The usually shy Mikel Arteta was unusually frank when he announced that Bukayo Saka had ruptured a hamstring which leaves Arsenal reeling in 2024/25 in danger of collapse.
Amid Arteta's update, the Spaniard confirmed that the Gunners were fighting for the title with “one of the thinnest teams in the Premier League”. Some have interpreted Arteta's latest comments as a message to the hierarchy ahead of a potentially crucial January transfer window. If Arsenal want to achieve their goals this season and meet pre-season expectations, Aggressive winterization may be required.
Fans were already keen on the idea of reinforcements before Saka's muscle gave out at Selhurst Park. To be fair, most thought swapping Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling wouldn't be enough to get the Gunners to their first league title since 2004.
Arteta suggested that north Londoners are open for business, but the January window is an extremely difficult period to make big deals. No club wants to part with their most lucrative asset mid-season.
However, Arsenal will undoubtedly look for opportunities in a bid to strengthen their squad. Here are their stances on need this winter, as well as some targets to keep an eye on.
The Gooners have long been obsessed with the club finally getting their long-term number nine. This was a primary position of need at this time last year, but then Kai Havertz showed promise at the top and ultimately played a key role in the Gunners' title run. Arsenal were vindicated for not panicking in the winter.
Arsenal have remarkably only signed one striker since Arteta took over (Gabriel Jesus), and it is certainly time to strengthen the position. Havertz is more than capable of fulfilling Arteta's leading man role, but is he the one raising the ceiling? The German has scored just six Premier League goals in 16 matches this season.
It seems as if the Gunners will need something special to get over the hump.
Main objectives
If Arsenal opt for a striker next year, they will advance significantly. Therefore, achieving the desired goal in January may be difficult.
The club is a long-time fan of Newcastle Alexander IsaacBut Newcastle, given that the Swede's contract does not expire until 2028, could demand a hefty fee. Isaac has been in fantastic form and is a favorite goal for many fans.
Benjamin Cisco's waters may be tested again After their failed chase last summer, while… Dusan Vlahovic It is a name that will not escape the rumor mills. Victor Geukeris It caught everyone's attention.
Once Arteta confirmed that Saka would be out for “several 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 setback.
Admittedly, it is difficult to find a quality player willing to play a secondary role, but some may be tempted in January by the knowledge that they may have a few months to prove their worth before Saka returns.
The Gunners do not exclusively need a right winger. They need more quality in wide areas. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard haven't cut the mustard this season, while Raheem Sterling's loan has so far proven meaningless.
They must sign at least one winger in January.
Main objectives
Forget Marcus Rashford. Manchester United will not sell the England player to their local rivals, and Arsenal will certainly turn their noses up at the matter Financial involvement in any potential deal.
However, the Gunners could look at other options in the Premier League. Always underrated Brian Mbeumo He has impressed again in Ivan Toney's absence this season and is a versatile option, while Bournemouth Antoine Simenio He is a powerful, direct dribbler who is beginning to develop into a third and final contributor for the Cherries.
Randall Cole Moane He is set to be available after falling out of favor at Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman is another flexible striker who primarily operates as a number nine but can also play out wide.
Ademola Lookman He was previously a subject of interest, but Atalanta will not part ways in the middle of the season, while Nico Williams He is having a very difficult season at Athletic Club. He is likely to leave in the summer.
Arsenal may have some injuries at full-back, but they are well equipped defensively with Arteta boasting several players who are also capable of filling in at his centre-back. Fans will certainly not feel particularly inspired if the club once again focuses their attention on strengthening their backline this winter given the needs high up the pitch.
The Gunners have been able to impose great control of matches this season, but dropped points when they were unable to convert pressure into open play opportunities. Of course, set pieces were a reliable method.
Martin Odegaard is the main creator and a large part of Arsenal's play has been directed down the right flank. The Gunners need balance, and may need another creative spark to tie things together on their under-performing left side. Mikel Merino is effective, but feels comfortable with his deception so far. Arsenal may need something more than just a midfielder who stands out for winning headers and trick runs – important as he is.
Main objectives
Muhammad Al-Quds He has been linked weakly, but is someone who could succeed operating from the left-half space alongside Odegaard creatively. There will be scope for the pair to switch roles too, with the captain occasionally showing destructive ability from an inside-left position.
Other than that, there were few links to adventurous game makers, however Xavi Simmons, Morgan Gibbs White and Alex Baena It fits good.
Martin Zobemendi He is the captain of a team that has so far been reluctant to leave Real Sociedad.
