Arsenal's priority for the January transfer window is clear: a quick left winger with individual quality, as the club's attacking depth has been exposed by injuries and a lack of pace among forward options.
The Gunners ended the summer window weaker in attack than they started it, despite wanting to prioritise a transformational forward signing at the end of last season. Moves for Julian Alvarez and Vinicius Jr were unsuccessful, leaving the squad short of a left winger—a gap further highlighted by Christos Tzolis picking up a hamstring injury.
Tzolis is expected to be back by the start of November at the latest, but it is clear Arsenal have left themselves vulnerable in that area of the pitch.
No issues elsewhere in the squad
There are no real issues elsewhere in the squad. William Saliba is expected to have returned by the end of the year to further bolster an already stacked set of defensive options.
Arteta is also well-stocked in midfield, where there should be no repeat of last season when Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice were run into the ground. Arsenal have the strength in depth to rotate and maintain freshness.
If the club are to enter the January window, it is the attack that needs an injection of something different. A quick wide player, with the individual quality to step up and make the difference in tight matches, should be high on the agenda.
Striker option and transfer targets
A strong argument can be made that the club could do with signing a striker, too. Havertz has regularly been hampered by injuries and Viktor Gyokeres has not looked a natural fit for this Arsenal side.
It is extremely unlikely that the Gunners would make two marquee attacking signings in January, so a wide forward with the versatility to also play centrally would make sense.
The club admire Eli Junior Kroupi, who would fit that mould, though it remains to be seen how the Bournemouth star will return from the serious foot injury he suffered in July.
Impact on season and Champions League hopes
Arsenal's defensive foundations leave them in a strong position to defend their league title over the course of a 38-game season. In Europe, though, those moments of magic could be lacking. When it comes to the latter stages of the Champions League, Arsenal do not have the same sprinkling of stardust in attack that many of the other favourites to win the competition possess.
The January window is a difficult window to strengthen in, particularly at the level of player that Arsenal would be targeting. However, with the attack, and especially the left wing, being the one vulnerability that Arsenal have, it is a window that could be even more crucial this season.
