’s representatives are actively sounding out clubs; Real Madrid are reluctant to sell; Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham would accept straight loans; previous discussions with Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool involved loan-to-buy concepts; there is interest from Serie A; and Arsenal maintain interest in other young forwards, including Eli Junior Kroupi and Can Uzun.

The Lyon loan last season and Real Madrid’s ongoing backing remain central factors shaping how any January movement might be structured.

What Happens Next

Expect incremental developments as January approaches. While agent-led contact between clubs is possible, Real Madrid’s preference to control Endrick’s future suggests any move is likely to be a temporary loan rather than a permanent transfer. Arsenal appears unlikely to pursue a January loan for Endrick as a first option and will likely continue to monitor alternatives such as Kroupi and Uzun, and evaluate Gyökeres’ status before deciding on attacking reinforcements.

If a loan is finalized, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham are the most probable immediate destinations. Official club statements and transfer-window filings will provide the first confirmations, with updates from reliable club or league sources guiding the next steps.

Source: Original report