The Gunners sit just one point from the summit after 12 games played in the Premier League, however, injury has plagued the squad in the early moments of the campaign to resurface the issues relating to depth that cancelled the north Londoner’s plans of winning the league last term.
With key members of the XI absent, the upcoming January transfer window could shed some light on where Arsenal see their need for recruitment being, with the midfield said to be one of the primary areas to be assessed at the start of 2024.
Aside from the midfield, a recurring theme of the Gunners’ shortcomings in the side is the lack of potency in leading the line, with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus the only two recognisable centre-forwards in the first team.
The January window could come at a perfect time for Arteta to strengthen his options going forward, with a few names already linked with a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal's January transfer targets
According to Football Transfers, Juventus talisman Dusan Vlahovic is the manager’s ‘preferred’ number nine target, with the 23-year-old renowned for his impact in the final third in Italy.
The report touches upon Arsenal’s past interest in the Serbian, who was linked with the Premier League outfit prior to his move to Juve in January 2022.
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With a market value of €80m (£70m), the Serie A dynamo could be an expensive forward to acquire, particularly following his dip in form since his move to Turin, in which he has only netted 21 league goals for the Bianconeri in almost two years.
Closer to home, a more trusted figure could be an option for the Gunners to select to lead their line in the future, with links to Brentford’s Ivan Toney resurfacing.
After speaking highly of the north London club during the Diary of a CEO podcast, the Englishman has emerged as a potential talent for Arteta to eye, with several news outlets reporting Arsenal’s apparent interest.
A report from journalist John Cross, via The Mirror, back in September claimed that both Arsenal and Chelsea are eyeing the 27-year-old’s services in January, when his ban from football for betting infringements will expire.ivan-toney-brentford
Across his two campaigns in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium, Toney has netted 32 goals, claiming 12 in his first term and 20 last season, ending the 2022/23 calendar as the league’s third-highest scorer behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
With pace, power, strong finishing ability and most importantly, a proven spark in the top flight, the £100m price tag on the England international could prove to be priceless for Arsenal.22/23 PL statistics
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