Arsenal currently sit at the summit of the Premier League table with 42 points, but their lead has been trimmed to just two points following a relentless push from Manchester City. With the winter window set to open in a matter of days, Arteta insists that the club must remain prepared for any eventuality.
A Defensive Emergency
The primary motivation behind Arsenal's sudden change in transfer strategy is a string of defensive setbacks. During Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brighton, Arteta was forced into a tactical emergency, deploying superstar midfielder Declan Rice at right-back.
The move was necessitated after Jurrien Timber was ruled out and Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury during the pre-match warm-up. With Ben White and summer signing Cristhian Mosquera also on the sidelines, the Gunners' backline is currently operating on "bare bones."
"The window is there. I mean, we’re Arsenal and we have to be looking at it: 'OK, what do we need?'" Arteta told reporters on Monday. "We have to be actively looking. Then, can we do it or not? That’s a different story. But our job is to always be very prepared."
January Targets on the Radar
While the club spent over £250 million in the summer—bringing in high-profile names like Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze—the focus in January appears to be on defensive depth and young prospects.
Reports suggest the Gunners are monitoring:
• Rodrigo Mendoza: A 20-year-old Spanish breakout star from Elche.
• Davide Bartesaghi: AC Milan’s versatile 19-year-old defender who could provide cover at left-back and center-back.
• Jean-Mattéo Bahoya: The French forward from Eintracht Frankfurt who has been impressing scouts in the Bundesliga.
Navigating Financial Constraints
Although the intent to sign new players is clear, Arsenal must balance their ambitions with financial sustainability. Having spent nearly £1 billion total during his tenure, Arteta acknowledged that while the club is "actively looking," actual deals depend on market availability and the recovery timelines of current stars like Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard.
For now, the North London side prepares for a crucial New Year's clash against Aston Villa, hoping their makeshift defense can hold firm until reinforcements arrive.
Do you think Arsenal needs a new defender or a striker more this January? Let us know in the comments!