And the Gunners will likely head on a warm weather training camp next month if they can bypass the two-legged play-off which falls after the FA Cup fourth round.
On the transfer front the
y are continuing to explore the possibility of signing a new centre-forward before next Monday night's deadline and Evan Ferguson could now be allowed to leave Brighton permanently. In terms of outgoings, it has been confirmed that Kieran Tierney has sealed his Arsenal exit.
Here are the big stories to keep tabs on from in and around Arsenal.
Arsenal have been handed a transfer boost after reports that Brighton are ready to let Evan Ferguson leave permanently in the January transfer window.
Ferguson has been linked with a move to the Emirates this month, with boss Mikel Arteta in need of more depth up front after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injuries.
Arsenal have lacked a recognised No 9 to boost their title hopes after putting most of the goalscoring burden on Kai Havertz - and Ferguson would give them a solid option in attack.
Signing Ferguson permanently would save a headache for Arteta, who already has two loanees in Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto. Premier League clubs are only allowed a maximum of two domestic loan players in their squad.
Tierney agreement reached
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Tierney has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Scottish giants.
Arsenal signed Tierney - from Celtic - for £25m in 2019, but has moved down the pecking order under Arteta and been deemed surplus to requirements.
His contract expires this summer and Rodgers has revealed he will definitely return then - although it could be sooner. He said: “Ideally it would (happen in January) but he’s still at this moment an Arsenal player.
“I think everyone is agreed that will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.”
Rivals' state of play
There are only five more sleeps until deadline day and while Manchester City have led the spending charge so far, a host of clubs are looking to boost their squad for the final third of the campaign.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho appear the biggest names who could make a switch between now and Monday night but what do the other 19 clubs require and can they get their deals over the line in time?
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