Arsenal have been linked with several players in numerous positions ahead of the January transfer window, but adding quality to the squad may not be straightforward.
Arsenal had a high expenditure in the summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar spent heavily on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, whilst also signing David Raya on a loan-to-buy deal.
A defender is very-much needed, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Timber injured, and Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato is among those linked.
Ivan Toney is among the forwards to have also been linked, whilst Douglas Luiz remains an unlikely target in midfield.
Arsenal transfer stance for January window
The Athletic have now reported that Arsenal are prioritising a defender above any other position, given the injuries within the squad.
It is also claimed that a loan deal will be the most likely course of action, given the Financial Fair Play constraints they may face after the heavy spending this summer.
“At the moment, the top priority is the defence, with possible consideration given to midfield,” the report stated.
“A loan deal would be preferable, although finding someone who is both good enough and available on those terms is challenging.
“A short-term loan signing remains the most likely option.”
Arsenal face a loan problem in January
Arsenal face a problem, as loan deals may be desired, but adding quality on short-term deals is a difficult task.
Arteta does need extra bodies in defence, but signing players on the same level of quality as Cedric Soares will not improve the depth as a whole. A player Arteta can rely on, should someone as important as Ben White or William Saliba pick up an injury, will be coveted.
They could secure another deal like Raya, in a loan with an option or obligation to buy, but this is easier said than done, as clubs would be unwilling to let key players leave without an immediate fee.
Sporting CP centre-backs Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande have both been linked, but only for big fees. There seems to be no chance that someone of their quality can arrive on loan, and Arteta will have to look elsewhere in the market.
If Arsenal are able to secure a defender on loan, then attention may move to the midfield, with Edu Gaspar scouting a number of Brazilian prospects including Fluminense’s Andre and Sao Paolo’s Pablo Maia, but it remains to be seen whether Arsenal would prefer someone more proven if they are able to allocate funds to the position.
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