Arsenal may not have been at their best recently, but there’s still plenty of optimism at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s team currently sits fourth in the Premier League, remains in the hunt for the Champions League knockout stages, and is through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The upcoming period after the November international break will be pivotal, and Arteta will be hoping his squad remains in contention heading into the Christmas fixtures. If they do, the January transfer window could present a chance to strengthen the squad with key additions.
Though the winter market is often challenging, it’s not impossible to make moves. In January 2023, Arsenal successfully brought in Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, and Jorginho, and fans will likely be hoping for another active window this time around.
So, what could a perfect January transfer window look like for Arsenal? How many new faces could arrive, and which players might depart? football.london examines the possibilities.
Two Players In
The most anticipated part of the window is who Arsenal will sign. The recent departure of Edu as sporting director is certainly a setback, but managing director Richard Garlick, head of football operations James King, and Arteta will likely have a plan in place. However, January often requires more reactive moves than proactive ones.
In the summer, Arsenal were heavily linked with adding a new forward, both a No.9 and a winger. Raheem Sterling was brought in on loan from Chelsea, but the deal has yet to yield the expected results. Gabriel Jesus has struggled to find his form, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been inconsistent. Kai Havertz, though not a traditional striker, has contributed eight goals in 17 appearances, but he can also play a more central midfield role.
One player Arsenal has reportedly shown interest in is Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old has been in outstanding form for Sporting CP, scoring 23 goals and adding four assists in 18 appearances this season. Gyokeres looks like a promising option, though his £83million release clause could be a sticking point. However, it’s been suggested that he could be available for closer to £63million. If Arsenal can secure a deal in January, he could make a significant impact in their push for silverware this season, though they might also target him in the summer if a move doesn’t materialize.
If Gyokeres arrives, Arsenal may also be in the market for a wide forward. Nico Williams, who impressed for Spain during their Euro 2024 win, is a player the club has scouted extensively. Despite a slower start to the 2024/25 season, Williams still offers immense quality and pace on the wing. If a deal is possible, Arsenal should not hesitate to pursue him, although they may need to move players on to make space for new arrivals.
Three Players Out
To make room for incoming players, some departures could be necessary. Kieran Tierney, for example, has not featured since suffering an injury during Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign. His future at Arsenal seems uncertain, and a loan move for the remainder of the season could be a beneficial option for both him and the club. With his contract running until the summer of 2026, Arsenal could still fetch a fee for the 27-year-old, but only if he proves his fitness.
Two other players with uncertain futures are Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Both have been mainly squad players under Arteta, and while they’ve contributed at times, they’re unlikely to be regular starters going forward. Each could fetch around £20million in the transfer market. While it’s unlikely both will depart in the same window, one or both could move on in January, depending on the club’s needs.