The usually timid Mikel Arteta showed unusual frankness when announcing Bukayo Saka's torn hamstring, which jeopardizes the balance of Arsenal's 2024/25 squad.
The Spaniard claimed the Gunners were fighting for the title with “one of the leanest squads in the Premier League”. Some have interpreted Arteta's recent comments as a message to the hierarchy ahead of a potentially critical January transfer window. If Arsenal are to achieve their goals this year and meet pre-season expectations, an aggressive winter may be necessary.
Supporters were already keen on the prospect of a reinforcement before Saka was injured at Selhurst Park. To be honest, the majority of them thought that swapping Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling wouldn't be enough to catapult the Gunners to their first league title since 2004.
Arteta has suggested the north Londoners are ready to do business, but the January window is renowned for being difficult to negotiate. No club wants to part with its most lucrative assets mid-season.
However, Arsenal will no doubt look to seize any opportunities that arise to strengthen their squad. Here are the positions to be filled this winter, as well as some targets to watch.
The Gunners have long been obsessed with the idea of the club finally getting a long-term number nine. Last year it was the first position to be filled, but Kai Havertz showed promise up front and ultimately played a key role in the Gunners' season. Arsenal were right not to panic during the winter.
Remarkably, Arsenal have only signed one centre-forward since Arteta's arrival (Gabriel Jesus), so now is the time to strengthen the position. Havertz is fully capable of playing the leadership role for Arteta, but is he capable of increasing his ceiling? The German has scored just six Premier League goals in 16 appearances this season.
It seems Londoners need something special to get them through.
The objectives
If Arsenal go for a center forward next year, they're going to make it big. Acquiring the desired target in January could therefore prove tricky.
The club has long admired Alexander Isak of Newcastle, but the Magpies, whose contract of the Swede does not expire until 2028, can demand a monstrous sum. Isak is in great shape and is a favorite target for many fans.
Benjamin Sesko could be the subject of a new attempt after the failure of last summer, while Dusan Vlahovic is a name that does not escape rumors. Viktor Gyökeres is also the center of attention.
As soon as Arteta confirmed that Saka would be out for “many weeks” due to a torn hamstring, reinforcements were immediately called for for January. Saka has been in need of a replacement for years, and Arteta's lack of willingness to rotate ultimately contributed to the winger's latest setback.
It is true that it is difficult to find a quality player willing to play supporting roles, but some could be tempted in January, knowing that they will have a few months to prove their worth before Saka returns.
The Gunners don't just need a right winger. They simply need more quality in the wide areas. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been underperforming this season, while Raheem Sterling's loan spell has proved useless so far.
The team must sign at least one winger in January.
The objectives
Forget Marcus Rashford. Manchester United will not sell the Englishman to their rivals, and Arsenal will certainly refuse to consider the financial aspects of a possible deal.
However, the Gunners could consider other options in the Premier League. The eternally underestimated Bryan Mbeumo has shone again in the absence of Ivan Toney this season and is a versatile option, whileAntoine Semenyofrom Bournemouth, is a powerful and direct dribbler who is starting to develop into a regular contributor in the final third of the pitch for the Cherries.
Randal Cole Muaniwho is no longer popular with PSG, should be available. The Frenchman is another flexible striker who functions primarily as a number nine, but can also play out wide.
Ademola Lookman has already been the subject of interest, but Atalanta do not want to part with him in the middle of the season, while Nico Williams is having a rather difficult season at Athletic Bilbao. It's more likely he leaves this summer.
If Arsenal have a few injuries at full-back, they are well equipped in defense, with Arteta able to count on several players capable of occupying the heart of his defense. Supporters will certainly not be very inspired if the club focuses again on strengthening their back line this winter, given the higher needs on the pitch.
The Gunners have been able to exert impressive control over matches this season, but have lost points when they have been unable to convert pressure into clear-cut chances. Set pieces are of course a reliable solution.
Martin Odegaard is the main creator and much of Arsenal's play has been on the right side. The Gunners need balance and a new creative spark to bridge the gap on the underperforming left side. Mikel Merino is functional, but he has done nothing but disappoint so far. Arsenal may need something more than a midfielder who stands out for his headers and drop-back runs, valuable as those are.
The objectives
Mohammed Jerusalem has been the subject of interest from the Gunners and is someone who could flourish in the left midfield space, in creative tandem with Odegaard. Both players could also switch roles, with the captain having shown at times that he is capable of playing a devastating role inside the left lane.
Few connections were made with playmakers, but Xavi Simons, Morgan Gibbs-White et Alex Baena are good candidates.
Martin Zubimendi is a conductor of depth who, until now, has been reluctant to leave Real Sociedad.
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