The Players Arsenal Need in the January Transfer Window to Mount a Title Charge

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Mikel Arteta aims to conclude any prospective Arsenal transfer plans for the January window promptly if he has not already done so. Although the strategy seems reactionary rather than proactive, Arteta may be eager to bolster his team, considering the Premier League title is very much attainable.

Arsenal’s roster comprises highly skilled players, with no discernible deficiencies among the starting lineup after the club’s summer acquisitions. However, worries persist, and recent observations indicate that when the squad depth encounters challenges, the team falters in upholding the high standards we anticipate.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned factors, the January transfer window is expected to be uneventful for the Gunners. Substantial financial investment would be required to entice their primary targets from their current teams throughout the season. Nevertheless, there may be some activity in north London, so let’s look at prime candidates who could make a difference at the Emirates.

This AC Milan winger could be perfect for Arsenal’s flank

Mikel Arteta and previous sporting director Edu inadequately strengthened Arsenal’s wide positions during the summer transfer window. Notwithstanding the acquisition of Raheem Sterling on loan, Arsenal lacks enough support for Bukayo Saka.

Bukayo Saka’s ten assists is a notable statistic in the current top-tier season; nonetheless, no player in the Arsenal roster has exceeded five goals in the league. Consequently, it is conjectured weekly that Arteta may soon seek a conventional number nine. Nevertheless, the Spaniard seems receptive to incorporating an additional winger and dynamic attacker into his frontline in 2025.

In step AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.

Arsenal has engaged with Leao’s agents in recent weeks. The 25-year-old’s value has probably diminished this season due to the inconsistent selection of new head coach Paulo Fonseca in the starting lineup.

Given his four goals and four assists in Serie A and Champions League matches, Milan may reasonably contemplate any appropriate bids for the Portugal international. Thus, he would be an under-the-radar signing that wouldn’t completely diminish the bank. That said, unless Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli have one foot out of the door, it’s not necessarily a position the Gunners must urgently fill.

Boosting their EPL odds with three key positions

Much like their current league position, Arsenal is second favourite (5/2) to win the Premier League title according to this list of bookmakers. However, if those same sportsbooks were to give us odds on which playing positions Arsenal would bolster during the January transfer window, it would be a no-brainer in predicting the following:

• Forward
• Winger
• Defensive Midfielder
• Goalkeeper

As previously mentioned, the Gunners could use some respectable cover on the flank for Saka; after that, they must look further down the pitch. Arsenal failed to acquire a defensive midfielder as originally planned in the summer, ultimately opting for Mikel Merino, whose move at 28 years of age was fairly atypical. A forward also failed to come following Benjamin Sesko’s rejection of the Gunners.

The custodian position caused difficulties for the team until Deadline Day. Following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton, Arsenal needed to acquire a replacement No. 2, but they were unsuccessful in securing their first target, Joan Garcia. They finally had to acquire 35-year-old Neto, obtained on loan from Bournemouth and is not a viable long-term solution.

Could Martin Zubimendi finally make the move?

Mikel Arteta’s admiration for his fellow Spaniard, Martin Zubimendi, is well-known. The Real Sociedad midfielder has been on Arsenal’s watchlist for some years, and the squad have previously made attempts to acquire him.

The challenge they, along with Liverpool, have is that Zubimendi has demonstrated no want to depart from his childhood club. The most challenging aspect of any prospective agreement is persuading the player to transfer, but the tide for Zubimendi, in particular, could change.

Rumours state that Zubimendi is beginning to accept a departure from Real Sociedad, with reports suggesting it may occur in 2025. Arsenal’s existing connections make the Spain international his most appealing choice when contemplating a reunion with Mikel Merino.

During the previous summer, the Gunners engaged in discussions with Sociedad for the midfielder, ultimately reaching a mutually beneficial agreement valued at £31.6 million, considering his contract circumstances. This is not a significant financial burden, and with two midfield spots uncertain—Thomas Partey and Jorginho—he would be an outstanding acquisition for January.

The reality is, however, whether a player with such loyalty to his boyhood club will be willing to leave at a mid-season juncture. It isn’t very likely.

Is the January transfer really important for Arteta and Arsenal?

An injury problem led to an erratic beginning of the season for Arsenal, who have regained their form in recent weeks but still occupy third place (joint-second with Chelsea) in the Premier League standings, behind leaders Liverpool by seven points.

Arsenal has often engaged in the January transfer market, lately acquiring players such as Jorginho and Leandro Trossard; however, new indications suggest that similar transactions are improbable this season.

Unless Arsenal encounters further injury problems, they are not anticipated to enhance the team majorly in January and will instead focus on preparations for a potentially substantial summer.

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