3 positions Arsenal need to bolster in January transfer window

It's not clear how busy Arsenal will be in the January transfer window, but they've certainly got the chance to do something quite special in the second half of 2022/23.

The Gunners are once again competing for the Premier League title, only this time they'll have the added stress of the Champions League knockouts to endure.

While Mikel Arteta's squad has so far coped with the demanding schedule, things will only get tougher in the new year. The club could certainly do with one or two additions to potentially propel them to glory, but players will likely have to be sold in order to facilitate new signings.

Here are three positions the club should consider upgrading in the January transfer window.

1. Versatile defender

While we pretty much know that we'll be seeing Jurrien Timber before the end of the season, his exact return date hasn't yet been disclosed. However. recent reports suggest the defender could be back in time for the start of Arsenal's Champions League knockout stage journey.

Timber's return will be a huge boost, and it'd lessen the need for a defence in January.

Nevertheless, Takehiro Tomiyasu's perpetual injury woes and Ben White's concerning run of form means the idea of signing a defender capable of performing multiple roles in Arteta's defence should remain on the table.

2. Versatile midfielder

The age profile of Arsenal's midfielders means that two new additions have to be added to the engine room come the start of 2024/25. Mohamed Elneny, Jorginho, and Thomas Partey could all leave the club in the next two transfer windows.

A midfielder capable of sitting alongside Declan Rice as well as contributing in and around the opposition's box is said to be a transfer priority for the club this winter, although Kai Havertz's improved form heading into the festive period has lessened the need any new addition to hit the ground running right away.

Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz, and Joao Palhinha have all been linked with January moves to the Emirates. While each differ slightly in profile, it appears as if Arteta wants another physical presence to complement Rice.

3. Striker

I really don't know whether Arsenal need a striker in January. Gabriel Jesus, while not particulalry prolific, has been a transformative addition and there's very few that could perform his role in Arteta's set-up better.

I get why some are intent on the club acquiring a new number nine, but I'm not sure whether an Ivan Toney or Dominic Solanke would necessarily embolden Arsenal's title challenge.

A summer move for an elite #9 makes sense, but if Jesus is able to stay fit and Leandro Trossard moves ahead of Eddie Nketiah in the depth chart, Arsenal's attack will be just fine during the second half of the season.

Nevertheless, the striker situation is a fluid one, and you should expect relentless links to new hitmen this winter.