3 positions Arsenal need to address in the January transfer window

We've ushered in 2025, meaning we'll be subject to dry January virtue signallers and incessant transfer talk for the next month.

The January transfer window is underway, and Arsenal supporters are hungry. The Gunners, on paper, are enjoying a strong season, but this is a fanbase that craves more. For the club to achieve their 2024/25 goals, many believe reinforcements are required this winter.

There's no denying the strength of this Arsenal squad which has been bolstered by the talent-producing factory of Hale End, but injuries have thinned the Gunners' depth. Wholesale changes aren't required this month, but Mikel Arteta could do with one or two fresh faces.

Here are three positions Arsenal need to bolster in the January transfer window.

1. Bukayo Saka cover

A Bukayo Saka hamstring tear surely wasn't on the Christmas list of any Arsenal supporter, but that's what St. Nic opted to deliver a couple of days before his global adventure.

Arteta will have to make do without his superstar winger for a large chunk of what remains of 2024/25. The boss has name-checked multiple players who could help fill the void, and Ethan Nwaneri's performance against Brentford may convince the club that splurging cash on a short-term fix won't be necessary.

Arsenal, however, have required Saka cover for years. The winger's brilliance combined with the inadequacy of those behind him in the depth chart means Arteta has constantly relied upon him, and although the boss tried to reduce his minutes this term, this sort of injury seemed inevitable.

Nwaneri doubtlessly has potential, but relying on a 17-year-old to fill that void week in, and week out would be a huge risk. There are, of course, other alternatives, but they don't cut the mustard. Raheem Sterling is also nursing a knee injury.

A loan move makes sense here, but Arsenal must also consider finding a viable long-term cover option. Admittedly, the project is hard to sell. High-quality performers don't want to play second fiddle.

2. Striker

Kai Havertz has immense value as a tactical chameleon and we're starting to see the very best of Gabriel Jesus again, but there's no doubting that Arsenal need an elite goal-getter.

The need doesn't feel as strong compared to this time last year with Havertz quickly emerging soon after, but Arsenal will surely explore opportunities to acquire a new number nine this month.

However, it's unlikely for the club's desired targets to be available midway through the season. Perhaps you could get Dusan Vlahovic out of Juventus, but is the Serb their number one guy?

A little more patience may be required here. I'd be looking at Alexander Isak or Jhon Duran/Ollie Watkins in the summer. Benjamin Sesko could also be revisited.

3. Creative midfielder

Arsenal have injuries at full-back, but I can already sense the uproar if the club acquires another defender before bolstering their frontline. There's also hope that Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will both be back in action relatively soon.

Thus, I've opted for a creative addition as my final position of need.

Arteta has struggled for optimal midfield balance throughout 2024/25, but the Spaniard doubtlessly has the personnel to make his engine room purr. Mikel Merino is proving himself to be a functional addition on the left side of midfield, but what if Arsenal went bold in January and acquired a creator capable of working in tandem with Martin Odegaard?

The Gunners excel on the control front, but there have been problems in the final third. Open-play chance creation has been their primary issue this term, costing them points against Fulham and Everton in December.

There may be an opportunity for Arsenal to snag a lock picker this month. They don't have to necessarily be a superstar, but a player capable of providing a spark in key moments. An injector of pace to change the flow of contests.

Attacking options off the bench have been in short supply in recent outings. Another playmaker wouldn't go amiss. Mohammed Kudus is the utopia, but Arsenal won't be spending £85m to trigger his reported release clause.

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