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The typically shy Mikel Arteta was unusually candid when he broke the news of Bukayo Saka’s hamstring tear that leaves Arsenal reeling in 2024/25 at risk of collapse.
In the middle of Arteta’s update, the Spaniard stated that the Gunners are fighting for the title with “one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League.” Some have interpreted Arteta’s recent comments as a message to the hierarchy ahead of a potentially critical transfer window in January. If Arsenal are to achieve their goals this season and meet pre-season expectations, an aggressive winter may be necessary.
Fans were already excited about the prospect of reinforcements before Saka’s muscles gave out at Selhurst Park. To be fair, most thought that swapping Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling wouldn’t be enough to catapult the Gunners to their first league title since 2004.
Arteta has suggested that north Londoners are open to doing business, but the January window is notoriously difficult to strike big deals. No club wants to part with its most lucrative assets mid-season.
However, Arsenal will surely look for opportunities to strengthen their squad. Here are their positions of need this winter, as well as some targets to keep an eye on.
The Gooners have long been obsessed with the club finally acquiring their long-term number nine. It was the main position of need this time last year, but then Kai Havertz offered promise at the top and ultimately played a key role in the Gunners’ title challenge. Arsenal were vindicated for not panicking in the winter.
Surprisingly, Arsenal have signed just one centre-forward since Arteta took charge (Gabriel Jesus), and the time has surely come to strengthen the position. Havertz is more than capable of performing as Arteta’s leading man, but is he capable of raising ceilings? The German has only scored six Premier League goals in 16 games 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 do so in a big way. Therefore, achieving the desired goal in January can be difficult.
The club has been a long-time admirer of Newcastle. Alejandro Isakbut the Magpies, given that the Swede’s contract does not expire until 2028, can demand a monstrous fee. Isak has been in great form and is the favorite target of many fans.
Benjamin Sesko’s waters may be tested again after his failed search last summer, while Dusan Vlahovic It is a name that will not escape rumors. Viktor Gyokeres It has caught everyone’s attention.
As soon as Arteta confirmed that Saka would be out for “many weeks” due to a hamstring tear, there were immediately calls for reinforcements in January. Saka has needed cover for years, and Arteta’s unwillingness to rotate has ultimately contributed to the winger’s latest setback.
Admittedly, it’s difficult to find a high-quality performer willing to play a supporting role, but some may be tempted in January knowing they may have a couple of months to prove themselves before Saka returns.
The Gunners do not exclusively need a right winger. They need more quality in large areas, period. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have not cut the mustard this season, while Raheem Sterling’s loan move has so far proven futile.
They have to sign at least one winger in January.
Key objectives
Forget Marcus Rashford. Manchester United will not sell the Englishman to their domestic rivals, and Arsenal will surely ignore the finances involved in any potential deal.
However, the Gunners could consider other Premier League options. The Perpetually Underrated Bryan Mbeumo has shone again in the absence of Ivan Toney this season and is a versatile option, while Bournemouth Antonio Semenyo He is a powerful and direct dribbler who is starting to evolve into a third regular contributor for the Cherries.
Randal Cole Muani He is expected to be available after falling out of favor at PSG. The Frenchman is another flexible striker who primarily functions as a number nine but can also play as a full-back.
Ademola Lookman has been of interest before, but Atalanta will not break up mid-season, while Nico Williams He is going through a pretty tough season at Athletic Club. He is more likely to leave in the summer.
Arsenal may have a couple of injuries at full-back, but they are well equipped in defense and Arteta has several players who are also capable of occupying the center of his defence. Fans certainly won’t be particularly inspired if the club refocuses its attention on bolstering its defensive line this winter, given the needs at the top of the pitch.
The Gunners have been able to exert impressive control in matches this season, but have lost points by failing to convert pressure into open play opportunities. Set pieces, of course, have been a reliable avenue.
Martin Odegaard is the main creator and much of Arsenal’s play has been channeled to the right. The Gunners need balance and may need another creative spark to tie things together on an underperforming left side. Mikel Merino is functional, but he feels flattered for having deceived so far. Arsenal may need more than just a midfielder who excels at winning headers and making decoy runs, however valuable they may be.
Key objectives
Muhammad Jerusalem He has been loosely linked but is someone who could thrive operating from the left space in creative tandem with Odegaard. There would also be scope for both to switch roles, with the captain occasionally showing an ability to be devastating from an inside left position.
Otherwise, there have been few links with outright playmakers, but Xavi Simon, Morgan Gibbs-White and Alex Baena they fit well.
Martin Zubimendi He is a deeper conductor who has until now been reluctant to leave Real Sociedad.
