The typically cantankerous Mikel Arteta was remarkably candid as he broke the news of Bukayo Saka's hamstring tear, which leaves Arsenal in danger of collapsing for the 2024/25 season.
Amid Arteta's update, the Spaniard claimed the Gunners were fighting for the title with “one of the thinnest teams in the Premier League”. Some have interpreted Arteta's latest comments as a message to the hierarchy ahead of a potentially critical January transfer window. If Arsenal are to achieve their goals this season and meet pre-season expectations, an aggressive winter may be required.
Supporters were already keen on the idea of reinforcements before Saka's muscle was delivered at Selhurst Park. To be fair, most felt that swapping Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling would not be enough to catapult the Gunners to their first league title since 2004.
Arteta has suggested the north Londoners are open for business, but the January window is notoriously difficult to land major deals. No club wants to part ways with their most profitable assets in the middle of the season.
Arsenal will no doubt be looking for opportunities in a bid to strengthen their squad, however. Here are their positions of need this winter, as well as some targets to keep an eye on.
Gooners have long been obsessed with the club finally winning their long-term number nine. It was the main position of need this time last year, but then Kai Havertz showed promise up top and eventually played a key role in the Gunners' title run. Arsenal were vindicated for not panicking in the winter.
Arsenal have remarkably only signed one centre-forward since Arteta took over (Gabriel Jesus), and surely the time has come to strengthen the position. Havertz is more than capable of performing as Arteta's main man, but is he a ceiling? The German has just six Premier League goals in 16 appearances this season.
It looks like the Gunners will be looking for something special to get over the hump.
Main objectives
If Arsenal pick a centre-forward next year, they will do well. Thus, achieving their desired goal in January may be tricky.
The club is a long-term fan of Newcastle's Alexander Isakbut the Magpies, with the Swede out of contract until 2028, could demand a monstrous fee. Isak has been in incredible form and he is the favorite target of many supporters.
The Benjamin Sesko waters can be tested again after their failed pursuit last summer, while Dushan Vllahovic it's a name that won't escape rumours. Viktor Gyokeres has caught everyone's eye.
As soon as Arteta confirmed that Saka will be out for “many weeks” with a thigh tear, there were immediate cries for reinforcements in January. Saka has needed cover for years and Arteta's unwillingness to rotate has ultimately contributed to the winger's recent failure.
Admittedly, it is difficult to find a top-quality performer willing to play second fiddle, but some may be tempted in January knowing they may have a few months to prove their worth before Saka returns.
The Gunners are not exclusively looking for a right-back. They need more quality in wide areas. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard haven't cut the mustard this season, while Raheem Sterling's loan spell has so far been pointless.
They need to sign at least one winger in January.
Main objectives
Forget Marcus Rashford. Manchester United won't sell the Englishman to their local rivals, and Arsenal will surely turn their noses up at the finances involved in any potential deal.
However, the Gunners could look at other Premier League options. The constantly underrated Bryan Mbeumo has once again excelled in Ivan Toney's absence this season and is a versatile option, while Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is a powerful and direct dribbler who is starting to develop into a regular late third contributor for the Cherries.
Randal Cole Moan is set to be available after falling out of favor with PSG. The Frenchman is another flexible striker who mainly operates as a number nine but can also play out wide.
Ademola Lookman has previously been of interest, but Atalanta will not part ways in the middle of the season, while Nico Williams is going through a rather difficult season at Athletic Club. It is more likely that he will leave in the summer.
Arsenal may have a few injuries at fullback, but they are well equipped in defense with Arteta boasting several players who are also capable of filling in at the heart of his defence. Supporters will certainly not be particularly inspired if the club once again focus on strengthening the back line this winter, given the higher needs on the pitch.
The Gunners have been able to secure impressive control of matches this season, but they have dropped points when they are unable to convert pressure into open-play chances. Kit, of course, have been a reliable path.
Martin Odegaard is the main creator and most of Arsenal's play is carried down the right. The Gunners are looking for balance and may need another creative spark to pull things together on the underperforming left side. Mikel Merino is functional, but he is content to cheat so far. Arsenal may need something more than a midfielder noted for winning headers and making deceptive runs – as valuable as they are.
Main objectives
Muhammad Jerusalem has been closely linked but he is someone who could thrive operating from the left side in creative space with Odegaard. There would be opportunities for the pair to switch roles, too, with the captain occasionally showing an ability to be devastating from an inside-left position.
Otherwise, there has been little connection with outstanding players, but Xavi Simons, Morgan Gibbs-White AND Alex Baena they are good fits.
Martin Zubimendi is a lying conductor who has so far been reluctant to leave Real Sociedad.