Arsenal's biggest transfer need for January is already painfully obvious

It's only been three days since the 2025 summer transfer window closed, but Arsenal's biggest transfer need for January is already painfully obvious.

The Gunners spent big over the past few months to secure arrivals in positions that were a top priority. However, they failed to address one issue and they will have to do so once the next window comes round.

Following recent performances and a failure to answer the problem over the summer, Arsenal should be looking to target a left winger in the January transfer window.

Arsenal need to sign a left winger in January

Most reports claimed a left winger was one of the Gunners' top priorities heading into the window, but the club never made any real attempts to sign such a player.

Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were both brought to north London, but are better suited to playing in other positions so their arrivals weren't a genuine solution to the need. There are options currently within the squad, but there has been no real spark on the left flank so far this season.

Gabriel Martinelli has started two of Arsenal's opening three games of the campaign, but has failed to make an impact. This comes off the back of lacklustre showings over the past two seasons.

His performances have not been up to standard and have shown how badly the Gunners need to add another left winger to their ranks. They need a player who can cause constant problems on the flank, not someone predictable like Martinelli.

I am a huge fan of the Brazilian and there is nothing I want more than to see him return to his best, but there is only so much time he can be given before being dropped and replaced. He has been given plenty over the past two years, but despite some purple patches, there has been no real sign of consistent improvement.

Leandro Trossard is Arsenal's only other real option that can stand in on the wing. Like Martinelli, he hasn't been a world-beater in recent times and doesn't offer the side that X factor needed in big games.

The Gunners' current two left wing choices aren't particularly good enough to be part of a title-winning side. They are in dire need a player that can strike fear into full backs, but neither Martinelli or Trossard have shown signs of doing that.

With five months worth of games sitting between now and the January window, there is plenty of time for the pair to improve of course, Martinelli especially. If his form can drastically change and he shows he is worthy of remaining a starter for Arsenal, then the desperation for a left winger calms down.

However, if there is no improvement, then the Gunners will have to explore the market. Viktor Gyokeres has been brought in as the answer to the long-standing striker problem, but they can't allow another issue in the form of no threat on the left flank to arise and hinder their hopes of winning the title. Both Martinelli and Trossard already find themselves on thin ice, so Mikel Arteta shouldn't be too hard pushed to bring in a new name.

There will be limited opportunities to sign a world-class winger in January as not many clubs would be willing to let such a player leave mid-season, but if Arsenal can strike a deal then it would be a great help for their ambitions this campaign.

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