Mikel Arteta and Edu are desperate for a new central midfielder at Arsenal. The Gunners sit top of the Premier League after being red-hot since August, but they face a huge January dilemma should they face their first title fight since 2016.
The Gunners are competing with Pep Guardiola's world-class Manchester City team at the top of the league and currently lead the way by two points. However, as is well-documented, they face a hectic 2023 due to the controversial World Cup taking place in the middle of a domestic season and simply don't compete with the Citizens when it comes to squad depth.
There have been plenty of names chucked into the mix over the last few months. football.london understands that a new winger and central midfielder are the priorities in the future after failed attempts to secure Youri Tielemans and Mykhaylo Mudryk in the summer.
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The good form of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have played starring roles in the Gunners' first half of the season, with Mohamed Elneny also key in the early fixtures before injury. However, with the potential for injuries to key players a threat, improving the squad for the second half of the season remains as important as ever.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game against Wolves, Arteta hinted at January transfer business: "If we can improve the team, we are always going to be looking to do that as a club." One man who has previously been tipped to join the north-Londoners is Real Betis Nabil Fekir and reports from across Europe have suggested he could be transfer-listed due to their poor finances.
According to Fichajes, the France international could cost at least €30 million (£26 million) in January. The Gunners, Barcelona and Newcastle have been named as potential suitors for the attacking midfielder and Edu has a special incentive to beat Eddie Howe's men to the signing.
Back in January, Newcastle kick-started their spending under their new owners with a number of signings and Bruno Guimaraes was the biggest. The Brazilian was constantly linked with a move to the Gunners but he moved to Tyneside before confirming that "the only concrete offer came in from Newcastle."
Newcastle reportedly paid around £35 million plus a further £6.7m in add-ons for the former Lyon man and his performances in England have been worth every penny. But for Arsenal, it is certainly one that slipped through the net.
Howe's side have been tipped to complete another marquee signing in January after their own impressive start to the season and Fekir has been named as a potential name. However, Arsenal's title battle holds an advantage to Edu in his negotiations as he aims to seek revenge for last year's failed move.
There remains the question of whether Arteta's side needs another attacking midfielder. Martin Odegaard, like the rest of his teammates, have been sensational in the first half of the campaign and Fabio Vieira has shown glimpses of his qualities when called upon.
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