3 moves Arsenal could make before January transfer deadline

January has been sprung into life by Jurgen Klopp's stunning revelation regarding his Liverpool future. The German will leave the club at the end of the season after nine transformative years at Anfield.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal must prime themselves to take advantage of Klopp's exit, although any major moves are likely to be saved for the summer.

Despite an array of autumn links, reputable sources believed a quiet transfer window was in the offing as January neared, and Arsenal are yet to make a single move. Less than a week remains until the deadline, and this is typically when things start to ramp up in the winter window.

While supporters shouldn't expect a memorable epilogue to the month, here are three moves the Gunners could make before the deadline.

3 moves Arsenal could make before January transfer deadline

1. Veterans depart

Arsenal's Financial Fair Play concerns meant departures were always more likely than any arrivals this winter despite the widespread cries for a centre forward.

The Gunners are unlikely to oversee any notable exits this month, but they are said to be keen on offloading veterans Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares. The former is the club's longest-serving player.

Both have long been on the periphery in north London, and this seems like the right time to cut ties. While Elneny is struggling to attract suitors, Cedric has garnered some intrigue from Turkey. Besiktas and Galatasaray are reportedly in the race to sign the right-back.

Modest fees are expected for both.

2. A short-term arrival

It's always hard to conduct business in January, and there's no doubt that Arsenal have tested various waters.

There was never going to be an overhaul this month, although a dire run of form which continued into 2024 led to many calling out for reinforcements.

However, the Gunners will favour patience and trust in their current incumbents as opposed to short-term fixes. The positive updates regarding Jurrien Timber may lessen the need for a defender, while the club's midfield and forward targets simply aren't going to be moving in the final few days of the window.

But, you simply can't write anything off and given that the club's lack of defensive depth crippled them in 2021/22 and 2022/23, I wouldn't be surprised if Arteta sought an extra defender for the second half of the season - especially if Cedric leaves.

Kyle Walker-Peters is a name to keep an eye on.

3. A Hale Ender exits

I'm clutching at straws here, but perhaps the club could move on one of their Hale End graduates if a reasonable offer comes in before the window slams shut.

West Ham flirted with a loan move for Emile Smith Rowe, but neither player nor club were keen on the deal. ESR now seems set to stay, with greater doubt surrounding the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson.

Nelson would surely be happy to move on given his lack of opportunities, while Nketiah has started to slip down the pecking order after a promising start to the campaign. I think I'd prefer Leandro Trossard up top if Gabriel Jesus endures another spell on the sidelines.

Striker-needy clubs could make a late move for the Englishman, and Arsenal would be silly to turn down a fair offer (£30m) given the FFP perks that'd come with it.

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