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football.london's writers have a go at predicting what Arsenal will do in the January transfer window
Arsenal can officially start to conduct January transfer window business from today with the winter window now open.
The Gunners are in an incredibly strong position as they top the Premier League and Champions League tables and it is possible they make adjustments to their squad for the second half of the season. Mikel Arteta has even hinted the club will be actively looking for reinforcements over the next month or so.
"I mean, we're Arsenal and we have to be looking at it like, 'OK, What do we need?'," he said. "And we have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not. That's a different story, but our job is to be always very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully very positive."
As well as incomings, exits could also be on the cards with a handful of players not getting the minutes they desire at present. With all that in mind, football.london's writers have a go at predicting exactly what Arsenal will do in the January transfer window...
Ryan Taylor
It might not be the news that Arsenal fans want to hear but I'm still envisaging a quiet January for the Gunners despite Mikel Arteta's recent comments. When everyone is fit, their squad is arguably the best in Europe and although they have struggled with injuries, it's hard to pinpoint what areas they could improve mid-season.
Nonetheless, I expect Andrea Berta to be on the case and there's always a chance they could strengthen their backline or midfield department if the right opportunity arises.
I think a versatile defender would be of great appeal but we must also bear in mind that Arsenal are sailing close to the wind of UEFA squad cost rules. It's likely any major business will have to wait until the end of the season, though there could be some wiggle room to look at younger prospects.
Where outgoings are concerned, it makes no sense for Arteta to weaken his squad when they're in four competitions and pushing hard for silverware. The only one I can maybe see happening is Ethan Nwaneri going on loan, if the move is beneficial and there is regular Premier League football on offer. I expect Myles Lewis-Skelly to stay.
Tom Canton
This might be the simplest version of these that I have ever had to write because, put simply, I struggle to see anything materialising for the Gunners. The financial restrictions that clubs were aware of in the summer when they invested close to £300million are even tighter now, and with a change in the rules expected in the summer, the clubs want to position themselves as well as they can to accommodate their summer plan.
That said, Mikel Arteta has said that the side need to be aware of any potential situations. Injuries have not been kind to the Gunners this season, especially in defence and up top.
However, both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes' return has significantly improved Arteta's options, and with the Brazilian scoring the opener against Villa, suddenly the complexion of Arsenal's title hopes have taken on a new light too.
Some youngsters could leave on loan and Ethan Nwaneri's name remains someone who might seek more football. But again, considering the history of injuries, it might not be on Arteta's wishlist to thin the squad of his own accord unless they decide to use their two open Premier League loan spots that were not available this time last year.
Sam Truelove
When everyone is fit, Arsenal's squad is probably the best in the league. That's why they are still doing so well despite all the injuries already this season.
However, someone like Ethan Nwaneri could look to depart in search of regular minutes. A loan move to a club like Fulham could work, given the football Marco Silva's side play.
One thing to note is the fact Quinten Timber is available for a free transfer in the summer of 2026 and given his brother Jurrien Timber already plays for the Gunners, a deal could be struck. Arteta's side are well stacked in central midfield, though, but the 24-year-old would be a buy for the future and given he would cost nothing, it could make sense. It would certainly be somewhat of a wildcard option.
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