Mikel Arteta on Kieran Tierney
Image credit: Getty Images
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal are reportedly preparing to enter the market to address areas of concern in their squad. The Gunners have endured a season plagued by injuries, which has threatened to derail their Premier League title ambitions.
More than five first-team players are currently sidelined, with injuries affecting almost every department of the team. Only Kai Havertz, William Saliba and Thomas Partey have managed to stay fit and available throughout the campaign.
Captain Martin Ødegaard missed three months after sustaining an injury on international duty with Norway in September. Mikel Merino suffered a setback in his first training session following his summer move from Real Sociedad. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard have all dealt with fitness issues, leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad stretched thin.
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The defence has been particularly hard-hit, with Arsenal currently without Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhães, and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. Gabriel, a consistent presence since his arrival in 2020, and Calafiori, who has struggled with injuries since joining, are notable absentees.
Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes - Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes (Image credit: Getty Images)
The injury crisis may force Arsenal to adjust their January transfer plans. According to The Mirror’s Chief Football Writer, John Cross, the club could target defensive reinforcements to stabilise the squad. Initially, Arsenal planned a “reactive rather than proactive” approach to the January window, aiming to focus on immediate needs without making significant moves.
Crosswrote: “They definitely want a striker and potentially a left winger, but those are more likely summer targets. However, they may look at strengthening their defence because, despite seeming to have plenty of defenders, that’s where the issues have been, and they may have to react.”
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Manager Mikel Arteta hinted at the potential for January signings ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League victory against Monaco. He expressed optimism about using the transfer window to strengthen the squad.
“The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we have the capacity to do so. We are on it and 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’ll be in a better place.”
In addition to defensive reinforcements, Arsenal are expected to monitor the market for a forward to boost their title chances. While a major signing may be more likely in the summer, the club is prepared to address pressing needs to maintain their competitiveness.
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