Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal are open to January signings

The January transfer window is almost upon us, and Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal will be open for business in the winter.

Expectations were high for the Gunners entering 2024/25, but they're yet to take advantage of Manchester City's demise. Liverpool are currently leading the way at the Premier League summit, while Chelsea have also usurped Arteta's men in the standings.

However, the season remains young and the boss doubtlessly isn't panicking yet. Perhaps a couple of additions in January would tilt the title race in Arsenal's favour. Typically, though, business in the winter is hard to conduct, especially when you require needle movers and not squad fillers.

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal are open to January signings

Arteta was asked about Arsenal's potential transfer plans this winter ahead of the Gunners' Champions League clash with Monaco. In response, the boss commented (via The Football Faithful): “The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team.

“This only if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well," he added.

As was the case this time last year, many are hopeful that additions are made in attack. Only two players have scored more than four Premier League goals this season, with the club failing to do enough in the summer to bolster Arteta's frontline. The club essentially traded Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling while getting rid of creators Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira, as well as poacher Eddie Nketiah.

The Gunners appear short-staffed in attack, especially with Gabriel Jesus enduring a wretched season. Kai Havertz needs respite, and issues remain down the left-hand side when Riccardo Calafiori isn't in the team. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have both endured indifferent seasons thus far.

The club's also dealing with a mountain of injuries in defence, most notably at full-back, but it wouldn't make much sense to prioritise a winter move here unless an unmissable opportunity arises.

Two seasons ago, Arsenal were able to sustain their title run thanks to the additions of Trossard and Jorginho in January. FFP/PSR constraints limited them last year, but they at least appear to be in a position to conduct business if necessary this winter.

The Gunners' form up until the end of the year, with games arriving thick and fast, may determine the extent of the surgery required next month.

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