Arsenal fans, buckle up! With the Gunners soaring at the top of the Premier League, boasting arguably the deepest squad in the division, and having splashed out massive sums in recent transfer windows, you’d think the Emirates might enjoy a breather from the rumor mill. But in the relentless world of Premier League football, transfer whispers never truly fade. On Friday, The Athletic dropped a bombshell update via the ever-trustworthy David Ornstein and Arsenal specialist James McNicholas, shedding light on four intriguing deals swirling around north London. From contract extensions to potential January exits and even a shock sale, here’s everything they revealed – straight from the experts.
1. Bukayo Saka’s Contract: Locked In and Loving It
First up, the jewel in Arsenal’s crown – Bukayo Saka. The 24-year-old England star has been a talisman for Mikel Arteta’s side, and despite entering the final 18 months of his current deal, Ornstein has all but confirmed that fresh terms are imminent. Forget the big clubs circling; Saka’s heart is firmly at the Emirates.
Ornstein wrote: “Some of the biggest clubs in world football have pursued Saka in the past and would not hesitate to do so again — if there was any realistic possibility of prising the 24-year-old from north London. As things stand, Arsenal’s talismanic winger is approaching the final 18 months of his existing contract and in normal circumstances that would present suitors with an opportunity to pounce. But these are not normal circumstances: Saka has spent his entire career at the Emirates Stadium and there is no indication of him wanting to leave, something interested parties are fully aware of. Talks continue over a new deal, which Arsenal hope will be their latest high-profile extension, and all expectations are that an agreement will be reached soon to tie down the England international.”
It’s official: Saka isn’t going anywhere. This extension would cap off Arsenal’s strategy of securing their homegrown heroes, ensuring the winger remains a cornerstone for years to come.
2. Ethan Nwaneri: No January Loan – Development Stays In-House
Next, the prodigious 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. After a breakout 2024-25 season, his minutes have dwindled this term, especially with Eberechi Eze’s arrival bolstering the attacking midfield options. Rumors of a January loan to gain experience elsewhere have been rife, but Ornstein poured cold water on that idea. Arsenal’s plan? Keep him close and nurture his growth right at home.
The reliable reporter stated: “This year, Nwaneri signed a new five-year contract at Arsenal, committing his future to the north London club despite strong interest from elsewhere. Competition in Mikel Arteta’s squad is fierce, so the 18-year-old attacker will be focused on battling for a place and continuing to progress. If last season can be described as Nwaneri’s breakout campaign, this is perhaps a development phase as he learns the No 10 role and adds elements to his game. All parties intend for that to happen at the Emirates Stadium and, while you never know in football, there should be plenty of opportunities — especially with Arsenal competing for domestic and European honours.”
No shock exit here – it’s all about patience and progression. With Arsenal chasing trophies on multiple fronts, Nwaneri could still get his chances without leaving the fold.
3. Myles Lewis-Skelly: January Loan on the Cards?
Shifting gears to another academy gem, Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 19-year-old (turning 20 soon) enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 with 39 appearances – the most by an Arsenal teenager since Cesc Fabregas. But this season, the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie have blocked his path, leaving him without a Premier League start. Unlike Nwaneri, James McNicholas suggests a January move could be in play, especially with Lewis-Skelly eyeing a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
McNicholas explained: “Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal earlier in 2025. Having been with the club since the age of eight, the deal was an acknowledgement of his ascension to first-team player and England international. The 2024-25 campaign was a breakout season for Lewis-Skelly and fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri. Lewis-Skelly’s 39 appearances in 2024-25 were the most by an Arsenal player aged 18 or younger since Cesc Fabregas in 2005-06 (47), and the most by an Englishman since Stewart Robson in 1982-83 (49). In 2025-26, he has found first-team football more difficult to come by — particularly in the Premier League, where he is still awaiting his first start. That’s largely explained by the form and fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, and the summer arrival of Piero Hincapie. Lewis-Skelly’s contract is a clear indication that he and Arsenal share a common vision of a future together. The lack of Premier League football has, however, placed Lewis-Skelly’s World Cup place in some jeopardy — and that may encourage interested parties to come forward.”
This one’s not set in stone, but the door is ajar for a temporary switch. If suitors step up, Arsenal might sanction a loan to keep their young star sharp and motivated.
4. Kai Havertz: Shock Sale on the Horizon?
Finally, the big surprise – Kai Havertz. Signed for £65million from Chelsea in June 2023, the German has been a key figure under Arteta, shifting from midfield to center-forward. But injuries have sidelined him for much of 2025, and with Viktor Gyokeres joining the ranks, competition is heating up. As Havertz approaches the two-year mark left on his deal next summer, McNicholas hints Arsenal could face a “extend or sell” dilemma – and a shock departure isn’t off the table.
McNicholas added: “It was June 2023 when Arsenal signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65million, with the German international committing to a five-year deal. Next summer, he will have two years remaining on his contract — typically the point at which clubs decide whether to extend the deal or sell. On the face of it, the idea of Havertz leaving appears far-fetched: he is one of Arteta’s most trusted players. When he has been available, he has tended to start — initially in midfield, and then latterly as a centre-forward. Arsenal have had to cope without Havertz, however, for most of 2025. A hamstring injury sustained in February kept him out until mid-May. Then in August, he managed half an hour as a substitute on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, before succumbing to a knee problem that required surgery. The signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP also provides Havertz with increased competition for a starting place. Mikel Arteta has not yet had to contend with accommodating both forwards in his squad. At some point, Arsenal will need to offset their significant expenditure with sales. Were Havertz — who turns 27 next summer — to come onto the market, he would probably be among Arsenal’s most saleable assets. Perhaps Arsenal will have to take a strategic decision on Havertz in 2026: extend or sell?”
This could be the wildcard. With Eze owning the No. 10 spot and Gyokeres adding firepower upfront, Havertz’s future might involve a lucrative move to balance the books.
In summary, while Arsenal’s squad depth suggests stability, these insights from Ornstein and McNicholas paint a picture of calculated maneuvering. Saka’s loyalty is a massive win, Nwaneri’s staying put, Lewis-Skelly might seek temporary pastures, and Havertz could fetch a hefty fee. As the January window looms, expect more twists – but for now, it’s official: the Gunners are plotting smartly to sustain their title charge. Stay tuned, Gooners!