Arsenal plot SHOCK Real Madrid raid

Cameron Smith

19 Jan 2025 09:00 CST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz before the end of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been a peripheral figure at the Santiago Bernabeu since returning from a lengthy loan spell at AC Milan in 2023, and an exit is deemed to be on the cards this year.

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Diaz has only started six La Liga matches so far this season, amid competition from Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and Arda Guler, and Arsenal are seriously interested in acquiring the Moroccan in January.

That is according to TBR Football, who report that Real Madrid could allow Diaz to depart this month.

Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri have left Arsenal fairly light in attack, and Diaz has been identified as a potential mid-season signing by Mikel Arteta’s side after registering two goals and five assists in all competitions so far this campaign.

Arsenal are also reportedly keeping tabs on the aforementioned Guler, with the Turkish wonderkid also linked with a Real Madrid departure following his struggles for game time this campaign.

Arsenal’s transfer plans

In addition to Diaz, Arsenal are also hoping to sign a new centre forward in 2025 and reports have suggested that Arteta could push to bring in a striker during the January transfer window following Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury.

FootballTransfers understands that RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is currently the Gunners’ preferred target, although Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic are also being monitored by the north London giants.

Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the past 12 months, however Newcastle United are unlikely to sell the Sweden international unless they receive a Premier League record transfer fee.

Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is being pursued as Arsenal look for a new winger, while Martin Zubimendi is expected to join the club this summer.