As we head into the final weeks of the transfer window, it's been a mixed one for Arsenal so far. They started with the initial disappointment of missing out top target Mykhailo Mudryk after Chelsea bid £88million to secure the Ukrainian's services.
However, since then they have bounced back well. Leandro Trossard has joined from Brighton to offer another attacking option while Jakub Kiwior has been signed from Spezia to bolster the defence.
It still appears as though the Gunners could be in line to complete a few more incoming deals this month. With that in mind football.london takes a look at the transfer state of play at the Emirates.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Kiwior transfer, Elneny injury and need for midfield cover
Cedric Soares
Firstly let's take a quick look at the exits. football.london understands that Cedric Soares will become Arsenal's first senior departure this month by the end of this week.
Fulham are expected to complete a six month loan for the Portugal international. It does not contain an option to buy, but the Cottagers will cover his near £100,000-per-week wages. It's thought that manager Marco Silva was key to the deal and wanted to add some versatility and experience to his backline.
Ivan Fresneda
The departure of Cedric would theoretically open up a space in the squad at right back. Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda is the man Arsenal have highlighted to fill that roll, but, as is often the case in the transfer window, it's not quite that simple.
Firstly, Borussia Dortmund pose real competition for the 18-year-old's signature, and then any deal is likely to see him head back out on loan to Valladolid for the remainder of the season. Arsenal currently have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the squad though so it's unlikely that that would be too much of an issue.
Midfield
One position of the squad where Mikel Arteta has admitted he would like to strengthen is in the middle of the park. "Well, we need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can. In this market it’s pretty complicated to do that," the Spaniard told football.london after admitting that there are concerns Mohamed Elneny could be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
If there's one position in the squad where Arsenal are probably lacking the most in back up it's in the six role where Thomas Partey plays. Albert Sambi Lokonga has played there in the past but Arteta has been reluctant to use him as a lone pivot recently, which means a new player in that position could come in between now and the end of the window.
Everton's Amadou Onana has been linked, while football.london understands Weston McKennie has been offered around to a number of Premier League clubs. Chelsea target Moises Caicedo is another player who the Gunners may be interested in, although Brighton do not want to sell in January having not yet brought in a back up. The player himself says he is "focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me".
Martin Zumbimendi of Real Sociedad is also on the radar.
READ NEXT
Arsenal can complete £17.6m transfer to bolster Premier League title bid and avoid Chelsea repeat
Five players on notice after Edu and Arsenal's January transfer plans are complete
Jakub Kiwior debut as Leandro Trossard, Emile Smith Rowe and Arsenal stars can start vs Man City
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
