3 LWs Arsenal must target in the January transfer window

Arsenal go into the January transfer window knowing they can’t stand still. Gabriel Martinelli is still first choice on the left, but his fitness has been tested before and when he’s not available Mikel Arteta’s side loses a lot of its spark down that flank.

The Premier League and Champions League demand heavy rotation, the squad is crying out for another winger who can either push Martinelli or step in without a drop in quality.

3 LWs Arsenal must target in the January transfer window

Ademola Lookman

Arsenal should take a look at Ademola Lookman, if they want someone who can make an immediate impact and is available in January. The Atalanta winger had a fantastic season in Serie A and was the African Footballer of the Year in 2024.

He offers goals, direct running and the ability to drift inside to support the striker — exactly the kind of unpredictability Arsenal have sometimes lacked when Martinelli is off the pitch.

Lookman’s situation also makes him the most attainable of the three. Atalanta turned down bids of around €40–45m in the summer and Lookman even handed in a transfer request to try and force through a move.

He stayed for the first half of the season but the door is still open. If Arsenal are willing to meet Atalanta’s asking price (thought to be around €50m) they could get a player who’s in form and motivated for a step up.

Serge Gnabry

And there’s Serge Gnabry, an Arsenal graduate. Now 30, Gnabry has been at Bayern Munich proving himself with a consistent haul of goals and assists, and a Champions League medal to his name.

He’s reliable and wouldn’t need much time to adapt to the Premier League.

The reason he could be available is his contract. Gnabry’s deal runs until June 2026 and there have been rumors about an extension. That puts Bayern in a tricky position ,  cash in now or risk losing him for nothing down the line.

For Arsenal that means the chance to bring back a proven performer at a reasonable price. He wouldn’t be a long term solution but he’d raise the level of the squad straight away.

Nico Williams

The dream, and very bold signing would be Nico Williams. He’s without a doubt one of the most electrifying wide players in Europe at only 23. He is the kind of player who, with his pace and technical ability, intimidates opposition full-backs. He has been a phenomenal outlet for Athletic Club and Spain, a player who stretches the pitch to allow his teammates to find space.

But while Williams is the perfect stylistic fit for Arsenal, he’s also probably out of reach this winter. Last summer he signed a new massive deal with Athletic that ties him down until 2035 and reports in Spain suggest his release clause is now over €90m.

Athletic aren’t known for cutting deals on their homegrown stars, especially not mid-season, which makes a January move very unlikely. But if we're thinking long-term, this would be a dreams a dream signing and one that Arsenal could potentially afford. Especially since The Gunners have shown interest in Williams before.

Now, Arsenal have to decide if they’re looking to build for the future or looking for a fast-track move this January. Williams ticks every box, but the new contract he signed in August makes it nearly impossible to get him in the middle of the season.

Gnabry is the opportunistic option . Proven quality, available at the right price but not part of the long term project.

That leaves Lookman as the best option. He’s in form, he’s desperate for a move and his situation at Atalanta makes him a ‘gettable’ player. For a club that is pushing to finally go all the way in the title race, Lookman seems like the winger that could make the most immediate difference.