Arsenal are hoping to resurrect their Premier League title ambitions but injuries in the defensive department have plagued Mikel Arteta's side throughout this season
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has discussed Arsenal's plans for January
(
Image: TNT Sports)
News
Politics
Football
Celebs
TV
Strictly
Shopping
Royals
Mikel Arteta has dropped a major hint on the January transfer window - and it does go against Arsenal’s long-term strategy.
Of course, the Gunners boss and the club’s transfer plans are very much aligned but it is also fair to say that Arsenal did not expect to be in this position. They have got an injury list which has massively impacted their title challenge while, at the same time, fans of rival clubs clearly get bored of hearing about it.
Arsenal’s plan was to be “reactive rather than proactive” in the January window as they will look to potentially solve immediate issues but would be reluctant to do huge business next month.
They definitely want a striker and potentially a left winger but they are more likely to be targets in the summer as well-organised clubs will always pride themselves on not being tempted into panic buys. However, they may look at strengthening their defence because, despite looking as if they have got defenders coming out of their ears, that is the department which has been the issue and they may have to react.
Three Arsenal youngsters tipped to be better than Bukayo Saka revealed by Thierry Henry
[
'I chose Arsenal offer over Barcelona – but my time there didn't match my expectations'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-barcelona-premier-league-india-34294969)
Arteta said tellingly on the eve of the Monaco game: “The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well. We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better, but I'm positive that in a few weeks we're going to be in a better place.”
This season, they have lost Ben White for an extended spell. Jurrien Timber has missed games, Gabriel has been the same. Riccardo Calafiori was a big signing in the summer but has so far been injury-prone. Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed big chunks of the season.
You almost forget that Takehiro Tomiyasu is still there and, most frustratingly for him, he always seems injured when Arsenal need him. He can play both full-back roles.
It is the full-backs that have killed Arsenal. They are such an important part of Arteta’s tactics. But they’ve all missed big chunks. The jury has to be out on Calafiori because he is a brilliant player but did get injuries in Italy before his summer move and, sure enough, the player signed to strengthen Arsenal’s defensive options has not been able to string a run of games together.
That is the issue for Arsenal - what will the treatment table look like in January? You can certainly never tell from Arteta’s press conferences as he has become the boy who cried wolf on injuries.
Who should Arsenal sign in the January transfer window? Give us your picks in the comments section.
Riccardo Calafiori's Arsenal career has been stifled by injuries
(
Image:
Getty Images)
Clearly, Arteta is asked about injuries and he is only giving answers but it is becoming repetitive and boring. His enjoyment in playing mind games about who is fit only makes it worse and brings more attention. Arsenal have done a couple of decent deals in recent times in January - and got good value.
Jorginho and Leandro Trossard were good buys in 2023 and came for a combined total of just under £40m. But it is hard to see them spending even that much in January.
The danger of doing deals in the winter market is that you compromise on primary targets and sign players who are then tied by long contracts. That is why I think they might look for a loan in January to strengthen the defence but the striker and more forward options will come next summer even if fans want goals now.
They wanted RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko last summer and the interest is there. Newcastle seem intent on selling Alexander Isak by the amount of stories about him but there is no way they would pay £120m. Arsenal looked at left wingers last summer with Nico Williams in demand and Raphinha was also available but the latter decided to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona.
He must be pleased he did even though the club wanted to do business on him. But it is always unusual to see stellar names moving in January. That is why if Arsenal do anything then it is likely to be a defender and more short term than spectacular.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.