First Arsenal January transfer deal confirmed as announcement made

Andrea Berta has been hard at work behind the scenes, with Arsenal announcing their first January transfer window deal

Arsenal youngster Louis Copley has joined Crawley Town on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old, who was part of the Gunners’ squad for the pre-season tour of Asia, is a box-to-box midfielder who has made 14 appearances for Arsenal youth sides this campaign. He has captained both the Arsenal Under-19s and Arsenal Under-21s, and was also named on the bench for the Champions League tie in Club Brugge in December.

Copley has one goal to his name in the Premier League 2 this season, netting against West Ham Under-21s in October. He will now join Crawley Town for the second half of the season as Scott Lindsey’s men battle to stay in League Two.

The Red Devils are currently fourth from bottom in League Two and have largely struggled following their relegation from League One last season. In a statement released on Friday, Arsenal said: “Louie Copley has signed a new professional contract with us and has joined League Two side Crawley Town on loan for the remainder of this season.

“The 19-year-old joined our academy in July 2019 and went on to sign his first professional contract with us in June 2025.

“Louie has had a successful start to the 2025/26 campaign, already making 14 appearances in all competitions for our academy sides, following his involvement in our pre-season tour of Asia. The versatile midfielder was also an unused substitute in our men’s first team away win against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League in December.

“We wish Louie all the best for his loan spell and look forward to seeing his continued development. The loan deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”

Crawley added: “Having recently signed a new contract with Arsenal, Louie now embarks on his first loan move away from his boyhood club, as he looks to gain some invaluable minutes and first-team experience with the Red Devils in League Two. Everybody at the club wishes Louie all the best during his time at the club.”