The depth of Arsenal’s squad has been an issue, and January offers a chance to increase that number. But because Karim Benzema and Victor Osimhen are linked, Mikel Arteta has to deal with transfer market uncertainty as well as FFP concerns.

Arsenal have been linked with attacking firepower in January. With worries over Financial Fair Play, Karim Benzema’s unhappiness at Al-Ittihad might provide a cheap option for Mikel Arteta. (Image: Photo by Tullio Puglia – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

With the January transfer window in full swing, Arsenal is constantly being connected to some of the top football players in the world. However, supporters would have expected a busier month, but that’s not what’s happened.

After leading the Premier League at the end of the previous season, the Gunners dropped to fourth place at the start of the new one and were eliminated from the FA Cup after losing to Liverpool in the third round. The problem areas have become clear as a result of Mikel Arteta’s selection options being severely hampered by injuries throughout the field.

The Emirates Stadium’s offensive capabilities have come under scrutiny following three straight losses. Arsenal fans have been deeply irritated by the club’s wastefulness, which has left them with a sour taste in their mouths after the joyous celebration that saw the North London team win the English football championship on Christmas Day.

The red half of North London is desperate to improve on their Premier League success from the previous season. In an attempt to reverse history and unseat reigning champions Manchester City, Arteta’s team set out to win the Premier League and break their own two-decade trophy drought. But as many clubs have discovered during their time of domination, Pep Guardiola’s team proved their mettle.

Many, including Gary Neville, have predicted that Arsenal will be tough once more this season, with concerns over City following their historic treble in May 2023. But, as football returns and the January transfer window approaches its close, managers and Arteta will have less time to make hurried additions and approve departures to improve their chances of winning the championship.

The Premier League has seen comparatively few additions this month, with Burnley, Sheffield United, and Tottenham being the only teams to make purchases thus far. And so, from Arsenal’s perspective, there are a number of factors to explain it.

Profit and Sustainability Regulations are currently the main topic of conversation surrounding Premier League football. Everton, who is facing a second charge, and Nottingham Forest were recently referred to an independent commission for their alleged violations, while Manchester City is awaiting a court date regarding their alleged 115 charges.

Arsenal must tighten their belts when it comes to transfer window movement because they have spent £500 million on players since the start of the 2021–2022 season.

Regarding additions, Arteta stated this month, “We’re open for the transfer market, but the emphasis is on making the most of the players we have.” “We’ll collaborate with the club to determine whether there are any opportunities and what our best options are. However, we will prioritize our current players first.”

Even after the former midfielders came clean, Arsenal has been the focus of gossip. Jurrien Timber, the summer acquisition on defense, has been sidelined since the victory over Nottingham Forest at the start of August.

Even though the Dutchman’s knee injury is improving, he will likely need to miss some time of action while he works to get back to match fitness. Takehiro Tomiaysu flew off to Qatar for the Asia Cup, while Oleksandr Zinchenko has been dealing with a calf problem.

Jorrel Hato, a 17-year-old defender for Ajax, is a target for Arsenal, who will probably make a move for him in the summer. With one year left on his contract, Transfermarkt reports that the central defender—who can also play left back—is valued at about €22 million (£18 million).

Given Mohammed Elneny’s possible departure and Thomas Partey’s injury concerns, the midfield position is still up for debate. Amadou Onana of Everton and Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa are two names that have been linked to moves to Arsenal.