Toney in, Nketiah out: What Arsenal need in January transfer window

Suraj Radia

• 20 Dec 2023 10:36 CST
• 4 min read

Arsenal will consider opportunities to restructure their squad in January as they look to solidify their title push and go one step further than last season under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners sit a point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa at the top of the table while boasting the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League ahead of the January transfer window.

Last year, Arsenal brought in three new players in the winter, with Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho arriving after the club missed out on top target Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea.

However, Arsenal were among the highest spenders in the Premier League this summer, splashing out more than €200 million on new stars which could mean a quieter window this time around.

But with Arteta looking to avoid another title slip through Arsenal’s fingers, the Gunners may still be busy through both incomings and outgoings, with a host of deals being considered.

The striker conundrum

Although only four teams have found the back of the net more than Arsenal this season, no player has netted more than five times in the league for Arteta’s side – a number which sees leading marksmen Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah sit outside the top 15 for goals scored.

Arsenal’s two strikers, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, have proven somewhat inconsistent with their finishing, netting just eight times between them, and a proven out-and-out goalscorer could be a difference maker for the Gunners in tight games where opponents look to frustrate them.

It is perhaps no surprise that Arteta is still keeping tabs on Ivan Toney, having been a long-term admirer of the Brentford striker, however, a transfer for him or another striker could come at the cost of a player like Nketiah, who is believed to be an option to be sold in January, with Arsenal needing to raise funds and ease their financial fair play concerns.

Midfielders

The signing of Declan Rice has proven instrumental to Arsenal’s fortunes this season but there is an alarming dropoff if the 24-year-old doesn't play, with deputies Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny having ongoing fitness issues.

Partey could also leave the club in January as he enters the final 18 months of his contract but his departure would depend on a player coming in to replace him – something which may not be possible until the summer if Arsenal wish to get their ideal targets.

Arsenal’s top priority in midfield is believed to be Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, while Everton’s Amadou Onana is also liked, but both players could cost in excess of €80m, making a winter deal difficult.

Defence

Arsenal have suffered injuries in defence this season, with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and summer arrival Jurrien Timber missing significant gametime and it is perhaps no surprise that Arteta is believed to want at least one new full-back in January.

Although an injury to Ben White could leave Cedric as Arsenal’s only right-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko has proven unconvincing and Kiwior is still yet to fully gain Arteta’s trust, meaning Arsenal may target a left-sided defender if the opportunity presents itself.

A centre-back is a long-term priority for Arsenal that is more likely to be addressed in the summer, however a €60m release clause for Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio could prove appealing while also covering the left-side of the team’s defence, allowing Kiwior to prove himself at left-back.