Arsenal are not currently planning to do any major transfer business in January following a club-record spend last summer but they will actively monitor the market
Ryan Taylor
11:46, 29 Dec 2025Updated 11:47, 29 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta has claimed Arsenal are open to the prospect of strengthening in January if the right opportunity arises
Arsenal are gearing up for a quiet January transfer window, however, the Gunners remain open to strengthening Mikel Arteta's squad should the right opportunity arise.
The Premier League leaders are currently navigating somewhat of a defensive crisis with Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and Ben White (hamstring) currently sidelined through injury.
While Gabriel Magalhaes finally made his long-awaited return from the bench against Brighton, the mood was soured by the absence of full-back duo Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, respectively.
Per Arteta, Timber is said to have landed awkwardly ahead of the 2-1 victory over Albion while Calafiori was initially named in the starting XI but later withdrew after feeling an issue during the warmup.
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While Arsenal do have the capacity to cope with the current strain, the games are coming thick and fast for the Gunners and further injuries could potentially force them into the market.
In recent weeks, Arteta has very much been public about his openness towards strengthening the squad if there's a chance to do so.
Further signings are not currently considered a priority but there's a willingness to monitor the market given Arsenal have been depleted by injuries this term, particularly at the back.
It's the one department where Arteta is understood to feel he is currently light on the ground.
Riccardo Calafiori
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Riccardo Calafiori is another injury concern for Arsenal after missing the win over Brighton(Image: (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images))
He's stacked with options in midfield and attack but after utilising Declan Rice as a makeshift right-back against Brighton, there's a sense Arsenal must be prepared to strike, should they need to.
Stade Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet, a centre-back that can also play at right-back, is a profile Arsenal really like.
Last summer, they were looking at a deal but Jacquet decided he wanted to stay in Ligue 1 where regular playing time was on offer.
He's a talent that has been championed by sporting director Andrea Berta but the 20-year-old has also been watched by Real Madrid and Chelsea, among others.
Jeremy Jacquet
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Jeremy Jacquet is admired by Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Any player that potentially arrives at the Emirates in January - it's still not guaranteed anyone will by any means - will likely have to settle for a bit-part role when everyone is fit.
That's the challenge Arsenal are facing, finding a profile that ticks all of their boxes while also being attainable for a realistic and affordable price.
Arsenal are sailing close to the wind where UEFA squad cost ratios are concerned but someone with the versatility of Takehiro Tomiyasu - capable of playing at right-back, centre-back or left-back - would be of great appeal.
As noted, it's still far from certain that any deals will happen but at the very least, Arsenal are willing to fall back on the market, should they need it.
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