The typically shy Mikel Arteta was uncharacteristically candid as he broke the news of Bukaya Saka’s torn hamstring, which is Arsenal’s 2024/25 ailment. in danger of collapse.
Amid Arteta’s update, the Spaniard claimed the Gunners were fighting for the title with “one of the weakest teams in the Premier League”. Some interpreted Arteta’s recent comments as a message to the hierarchy ahead of the potentially critical January transfer window. If Arsenal are to achieve their goals this season and meet pre-season expectations, an aggressive winter may be required.
Fans were already enthusiastic about the idea of reinforcements before Saka’s muscle gave out at Selhurst Park. To be fair, most thought that swapping Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling would not be enough to catapult the Gunners to their first league title since 2004.
Arteta suggested that north Londoners are open for business, but January is a notoriously difficult time to close big deals. No club wants to part with their most lucrative asset in the middle of the season.
However, Arsenal will no doubt be looking for opportunities in an attempt to strengthen their squad. Here are their positions of need this winter, as well as a few targets to keep an eye on.
Gooners have long been obsessed with the club finally getting their long-standing number nine. That was the primary position of need this time last year, but then Kai Havertz offered promise up top and ended up playing a key role in the Gunners’ title run. Arsenal were justified in not panicking in the winter.
Arsenal have incredibly only signed one centre-forward since Arteta took over (Gabriel Jesus), and surely the time has come to strengthen the position. Havertz is more than capable of performing as Arteta’s leading man, but is he a ceiling lifter? The German has just six goals in the Premier League in 16 appearances this season.
It looks like the Gunners will need something special to get over the hump.
Key objectives
If Arsenal opt for a centre-forward next year, they will improve. Therefore, achieving the desired goal in January can be difficult.
The club are long-time fans of Newcastle Alexander Isakbut the Magpies, given that the Swede’s contract only expires in 2028, can demand a monstrous fee. Isak is in great shape and is a favorite target of many fans.
Benjamin Sesko’s waters could be tested again after their failed pursuit last summer, Doc Dusan Vlahovic is a name that will not escape the rumor mills. Viktor Gyokeres he caught everyone’s eye.
As soon as Arteta confirmed that Saka would be out for “many weeks” with a hamstring tear, there were immediate cries for January reinforcements. Saka has needed cover for years and Arteta’s unwillingness to rotate ultimately contributed to the winger’s latest failure.
Admittedly, it is difficult to find a high-quality performer willing to play second fiddle, but some may be tempted in January knowing they may have a few months to prove their worth before Saka returns.
Gunners don’t need a right-hander exclusively. They need more quality in wide areas. Dot. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard haven’t cut the mustard this season, while Raheem Sterling’s loan has so far proved pointless.
They must sign at least one winger in January.
Key objectives
Forget Marcus Rashford. Manchester United will not sell the Englishman to domestic rivals, and Arsenal will surely turn their noses up at the finances involved in any potential deal.
However, the Gunners could look at other options in the Premier League. Eternally underrated Bryan Mbeumo has shone again in Ivan Toney’s absence this term and is a versatile option, while Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is a powerful and direct dribbler who is starting to evolve into a regular last third contributor for the Cherries.
Randal Kolo Muani he will be available after falling out of favor with PSG. The Frenchman is another flexible striker who primarily functions as a number nine, but can also play out wide.
Ademola Lookman was already of interest, but Atalanta will not part in the middle of the season, while Nico Williams he is experiencing a rather difficult season at Athletic Club. They are more likely to leave in the summer.
Arsenal may have a few full-back injuries, but they are well equipped in defense with Arteta boasting several players capable of filling the heart of his defense as well. Fans will certainly not be particularly inspired if the club once again focuses on strengthening its back line this winter given the needs in higher positions of the pitch.
The Gunners were able to exert impressive control over matches this term, but dropped points when they couldn’t turn pressure into open chances. Set-pieces were, of course, a reliable route.
Martin Odegaard is the main creator and much of Arsenal’s play is directed down the right. The Gunners need balance and may need another creative spark to pull things together on a struggling left side. Mikel Merino is functional, but it flatters him that he cheats so far. Arsenal may need a little more than a midfielder who excels at winning headers and fake shots – as valuable as those are.
Key objectives
Mohammed Kudus is loosely connected, but he is someone who could thrive operating from the left half of the space in creative tandem with Odegaard. There would be scope for the pair to switch roles, too, with the captain occasionally showing an ability to wreak havoc from the inside left.
Otherwise, there were a few links to out-and-out playmakers, but Xavi Simmons, Morgan Gibbs-White and Alex Baena they fit well.
Martin Zubimendi is a deeper conductor who has been reluctant to leave Real Sociedad until now.
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