What signings do Arsenal need to make in January?

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal made a number of signings in the summer, including the purchase of Thomas Partey on the final day of the transfer window in early October.

Coach Mikel Arteta was happy with the signing, but knows his side need more strength if they are going to break into the top four this season.

The squad still needs some fine-tuning, but will deals happen in January?

Defence

Arsenal have one of the better defensive records in the Premier League, so defence isn’t exactly a priority for Arteta.

Summer signing Gabriel has been a revelation at centre back. However should the Brazilian get injured, then it remains to be seen how resolute their back-line will be.

A low-cost or loan signing may be the answer, just in case of an injury. But Arteta will want to divert resources elsewhere.

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Midfield

Arguably Arteta’s biggest area of concern. Partey was a very welcome addition to The Gunners’ midfield, however it was no secret that he also wanted Houssem Aouar from Lyon.

However the club couldn’t financially afford both players, due to the global pandemic, so Arsenal plumped for Partey at the expense of Aouar.

A January move for Aouar looks incredibly unlikely, unless one of the club’s biggest earners was to be sold. Granit Xhaka has been rumoured to be making a mid-season switch to Inter, with Christian Eriksen moving in the opposite direction.

Eriksen has failed to adapt to life in Serie A, and has made it known more than once that he wants regular playing time. Arsenal do need a creative midfielder in the mould of the Dane, so a deal is a real possibility.

Arteta is also a fan of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, but it’s unlikely that their London rivals would sanction a deal in the middle of the season. A move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco may have to wait until next summer.

Forwards

This is an area Arsenal don’t need to make any adjustments to. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secured a three-year extension to his current deal, keeping him at the club until 2023.

Alexander Lacazette is going through a difficult patch in front of goal, but this is due to the lack of creativity in midfield than the Frenchman missing chances.

You expect Arsenal to be quiet on the forward issue during the January window, but could perhaps be readying themselves to make a big splash in this department next summer.

Nicolas Pepe and Willian are yet to kick into gear for Arsenal as of yet, but should they do. It will undoubtedly give Arteta more attacking options, and lift the burden from Aubameyang.

Conclusion

A quiet window should be expected from Arsenal. The only area of pressing importance is the midfield region, where the side lacks a genuine creative player.

Christian Eriksen could be the answer, but it remains to be seen if he would join The Gunners, given his history at Tottenham.

A cheap defensive option may also come into play in January, should one of the key central defenders pick up an injury in the coming months.

If you are an Arsenal fan, don’t expect fireworks in January.