Arsenal Handed Major Transfer Setback As Club Rules Out January Move For Arteta Dream Striker Target

According to a report by TeamTalk on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Arsenal have suffered a potential transfer setback after Club Brugge made it clear they have no intention of selling highly rated striker Nicolo Tresoldi during the January transfer window.

The Belgian club are determined to retain the German Under-21 international until at least the summer, despite growing interest from several leading European clubs monitoring his impressive performances.

According to reports, Brugge are preparing to demand a club-record transfer fee for Tresoldi, with his eventual departure expected to cost more than the €40 million Arsenal paid for Christos Tzolis.

The 21-year-old has attracted widespread attention following his impressive development in Belgium, becoming one of the most closely watched young forwards ahead of future transfer windows.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were linked with the striker during the summer, while Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Everton and Leeds United have also monitored his progress.

European heavyweights Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly following Tresoldi, highlighting the growing competition for his signature.

Recent reports suggested Arsenal had identified the forward as their preferred replacement for Viktor Gyokeres, with Mikel Arteta reportedly considering selling the Swedish striker to help finance a potential move.

However, Brugge have firmly rejected the possibility of allowing Tresoldi to leave during January, insisting the youngster remains an important part of their plans for the remainder of the campaign.

A club source told TEAMtalk: “There is no appetite to let Nicolo leave in January.”

The source added: “We know every major club in Europe is watching him, and that sets any market going forward, but not for January – the intention is to keep him for sure.”

Tresoldi enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 19 goals in the Belgian Pro League after arriving from Hannover, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young attacking talents.

His performances have continued this season, with eight goals in his first 10 appearances further strengthening his reputation and attracting additional interest from potential suitors.

A hat-trick in Club Brugge’s recent Champions League victory over Inter Milan also demonstrated his ability to deliver against elite opposition.

Although Arsenal may have to wait until the summer to pursue the German forward, Brugge’s expected record-breaking asking price could trigger an intense battle involving several Premier League and European clubs.

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