Arsenal want THREE signings in January - so which positions need strengthened?

James Shearman

• Updated: 29 Sept 2021 16:14 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are looking to sign three players in January as manager Mikel Arteta looks to add further reinforcements.

The Gunners have already made six acquisitions this season, as Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares signed for the club in the summer transfer window, but Arteta clearly believes there is more work to be done.

The total cost of those transfers reached a remarkable £150million, more than any club in Europe laid out of players in the past window, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Yet, it appears the Arsenal board are once again prepared to back the Spanish boss in his attempts to restore the club to the top of the Premier League standings.

And perhaps their willingness to do so comes as a result of seeing the impact of the summer signings on the team in recent weeks.

Ramsdale has displayed some excellent performances in goal, while White and Tomiyasu have helped to sure up the defence.

Equally, Odegaard has built upon his form at the end of last season, on loan at the Emirates, and is growing into a playmaker role alongside fellow youngsters Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka

But, despite a 3-1 win over rivals Tottenham on Sunday, the club are, rightly, aware that they are a long way off the league's contenders - Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

What do Arsenal need?

Both a midfielder and defender are at the top of Arsenal's transfer wishlist, according to Football London.

But as for the midfielder, there is a question to be had over which type is most necessary at this time.

That's because Marcos Asensio has been linked with the Gunners, via the Daily Star, but it seems as though more of a holding midfielder is required instead.

Granit Xhaka has suffered a long-term injury, while Thomas Partey has proven to be highly injury-prone in his short spell at the club.

Next, a right-back should be on Arsenal's agenda, given the lack of cover in that position.

Indeed, Tomiyasu earned the man of the match award in the north London derby, but should he be needed to play in a central role, there are otherwise a lack of viable options on the right side since Hector Bellerin moved on loan to Real Betis.

Last, Arsenal could be void of a backup keeper in the event that Bernd Leno is sold in the window.

Ramsdale has done enough to prove his worth as a first-choice keeper, so the German, who was already open to leaving, could look to push through a move.