Ahead of the January transfer window, one of the biggest questions surrounding Arsenal concerns their reaction to Gabriel Jesus' injury.
The summer signing has been a regular up front under Mikel Arteta, but an injury sustained on World Cup duty left the Brazilian needing surgery. The former Manchester City man missed the Boxing Day game with West Ham, and faces some more time on the sidelines.
With Arteta's team returning from the break sitting top of the table, the success of a title challenge could hinge on what happens in the transfer window. Here are the latest news lines from north London.
Gunners could face Bamba battle
Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Italian youngster Ibrahima Bamba and could make a move in January, according to O Jogo (via Sport Witness). The 20-year-old, who joined Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes from hometown club Pro Vercelli as a teenager, earned his first international call-up in May but is yet to make his senior bow for the Azzurri.
Vitoria, who sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for the defensive midfielder in January. Arsenal aren't the only club said to be in the mix, with Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge and Atalanta also linked.
Bamba made his Primeira Liga debut in a defeat to Benfica in February but has been a regular starter this season. The youngster is under contract until 2026, but it has been suggested Vitoria have their price.
Juve open to McKennie sale
Juventus are prepared to offload Weston McKennie in January, according to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Get Italian Football News). The United States midfielder was linked with Arsenal before the turn of the year, and could now leave Turin if a suitable offer arrives.
What do Arsenal need in January? Have your say in the comments section
McKennie joined Juventus in 2020, initially on loan. He scored three times for the Bianconeri before the World Cup, before playing in all four of his country's games in Qatar.
Arsenal have reportedly scouted the 24-year-old in the past, though no concrete move materialised. There were reports of a swap deal including McKennie and Granit Xhaka in 2021, only for the Swiss international to remain at Arsenal.
Arteta's striker stance
Mikel Arteta has reassured Arsenal supporters they have the funds to invest in a striker in January. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined, there are options within the squad, but a decision to strengthen could be made if the manager feels the need.
"We can afford to get a striker for sure if we want one, I don't know if he plays in League Two, League Five, Spain, Portugal or Africa," Arteta said before Monday's meeting with West Ham. "We can get a striker, I can guarantee you that.
"But what we cannot afford to do is get a player here that is not for us. This is what we cannot afford, that is for sure."
