Arsenal are “actively looking at possibilities to strengthen the squad” in the January transfer window, according to manager, Mikel Arteta. The Gunners sit atop the Premier League table after the first 14 matches. With the season set to resume on Boxing Day, Arsenal aim to stay ahead of their rivals in their quest to win the league.
Arsenal to Be Active in January Transfer Window
Arteta on Arsenal plans for January: “We are very active looking at the possibilities. If we can find the players that can strengthen the team we will try”, tells @kayakaynak97. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
“Ben White? We love to have him here. We know the reasons he had to leave”. pic.twitter.com/XjFA0Ot9Wr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2022
Injury to Brazilian Star a Major Blow for the Gunners
Arsenal’s summer signing Gabriel Jesus has played a critical role in the team’s early season success. However, the Brazilian is set to be out for the next three months after undergoing knee surgery following medial ligament damage while with the national team. This poses a major problem for the North London side. Despite having academy graduate Eddie Nketiah as a direct replacement, Arteta might look elsewhere for answers.
Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres and Juventus ace Dusan Vlahovic are a couple of players on Arteta’s radar. The club also considered recalling youngster Folarin Balogun from his loan spell, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Ligue 1 club Reims. Despite his eight goals in 15 league appearances, the Gunners have reportedly decided against recalling the England U21 international.
Exciting Winger Duo Being Monitored by Arsenal
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk is another winger that Arsenal have been monitoring for quite some time. According to David Ornstein, Mudryk remains Arsenal’s top target for the January window. He could provide some much-needed rest for the duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
The most promising news for Arsenal fans is the one concerning Portuguese winger Joao Felix. The 23-year-old star reportedly wants out of Atletico Madrid following rumours that his relationship with coach Diego Simeone had soured. Arsenal fans would no doubt love to see Felix at the Emirates in the January window.
Reinforcements in Midfield and Defence
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have played a major role in the Gunners’ midfield. However, Arteta would be wary of their participation in the World Cup and their injury record. Arteta’s former teammate at Arsenal, Ismael Bennacer has emerged as a potential midfield transfer. The Algerian played an important role in AC Milan’s Serie A title-winning season. The Arsenal manager was spotted talking to Bennacer after Arsenal’s victory over Milan in the Dubai Super Cup.
Read More: Arsenal Season So Far: Much Done, But Much Still to Do
Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is still a favourite target for the Gunners. In defence, the North London side are close to agreeing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s centre-back Evan Ndicka. The Frenchman’s contract with the German side expires at the end of the season. Arsenal are keen to cash in on this opportunity to get the 23-year-old in their books.
Arsenal Fans Hoping for a Busy January Window
All in all, Arsenal are looking at all possibilities to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window. After their successes in the last couple of windows, sporting director Edu Gaspar and Arteta himself are backed to bring more quality to the club. Arsenal fans will surely be hoping that their club could sign some exciting new players as they wait for a first Premier League title in 19 years.
