With Arsenal’s title hopes taking a significant hit recently following a poor run of form, calls for the Gunners to invest in the squad in January have increased.
But following a summer of big spending which saw Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber all arrive for big fees, the reality is Arsenal cannot spend huge amounts on the squad without risking falling foul of financial fair play.
The Gunners have invested hundreds of millions into the team over the past couple of seasons and the club are not expecting a busy January window. But there are certainly some areas Arsenal could do with strengthening in January and may be able to…
Full-back
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Gunners could certainly do with another full-back added to the squad. Jurrien Timber’s injury given his versatility and ability to play a number of positions across the back-line was a blow and he is not expected to return until later in the season, while Takehiro Tomiyasu’s absence due to the Asian Cup further adds to Mikel Arteta’s problems. Oleksandr Zinchenko has not been at his best this season, nor has Ben White of late, so improving the quality in the wide defensive positions makes a lot of sense.
Getting someone who can play on either flank would be ideal but Arsenal would be better focusing on someone who can definitely perform on the left-hand side given Zinchenko’s struggles defensively and it seems Kieran Tierney, who is currently out on loan, is not in Arteta’s plans either. It is going to be difficult for Arsenal to find a new starting full-back this month though and they may have to wait until the summer to find a long-term solution.
Central defence
Embed from Getty ImagesArsenal have two high quality starting central defenders in Gabriel and William Saliba, the latter being undoubtedly one of the best in his position in the world right now. But the depth beyond them could certainly be improved. Jakub Kiwior, Tomiyasu and Timber, when he returns, can all play there, as can first choice right-back Ben White. But with what Arsenal want to achieve, it needs to be better. An injury to Gabriel or Saliba and that starting back-line suddenly starts to look a lot weaker.
There are some excellent central defenders out there that Arsenal could go for. Ousmane Diomande at Sporting should be right at the top of the list but is going to be very expensive given he’s just 20 and has the potential to also become one of the best in the world in his position. Benfica’s Antonio Silva is another option but the same applies for him, as it does with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. Arsenal aren’t short of options but it’s going to be difficult this month. Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo would be a cheaper alternative given he’s out of contract at the end of the season.
Central midfield
Embed from Getty ImagesThomas Partey’s persistent injury problems have weakened Arsenal this season given he provides energy and a consistent defensive presence which allowed Declan Rice to be unleashed further forward. With Fabio Vieira also out, Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the pitch have been very limited for much of the season and Kai Havertz is yet to really convince on the left of the midfield three. Adding another option should perhaps be a bigger priority than defensive reinforcements this month.
The Gunners have been linked with Everton midfielder Amadou Onana of late, who provides athleticism to carry the ball forward and the tenacity and strength in duels that Arsenal need. He still has plenty of developing to do but has time on his side at just 22 and a deal could be done given Everton’s precarious financial position. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is also another option, who is said to have a release clause in his contract.
Striker
Embed from Getty ImagesPerhaps the most discussed position among the Arsenal fanbase when it comes to the January transfer window given their recent struggles in front of goal, however the indications are that this is not going to happen this month. Arteta has publicly stated that it is unlikely a new striker will be signed in January and strikers are notoriously hard to sign in the winter window.
There are options available but all very expensive. Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen and Santiago Gimenez all stand out as viable but if Arsenal decide a new striker is the answer to getting them over the line to win the Premier League then it will likely have to wait past this month.
What would make a successful window?
It would be brilliant if Arsenal could strengthen in all of these positions this month but the reality is that is just not going to be possible. If the club could add a quality defensive reinforcement and another strong option in midfield then that would at least go some way to addressing their squad shortcomings and would put Arteta’s side in a stronger position to get back into the title race.
