No More Excuses: Arsenal Must Complete January Transfers to Keep Mikel Arteta’s Title Hopes Alive

No Excuses: Arsenal Must Complete January Transfer Mission to Keep Mikel Arteta’s Title Dreams Alive (Arsenal Transfer Window)

If Arsenal are serious about challenging for the Premier League title, they can’t afford to go into the second half of the season with any gaps in their squad. Mikel Arteta has built a strong, dynamic team, but recent setbacks have shown that they still need reinforcements to maintain consistency and creativity when key players are missing.

The January transfer window offers a crucial opportunity for the Gunners to add depth, especially in creative roles that support Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. With top targets like Ademola Lookman, Alex Baena, and Rayan Cherki standing out as potential solutions, Arsenal must act decisively. Securing one of these high-performing creators could be the difference between sustaining a title bid and falling short.

For a club with title aspirations, every weakness is a potential stumbling block. Arsenal’s mission is clear: strengthen the squad in January, or risk undermining Arteta’s vision and the dream of bringing the Premier League trophy back to the Emirates.

 

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If Arsenal fail to sign any players during the January transfer window, it would be a clear disaster. Despite the challenges of the winter market and even Edu Gaspar’s resignation, this would still leave the club open to heavy criticism. Arsenal have already been reminded harshly of the importance of squad depth during times of struggle.

Injuries have certainly played a significant role in their inconsistent performances, particularly in the absence of Martin Ødegaard, which has impacted the team’s creative spark. The focus in the summer window was on strengthening the left-hand side, which was addressed with the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.

However, both players have faced medium-term injuries, hampering their ability to adapt and make an immediate impact. Additionally, Arsenal’s rivals, including Manchester City and Liverpool, did minimal business in the summer, making it a quieter window overall.

Arne Slot’s side also struggled to convince Martin Zubimendi to join during the latter stages of the window. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola brought back Ilkay Gündogan and signed Savinho, a player who had already been part of the multi-club model for two seasons.

Arsenal did secure two key deadline day deals for Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale, bringing in over £50 million, including add-ons. While these deals came too late to free up funds for any last-minute signings, they have laid a strong foundation for the winter. However, this influx of capital also raises expectations.

The departure of Edu is not expected to disrupt Arsenal’s January plans. On The Athletic FC podcast, David Ornstein noted that there is no rush to find a replacement, as the groundwork for winter transfers has likely already been laid.

 

READ ALSO: Arsenal Line Up Three January Transfer Targets Amid Concerns Over Martin Odegaard’s Injury Setback

 

“I think their plans, whatever they may be, at least in outline, would likely already be in place,” Ornstein said. “They have some very capable people who can guide them through that process.”

“It would be more focused on the summer, which is always a bigger area of focus. Even if this situation took them somewhat by surprise, they could still handle it properly. And if they look externally for a replacement, they must approach it carefully, as that comes with greater risk than promoting from within.”

Arsenal’s primary need is an attacking boost in quality. However, the chances of securing a striker who could take them to the next level are limited to two potential targets: Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak. Neither is expected to move this winter, so while there is reason to be patient and wait for the summer for the right signing, the situation is different for other areas of the team. There are still potential options available, including those previously linked with the club. A personal favorite would be Ademola Lookman, who has been exceptional for Atalanta. He is in great form, ready for a return to the Premier League, and could be a solid addition to the squad.