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A look at what Arsenal’s starting XI could look like after the January transfer window.
Arsenal remain six points behind Liverpool having played a game more after missing a big opportunity to make up points on the leaders on Saturday. The Gunners don’t know how many opportunities they will have to catch the leaders, and the margin for error is getting smaller by the week.
The Gunners may look to strengthen in the January window, with Arteta recently opening the door to a possible signing. He said: "I never expect January to be super busy but we have to wait and see where we are. Some surprises can come. We are prepared for that. Some opportunities too. We have to see. Hopefully the availability of the squad will be better in a few weeks. We have to wait and see." Here we round up what Arsenal’s starting XI could look like after January.
GK - David Raya
Raya is Arsenal’s undisputed starter in goal.
LB - Riccardo Calafiori
Getting Calafiori back looks to be key for Arsenal, who have missed the Italian. Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney are also options here.
CB - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel has had a fine season so far and will remain a starter going forward.
CB - William Saliba
Saliba is another of the star performers, and Arsenal will hope to have him fit for the rest of the season.
RB - Jurrien Timber
It looks as though Timber will be the preferred option on the right, with Ben White not due back until March. Thomas Partey has also regularly filled in here.
CDM - Declan Rice
Arsenal are covered in this spot, with Rice one of their best performers again this season.
CM - Mikel Merino
There will be competition for this spot between Merino, Partey, Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri, but the Spaniard is likely to win the role as he continues to adapt to English football.
CM - Martin Odegaard
Arsenal’s skipper is not immune to being substituted, as shown in the Everton draw, but he remains one of Arteta’s most important players, especially with the need for creativity.
RW - Bukayo Saka
Saka is another undroppable, but Arteta will want him to be a little more consistent in being at his most dangerous.
LW - Leroy Sane
Arsenal are unlikely to spend big money in January, but they desperately need a winger capable of playing on the left with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in poor form this season, while Raheem Sterling doesn’t look as though he will cut it. Bayern Munich winger Sane has been linked, and he is likely the most realistic option in January, given he has Premier League experience and could be affordable given his contract is set to expire in the summer.
CF - Kai Havertz
Arsenal are going to need to sign a goalscoring striker at some point in the near future, but it will cost them big in January, meaning a deal is unlikely. Clubs will not be looking to sell their top strikers in January, and that always makes things difficult.
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