3 signings who could help lead Arsenal to European glory

With the January transfer window now officially open, the rumour mills are roaring and, as ever, Arsenal find themselves being linked with an abundance of players from around the world.

The club are still competing in three major competitions this season as they look to end what would be a four-year wait for a major trophy (not including the Community Shield) - since their 2020 FA Cup win.

Money feels a little tight at the Emirates, owing to the club's reported financial fair play (FFP) situation, creating something of a sell-to-buy dynamic ahead of the January window.

It is undeniable that, to compete across every competition, reinforcement is needed in several areas and, with that said, here are the three signings that could help take Arsenal to European glory.

3 signings who could help lead Arsenal to European glory

1. Ivan Toney (Brentford)

It is no secret that Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Brentford and one-time England striker Ivan Toney, who is currently serving a ban for breaches of the Football Association (FA)'s betting rules.

Arsenal's striking options are simply not prolific enough for a top team, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah managing just eight goals combined so far this season.

In contrast, Toney managed 20 goals last season, despite missing the last three games due to his ban - which limited him to 33 appearances for the season.

As well as being, for lack of a better word, a goal machine, the 27-year-old also offers a very different profile compared to the club's current option, given his physical and aerial presence which often torments defenders.

This is the exact profile of striker who, in my opinion, would thrive at the club and be capable of taking us to the next level.

Options like Victor Osimhen would also be very exciting but are not as much of a natural fit, in my opinion.

It would be very difficult to facilitate a deal for Toney in January given his ~£100m valuation, but could be possible if we signed Raya permanently, and then pursued a loan deal with a mandatory buy clause - and we could even offer Nketiah, who Brentford are rumoured to be interested in, to sweeten the deal and give us a lower financial outlay.

2. Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)

Arsenal are well acquainted with Johan Bakayoko, having come up against the young Belgian twice this season in the UEFA Champions League, where he was a constant threat throughout both encounters.

The 20-year-old would not necessarily come in as an immediate starter, but would offer invaluable cover, and rotation, for Bukayo Saka - who has looked increasingly jaded in recent weeks, largely owing to the lack of rest he has received, even when carrying knocks.

Bakayoko has achieved 11 goal contributions in the Eredivisie this season, which is already more than his tally for the entirety of last season - which shows a clear improvement from the youngster.

PSV would reportedly demand a fee in the region of £38m for the explosive forward which, given the fees paid for other wingers (like Nicolas Pepe, Antony and Jadon Sancho) represents incredible value for money.

In a window where we know our budget may well be limited, signing Bakayoko could be a great way to utilise it and enhance our chances of success for the rest of the season.

3. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Before this season, the vast majority had not heard of Jorrel Hato, despite him having made 11 league appearances (including six starts) in the 2022/23 season.

Despite this, Hato has enjoyed an astounding breakout season, and it is only December.

The Dutch defender has also captained Ajax twice this season, despite the fact that he is just, wait for it... 17-years-old.

He plays predominantly as either a left-sided centre-back or a left-back, meaning that he could offer reliable cover to both Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko - especially if the rumours of Jakub Kiwior's possible departure are to be believed.

With just 18 months left on his contract with Ajax and no indication at present that he will sign a new one, the Dutch giants would reportedly entertain offers in the region of £25m for the teenager, though this remains to be seen.

For such a low fee, this feels like an opportunistic signing, and one that we should be all over if the finances allow it. He could be an important, and exciting part of our squad, and may even go on to be considered a home-grown player if he were to join in the January transfer window.

While, for me, the priority in the transfer window has to be a striker, Hato would still be a magnificent capture if we can pull it off, and could be a rock in our defence for well over a decade to come.