Contact made: Arsenal making new move to sign £55m captain with 27 goal involvements this season

Arsenal will soon get the chance to bolster their squad in the January transfer market, and there have been claims that interim sporting director Jason Ayto is plotting to bring in a new forward. Arteta also said before the game with Everton that Arsenal are prepared for January and there could be "some surprises".

"I never expect January to be super busy, but we have to wait and see where we are," said Arteta on the prospect of winter deals at Arsenal.

"Some surprises can come, we are prepared for that, some opportunities as well, and we have to see. Hopefully the squad availability is going to be better in a few weeks so we will have to wait and see."

Now, it looks as if Barcelona star Raphinha is a real player of interest heading into the New Year.

Arsenal in contact over move to sign Barcelona captain Raphinha

According to a new update from The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have told Barcelona they are still interested in signing Raphinha in 2025.

The Gunners, along with Liverpool and Manchester City, remain in contact with intermediaries over a deal for the Brazil international, who cost £55m from Leeds United in 2022.

Raphinha, now the captain of the Catalan giants, has been starring under Hansi Flick this season, scoring 17 goals and registering 10 assists in all competitions.

Petit hints Arsenal could sign "big name" Vlahovic alternative in January

Playing on the left, right and in an attacking midfield role during 2024/25, Raphinha could be just what the Gunners need for the second half of the campaign and beyond, and it looks as if a deal will be one to watch following this latest update from Bailey