Arsenal looking to fortify four key positions in 2025

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2025 is around the corner, and every team in Europe is looking forward to making better and more informed decisions on squad upgrades to potentially help the club through the end of the season (Winter Window) or to begin the next one stronger (Summer Window). Arsenal, alongside many English teams, has been on the frontlines of transfer news, as Mikel Arteta keeps building a sustainable and victorious Arsenal squad.

Mikel Arteta’s men are competing for the Premier League title but a poor run of form throughout October and November means they are chasing Liverpool. Here are the key positions and potential targets Arsenal will be looking to fortify in 2025.

Center-Forward (CW)

The Gunners are exploring options to strengthen their attacking positions, including the potential addition of a new center-forward and winger. Their primary focus is to provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka, but they are also open to upgrading on the left wing if the right opportunity arises. Raheem Sterling, who is currently on loan from Chelsea, is capable of playing on both flanks but offers a short-term solution for the North London side. However, with no purchase option in his deal, Arsenal are free to explore other options without overloading their squad.

The North London side has kept a keen interest in Sporting Lisbon’s 26-year-old striker Viktor Gyokeres who has been on fire all season. The Swedish striker signed a new contract with the Portuguese club over the summer, blocking a potential move to the Emirates in search of more time with a team he has synced with. He is expected to leave the club at the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s departure. Still, a January move cannot be ruled out. If Arsenal decides on making a move soon, they would be aware of the €100 million release clause in his contract. Sporting CP is likely to do business for around €70m and not lower due to the class, stat, and performance he has fielded early this season. Manchester United is also strong contender for his signature, but his close relationship with Ruben Amorim is no guarantee that he will favor a switch to Old Trafford. Gyokeres has a preference on who he wants to join, but the situation is open. His agents are considering options from across Europe especially in the Premier League.

While Chelsea and Arsenal’s interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen remains blunt, Manchester United’s recent proposal may bring back the competition for the Napoli man. Osimhen who currently plays on loan in Turkish outfit Galatasaray has been impressive this season, scoring eight goals and five assists in his 11 appearances. The Nigerian who fell out with Napoli is committed to playing the full season with the Turkish side and helping them win both the domestic and Europa League trophies, but might be tempted to leave early if any club triggers his €75 million release clause next year. Manchester  United has struggled to find goals this season, with forwards Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee only scoring four league goals between them all campaign. Zirkzee, who was signed from Serie A side Bologna for £36.5m in the summer transfer window, has already been linked with a move back to Italy with many reports claiming the Manchester  United board sees him as a ‘lost cause’ already. The club is considering offering the player plus more cash incentives to Napoli to secure Osimhen in January. Chelsea with high-performing Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are unlikely to re-enter the race, but Arsenal’s need for a finisher is still valid, and Mikel Arteta’s side may reignite their interest in the experienced striker.

While looking closely at the possibility of these targets, the Gunners have never been a side to spend big in January, this brings in the line-light for their latest interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani who could be a short-term option for the Gunners on loan. The France international is rumoured to be available for loan in the winter having failed to make an impact with the French champions. The Gunners are more likely to receive competition from Manchester United and Newcastle who are looking to sign him on a full-time basis.

Attacking Midfielder (AMF)

Although many will question the club’s need for a proficient Attacking Midfielder following Martin Ødegaard and academy product Ethan Nwaneri’s quality performance in the position this season. But the truth remains that it is a much-needed position for improvement. In the midfield, the club recognizes the need for backups, as the current options are aging compared to other areas of the team. While their Norwegian captain sustained an injury, the club struggled to navigate games, leading to room for improvements in the position.

One player who Arsenal could move for in 2025 is Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. According to reports, the Gunners are now ‘strong contenders’ to sign the attacking midfielder after positioning themselves alongside the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The talented German played a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga championship team last season. Leverkusen have opened discussions over a new deal for Wirtz to keep him in the club while they bid for European dominance. It’s understood a deal may be sanctioned in 2025 to ensure they bank as much as possible when he decides to leave. 

Real Madrid’s Arda Guler also makes the list of players on Arsenal’s wishlist, following his want for more play-time in top-flight football. Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has caused tactical issues and further reduced playing time for the up-and-coming talent, and he could be looking towards an exit in the summer if the situation continues.

Central Back (CB)

While Mikel Arteta’s team remains with a good defensive network, they will prepare for the possibility of the exits of their top defenders, and back-up options for better player rotation. Real Madrid are doubling down on their efforts to secure William Saliba in January following the club’s injury woes. Additionally, the club could part ways with Napoli target Jakub Kiwior who is valued at around £16.6million if a permanent deal is reached.

Goalkeeper (GK)

Arsenal will be assessing its goalkeeping options in 2025, given that Neto is only on loan and there is no experienced third-choice keeper in the squad. 

18-year-old Tommy Setford is still gaining experience and will only be an option in games with smaller competition. On the other hand, 22-year-old Karl Hein is performing well on loan in Real Valladolid and doesn’t return till the end of the season. The club may still look to promote from its academy if suitable external candidates aren’t available.

Arsenal’s participation in the upcoming January transfer window remains uncertain as the club prefers conducting significant transfers in the summer. Any move in January will solely depend on the emergence of a good opportunity or urgent need to cover a position.

ARSENAL’S NEXT FIXTURES

We are not halfway into the 2024/25 season, but the Gunners seem to be running on a rollercoaster of performances. Seeing the team overcome setbacks and reignite their winning edge in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League is inspiring. Their upcoming games will not be easier, Arteta’s team has to find a blend in each game to navigate through them successfully.

Their last series of games in the Barclays Premier League will decide their fate in the title pursuit in the second half of the season. In the UEFA Champions League, their win against Sporting Lisbon gives them an edge to make it to the playoffs but they are expected to remain just as clinical in their remaining games with Monaco, Dinamo Zagreb, and Girona to secure direct qualification into the Round of 16. The EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) and FA Cup add to the list of non-stop games for Arsenal until March 2025. Here is a list of the remaining schedule for the year, 2024:

Wednesday, 4th December: Arsenal vs Manchester United — 20:15 (Premier League, Emirates Stadium)

Sunday, 8th December: Fulham vs Arsenal — 14:00 (Premier League, Craven Cottage)

Wednesday, 11th December: Arsenal vs Monaco — 20:00 (UEFA Champions League, Emirates Stadium)

Saturday, 14th December: Arsenal vs Everton — 15:00 (Premier League, Emirates Stadium)

Wednesday, 18th December: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace — 19:30 (Carabao Cup, Emirates Stadium)

Saturday, 21st December: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal — 17:30 (Premier League, Selhurst Park)

Friday, 27th December: Arsenal vs Ipswich Town — 20:15 (Premier League, Emirates Stadium)

ARSENAL TICKETS

There’s no better time for fans to secure available Arsenal tickets for upcoming games and be part of the action across Europe. Join in and cheer the Gunners on their quest for glory and experience the thrills Live football can provide. Get your Arsenal tickets early from secondary ticket markets and be part of the magic. Explore seat maps, compare prices, and find the ideal spot for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

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