Arsenal hold all the aces in the race for the Premier League title but have so far kept quiet in the January transfer window
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Arsenal
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side sit at the top of the Premier League table(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Arsenal are yet to welcome any new signings in the January transfer window as the deadline nears. But a shock injury could spur the Gunners into action.
Mikel Arteta's side have launched a valiant assault on the top-flight this season after years playing second-fiddle. Their efforts have been boosted by a £250million summer haul that saw the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze arrive.
This spending has meant that, as was the case 12 months ago, the club haven't lifted a finger in the transfer market. As of now the only deals sanctioned have been exits, with Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko finding new clubs alongside a host of academy talent.
Deals completed
Arsenal's primary focus this window has been to balance their books and allow some young players to receive more minutes elsewhere. The most notable among a handful of starlets who have been shipped out on loan is Nwaneri.
The Gunners' youngest-ever Premier League player has joined Marseille until the end of the season and the French side do not have an option to buy. He scored on his debut in a win against title rivals Lens.
Zinchenko's exit has been the only other move of note. He was on loan at Nottingham Forest this season but failed to feature often so this spell was ended early and he has now joined Ajax on a permanent deal.
Ethan Nwaneri #11 of Olympique de Marseille looks on during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris FC and Olympique de Marseille at Stade Jean Bouin
Nwaneri has joined Marseille on loan(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Sandro Tonali signed
Regarding some prospective arrivals, in light of Mikel Merino's serious injury rumours began to swirl early on deadline day that Arsenal could look to replace him for their title run-in.
Newcastle's Sandro Tonali was a surprising name suggested by Sky Sports, with them reporting that the club hold concrete interest in the Italian and are working on a difficult late deal.
While this move seems improbable, with Newcastle reportedly rejecting their initial approach and time running out in the window, if the Gunners do think another midfielder could help them wrap up a league title, then they could attempt to pull it off.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC
Arsenal have unexpectedly been linked with Tonali on deadline day(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Ruben Neves signed
On similar grounds to Tonali, if Arsenal are worried that not having a player like Merino to man their midfield could jeopardise their title charge then an alternative could be sought out in the form of Ruben Neves.
The former Wolves midfielder has reportedly been on the radar of multiple top clubs for some time with his current deal at Al-Hilal set to expire in the summer. Arsenal were supposedly one of the clubs on that list in the past.
Other reports suggest that the 28-year-old will soon pen a new deal to keep him in the Saudi Pro League, but if the Gunners decide a new midfielder is necessary, they could try to tempt him to the Emirates.
Ruben Neves of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal from a penalty during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Hilal
Neves is yet to sign a new deal with Al-Hilal(Image: Getty)
View 4 Images
Leandro Trossard sold
Although it is implausible that Arsenal sanction any sales of first-team players on deadline day without a replacement secured, Leandro Trossard could be one who bids farewell. The Belgian is a crucial part of Arteta's first-team rotation but his current contract expires in the summer.
The club do have the option to extend it by an extra year, but rumours of an offer from Saudi Arabia have swirled over the past 12 months. If the Gunners want to cash in on Trossard and feel that they have enough cover going forward, then they could accept a substantial offer from the Middle East in the unlikely event it arrives.
Content Image
Content Image