With a commanding six-point lead at the Premier League summit, Arsenal are in a formidable position to end their two-decade wait for the title. The Gunners' dominance was recently showcased in a stunning 4-1 derby victory over Tottenham, where a hat-trick from Eberechi Eze rubbed salt in Spurs' wounds.
FM26's Bold Transfer Forecast for the Gunners
Despite their impressive form, the club is expected to be active in the January transfer window to ensure there is no room for complacency. To predict potential moves, we turned to the highly detailed football simulation, Football Manager 2026, which has forecast a series of dramatic ins and outs at the Emirates Stadium.
Major Incomings to Bolster the Squad
The simulation predicts two significant arrivals. The first is Leon Goretzka, the 67-cap German international, joining from Bayern Munich for a cut-price fee of £24.5 million. The 30-year-old midfielder, a six-time Bundesliga winner and Champions League champion, is out of contract in the summer, making him an attractive prospect for Mikel Arteta's side.
Even more eye-catching is the predicted signing of Sporting CP's attacking star Pedro Gonçalves for a substantial £69 million. Known as 'Poto' in the game, the winger is a fan favourite in Portugal and was instrumental in Sporting's recent title win. In a curious twist of fate, he was once on the books at Wolves without breaking into their first team.
Notable Departures from North London
Such a major signing inevitably leads to a high-profile exit. In this simulated scenario, the arrival of Gonçalves signals the end of Gabriel Martinelli's six-year stint with Arsenal. The Brazilian superstar is forecast to join Bayern Munich for £27 million, filling the void left by Leroy Sane.
Furthermore, young prospect Osman Kamara is predicted to secure a loan move to Leeds United. The 19-year-old Sierra Leone international, who plays on the left wing, is yet to make his first-team debut for the Gunners but will look to gain valuable experience in the Championship, following a path previously trodden by Eddie Nketiah.
These Football Manager 2026 predictions paint a picture of a decisive and potentially transformative January window for Arsenal as they push for Premier League glory.
