Arsenal were not expected to be active on deadline day. They had a terrific summer window.
However, due to the injury of Mikel Merino, the Gunners were expected to make a move late in the window.
Mikel Arteta’s men were linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. However, the Magpies rejected any approach from the Gunners.
But they still managed to sneak in a surprise signing after the window had effectively closed. The Gunners had already allowed two players to leave during January.
Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan until the end of the season, while Oleksandr Zinchenko completed a permanent move to Ajax.
Despite those exits and a growing injury list, there was little indication Arsenal would bring anyone in.
By the time the clock hit 7pm on Monday, February 2, Arsenal had not registered a single new arrival.
Around two hours after the winter window slammed shut, Arsenal quietly presented a new signing at the club’s training ground.
There had been late talk of Arsenal competing with Tottenham Hotspur for Hearts forward James Wilson.
Instead, Arsenal switched focus and completed a deal for St Mirren teenager Evan Mooney.
The 18-year-old forward has joined Arsenal’s Under-21 setup after featuring regularly for St Mirren’s senior side this season.
The Scottish club confirmed the move involved a “substantial fee,” along with future add-ons and a sizeable sell-on clause.
Mooney will now link up with U21 head coach Max Porter and compete in Premier League 2, where Arsenal believe he has the tools to develop quickly.
The club is delighted to announce the signing of Evan Mooney from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren 🖋️
Welcome to The Arsenal, Evan! 👊
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) February 2, 2026
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