The January transfer window is not open for a while but Arsenal have conducted a bit of emergency business

Young Arsenal goalkeeper Khari Ranson has joined National League South side Billericay Town on loan, it has been announced.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners but was named on the bench three times last season in the Champions League. Having joined the club in August 2017 initially as a midfielder before becoming a goalkeeper, Ranson will now embark on his first loan move with Arsenal sanctioning a 28-day loan deal to Billericay.

The teenager started the 7-0 win against Little Oakley in the BBC Essex Senior Cup on Tuesday evening, just hours after the move was announced. Charlton U21s goalkeeper Finley Woodham had joined Billericay on a short-term loan at the end of October and started the weekend's draw with Dagenham & Redbridge. However, he was not included in the squad to face Little Oakley, with Ranson starting in his place.

Under FA rules, football clubs are permitted to sign a goalkeeper on an emergency loan deal if other goalkeepers at the club are injured, suspended or unavailable due to exceptional circumstances.

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In a statement Arsenal said: "Khari Ranson has joined Billericay Town in the National League South on loan for an initial 28-day period.

"The 19-year-old joined our academy in August 2017 as a midfielder before making the transition to goalkeeper, signing his first professional contract in July 2025.

"Having broken into our under-21s side during the 2024/25 season, Khari made 12 appearances across our under-21s, under-19s and under-18s sides last campaign.

"The London-born goalkeeper has impressed between the posts, producing a crucial stoppage-time penalty save in our 3-1 victory over West Ham United in the U18 Premier League in January 2025. His progress was further recognised when he was named among the substitutes for our Champions League fixture away to Bayer Leverkusen in March 2026.

"We wish Khari all the best for his loan spell with Billericay Town and look forward to seeing his continued development."

In their own statement on Tuesday, Billericay said: "Welcome Khari! We’re delighted to announce the loan signing of highly-rated 19-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Khari Ranson!

"A product of Arsenal’s academy, Khari joined the club on scholarship in 2024 before signing professionally in 2025. He has also represented England at U19 level and featured on the bench for three Champions League fixtures. We’re excited to welcome Khari to Billericay Town and wish him every success during his time at the club!"