Edu and Mikel Arteta are no fools and will know the best teams need to strengthen when they're at the top not when they're playing catch up.
As such, the injury to Gabriel Jesus leaves Arsenal light on central striker options. Eddie Nketiah will have a chance to rise to the occasion but relying solely on the promising forward, who has only netted five goals in 19 appearances this season, will be a dangerous one.
The opportunity to win the Premier League doesn't come around often, especially as far as Arsenal are concerned of late. With the Gunners top of the table, clear by five points, every effort must be made to stay there.
With that in mind, these are the latest Arsenal transfer rumours
Mudryk’s number one choice
The 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk forward has bagged 11 goals in 19 appearance this season for the Ukrainian side this season and remains the Gunners' No.1 target heading into January.
Despite his tender age, Mudryk has done enough to show he can rival Jesus and be an option for the future. He's remained coy over his future, telling the media he'll see what happens when the time comes.
But according to CBS, via Give Me Sport, Mudryk's number one choice, should he leave, is Arsenal.
Felix's final talks
It seems quite certain that Joao Felix will move away from Atletico Madrid this winter, with both Manchester United and Arsenal interested.
A loan is what appears to be on the cards as the forward's future in the Spanish capital may depend on Diego Simeone's own plans. Nonetheless, Felix would be a perfect short-term replacement for Jesus but also an ideal swap for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Le 10 Sport, report the two Premier League clubs and that Felix has entered what it describes as 'final talks' with his agent Jorge Mendes over the move.
Arteta's profile of player
The Spaniard has been speaking about exactly the kind of player Arsenal need to sign if they do commit in the transfer market.
Revealing the club has the funds to spend, Arteta said: "We can afford to get a striker for sure if we want one, I don’t know if he plays in League Two, in League Five, in Spain, in Portugal, in Africa. We can get a striker I can guarantee you that. But what we can not afford to do is get a player here that is not for us. This is what we can not afford, that is for sure."
