Mikel Arteta needs reinforcements – and quickly.
The problem is that all of Arsenal's transfer plans are focused on the summer and injuries are hitting at exactly the wrong time. Bukayo Saka is Arsenal's main man and will be out until at least the end of February. Gabriel Jesus is also out for the long haul.
To make matters worse, it was the wide areas and centre-forwards where Arsenal needed to strengthen anyway and now it is even more acute. Even if they beat Tottenham, a good striker would have made them win more comfortably.
Gunners boss Arteta has hinted there is some frustration over spending and having “one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League.” So the following windows are crucial.
Arsenal made a horrendous mistake last summer by signing left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who proved injury-prone – and workmanlike midfielder Mikel Merino. Midfielders and left backs were already coming out of their ears.
Another part of the art of being a sporting director is being able to fire players at the right time to maximize value. They didn't either. Last summer was a bad period for Arsenal.
So, what does Arsenal do? Naturally, the intention is to attract another midfielder. It could be a frustrating moment when Arsenal need an injection of hope.
REVENUE
Possibilities
Benjamin Sesko
The RB Leipzig striker was wanted by Arsenal last summer but decided to stay for another year and also had a £60 million 'gentleman's agreement' included in his contract to allow him to leave. RB Leipzig won't sell in January unless someone makes a crazy offer. And it's hard to see Arsenal paying en masse for the opportunities.
Arsenal are not the only ones interested. They also have other options such as Juventus' Dušan Vlahović and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyökeres. Juventus look ready to do business – so will Arsenal jump or wait and wait for Sesko?
That's the question. So it may not be about one specific striker, but more if they can get one in January.
Viktor Gyokeres
The Swedish striker is on the radar of so many big clubs. His movement, goals and ability have attracted attention. Arsenal watched him when he was in Coventry. But above all he wanted to go abroad, where he would have the space and time to develop himself – and that paid off.
Mind you, William Saliba and Gabriel kept him quiet when Arsenal played Sporting Lisbon.
Dusan Vlahovic
Arsenal were watching him in the same window where they watched Gabriel Jesus, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak. Come on, who would have really chosen Isak?
Anyway, they didn't think Vlahovic was quite what they wanted then, so why now? Juventus has a shortage of attackers, but seems ready to potentially do business.
Evan Ferguson
This one has added a bit. The Brighton striker wants games. Arsenal like him. But would Brighton really loan him?
Nico Williams
The Athletic Bilbao winger is Arsenal's dream signing. He is explosive, fast and exciting. He is also young and has many years ahead of him.
There is a £55m buyout clause that could be triggered, but the sticking point is wages. He wants more than £300,000 a week. He has already made a lot of money and unless he gets a big deal in England, a move to the Premier League would reduce his net profit.
Bryan Mbeumo
The Brentford winger is another player on Arsenal's potential list. He is explosive, creative and the question is whether a deal can be made and whether he can take a club to the next level?
Martin Zubimendi
Sorry, but many Arsenal fans thought this was a disappointment. What does Arsenal need? Another defensive midfielder. Yes, it's more for the summer and yes, he's actually a long-term target that Arsenal have tried for in the past.
With Thomas Partey and Jorginho potentially leaving this summer, you can see the logic. But if Arsenal sign a defensive midfielder ahead of a striker or a winger, we might as well all pack up and go home.
EXITS
Kieran Tierney
This man gets an incredible reception when he visits. What a fan favorite. But it's no longer part of Mikel Arteta's plans, so it would be crazy to keep him, especially if Celtic make a big offer.
Jakub Kiwior
Hard to see him leaving in January, but a big bid could make things happen. He can play as a left back or centre-back, so that versatility makes him attractive. But it will definitely be sold in the summer.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Notice anything about the three possible exits? They are all left defenders and – dare I say it – left backs. How Arsenal left so many left-backs behind and then signed a new one in Calafiori… it's actually comically bad.
There is interest in Zinchenko from Inter Milan, among others. He used to be such an important player, but now he seems to make too many mistakes.
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