Four positions Arsenal could strengthen in the January transfer window

Arsenal are currently inside the top four, a position where they’d want to be at the end of the season though the clubs below them have outstanding matches.

With the January transfer window approaching Mikel Arteta will be looking at strengthening his squad to secure that elusive top-four finish.

The Gunners spent a record £142m in the summer on six signings that have all impressed so far, could there be more spending and if so which positions?

Striker

If Arsenal are going to splash the cash in January it has to be on a proven goal-scoring striker.

Arteta is faced with somewhat of a striker crisis given that all three of his number 9’s have uncertain futures.

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have six months until their contracts expire and there’s no sign as of yet that they’ll be extending their stay at Arsenal.

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not only troubled by goal-scoring woes but his disciplinary breach has led to his indefinite suspension from the team.

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. Sources claim the situation is not beyond repair but the club are ready to sound out interest from Europe’s top clubs to gauge whether a deal that suits all parties is possible. [@JamesOlley] #afc pic.twitter.com/WCitJSSjv3

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 22, 2021

Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Central Midfielder

Arsenal’s midfield was boosted by the early return of Granit Xhaka from an injury however, Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny for a few weeks as they head off for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Although Arteta will have Granit Xhaka, Sambi Lokonga, and Maitland-Niles as options, bringing in another midfielder possibly on loan would be helpful since Arsenal will have Premier League, Carabao ,and Fa Cup games in January.

There’s also the concern about Arsenal’s midfield lacking quality and grit that has seen them dominated by the opposition on many occasions.

Renato Sanches hints he is ‘ready’ to join Arsenal as soon as January https://t.co/Sq9mwhwAq3

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) December 25, 2021

Versatile winger

Arsenal’s youngsters have starred on the wings with Bukayo Saka cementing himself on the right-wing and Emile Smith Rowe playing on the left-wing.

Gabriel Martinelli has also impressed since he was integrated into the starting eleven and as a result, Smith Rowe has had to settle for substitute appearances.

Arteta will sign a new winger if Nicolas Pepe is sold in January. The Ivorian winger has failed to impress the Arsenal boss and his playing time has been limited.

Pepe could seek a move away from Arsenal in January to salvage his career.

Goalkeeper

Arsenal have two outstanding goalkeepers however, Arteta could be forced to sign a keeper if Bernd Leno demands to leave.

The Germany international lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale and has had to settle for appearances in the cup competitions.