Arsenal are heading into the January transfer window in need of some extra firepower across the squad for the months ahead.
The Gunners have been short in terms of depth and quality through the season so far, putting them behind rivals Liverpool in the chase for the Premier League title.
The January transfer window does offer some fresh hope though, not least with some quality options available.
On top of a few stars looking to start fresh elsewhere, there are a few players who are nearing the end of their contract.
It means Arsenal have a chance to sign a pre-contract with anyone entering the final six months under contract at any non-English club.
With plenty of big names out there, here’s a look at seven stars the Gunners could sign on a free pre-contract deal in January.
Jonathan David
Striker Jonathan David is entering the final six months of his contract at LOSC Lille, with the forward fitting a role Arsenal need desperately.
The Gunners have been in search of a clinical centre-forward and the 24-year-old could be just that for them.
David has already scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, while his overall record for Lille is 101 goals in just over 200 games played.
A striker with an eye for goal, and plenty of room for growth, but with experience in his game too, there may be no better time to strike up a pre-contract agreement than now for David.
The only downside would be waiting until the summer for him to make the switch to Arsenal on a free.
Alphonso Davies
Arsenal haven’t operated with a traditional flying full-back in some time, but the option of Alphonso Davies on a free transfer could change that.
The left-back is nearing the end of his time with Bayern Munich unless he strikes up an agreement over a new deal soon.
At just 24 years old, Davies has plenty more football ahead of him and could offer a quality option on the flank.
Leroy Sane
Arsenal fans have been screaming out for a rotation option to play alongside Bukayo Saka on the right flank and Leroy Sane could be just that.
Another Bayern Munich star with just a few months remaining on his contract, the winger is more than capable of playing across the frontline.
The 28-year-old is a serial winner, having won plenty of league titles and trophies with both Bayern and Manchester City.
Sane has struggled for minutes so far this season, with just a handful of starts in the Bundesliga along with three goals and one assist to show for it.
Angel Gomes
Another option nearing the end of his contract is Lille’s Angel Gomes, a midfielder who could be in demand soon.
The 24-year-old came through at Manchester United before he left for a new challenge, with his time in France bringing about England senior caps.
A return to the Premier League could see him back in England, where he would be registered as home grown in a boost to the squad requirements.
While Gomes is small in stature, he is more than capable of receiving the ball from the backline and avoiding challenges to progress it up the pitch.
Joshua Kimmich
Another of the Bayern Munich contingent nearing the end of their contract is Joshua Kimmich, who has been a stalwart at the club.
The 29-year-old is still a consistent starter for the Bavarian outfit, featuring in midfield as well as at right-back.
As he continues through his peak years, Kimmich could look for a new challenge away from Bayern after almost ten years.
Having been a serial winner in the Bundesliga, he could add something that Arsenal have been missing in their ranks.
Jonathan Tah
Another Bundesliga star, Jonathan Tah is entering the final six months of his contract at Bayer Leverkusen in January.
The defender helped his club on their rise to winning the Bundesliga in 2023/24, ending the dominant reign of Bayern Munich.
After that campaign, the centre-back was rumoured with a switch to Bavaria, but never ended up making the move.
The 28-year-old is now entering his peak years and with a free transfer up for grabs, he could be a good addition to the already strong Arsenal backline.
Ferland Mendy
Another left-back coming towards the end of his contract is Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy.
The Frenchman joined from Lyon in 2019, having become a relative stalwart for the side when he isn’t facing injury.
Mendy has won plenty in his time with Los Blancos and at 29 years old, he could still have plenty to offer a team.
Whether that would fit at Arsenal though, remains to be seen.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
