Arsenal may not have been the busiest of clubs when it comes to the January window, but Mikel Arteta will know that this particular one could shape the club’s season.
With the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and through to the last 16 of the Europa League, the team finds itself ahead of schedule. However, the question remains - have they got enough tools to get the job done? If their current bench is anything to go by, then no is the answer.
Despite searching for a winning goal against Newcastle on Monday, Arteta decided to stick with those on the pitch instead of turning to the likes of Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and academy talent Nathan Butler-Oyedeji. It’s a decision that would have sent a strong message to sporting director Edu and a reminder of the lack of attacking quality available.
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Arsenal might be in the Premier League driving seat at the moment, but Manchester City’s strength in depth remains an obvious threat after Pep Guardiola replaced Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden with Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez to secure three points against Chelsea on Thursday.
With all of that in mind, I have decided to pick out four potential signings that I believe can help the Gunners go all the way, ease depth concerns and take Arteta’s squad to another level.
Mykhaylo Mudryk
Despite all of the speculation surrounding him, Mykhaylo Mudryk remains one of my preferred signings for this month. If you put the reported fees to one side, we are talking about a talent who has the potential to become one of the best in the world.
Not only would Mudryk give absolutely everything for this club as his public quotes and social media posts suggest, but he would also add much-needed support going forward. Comfortable with both feet, the 22-year-old can offer competition for Bukayo Saka as well as Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe on the left flank.
Possessing skill, explosive pace, a direct style of play and an eye for goal, the Ukrainian international would prove to be a handful for any defender going up against him. An added bonus is that he has already gained some experience in the Champions League, and with how things are going at the moment, that could come in handy next season.
Joao Felix
Admittedly, I didn’t believe two forwards would be required this month, but the more I think about it and consider the fact Marquinhos could leave on loan as some reports have suggested, the more it makes sense.
Granted, the fee which Atletico Madrid are reportedly demanding for a six-month loan does make a move questionable, but if a compromise can be reached then it would be a huge coup for any club this winter.
It’s fair to say Felix has struggled since securing his £113million transfer to the La Liga side back in 2019, but failing to fit in under Diego Simeone is an issue many exciting talents have encountered over the years.
If given the freedom and confidence, Felix has provided enough glimpses to prove that he can be one of the best in his position. With similarities to Gabriel Jesus, the 23-year-old would be a perfect strike partner - or - competitor to the Brazilian and Eddie Nketiah.
Then there’s the possibility of making the move permanent in the future as we have previously seen with Martin Odegaard, potentially securing world-class talent for a cut price.
Youri Tielemans
Should two new forwards be the only additions we make this month, especially if they are the names mentioned above, then I will be more than satisfied.
Saying that, one name I’d at least like Arsenal to monitor is Youri Tielemans. Brendan Rodgers has suggested in the last few days that any Leicester City player who does not want to be at the club should be moved on, and with the Dutchman yet to extend his deal at the King Power stadium, you’d think Tielemans is one of them.
Despite concerns surrounding the defensive side of his game, I still believe Tielemans would be a great replacement for Granit Xhaka long-term and improve under Arteta’s management.
The fact he is set to be available for free in six months' time does make a summer switch more preferable, but if others come in for him earlier than anticipated, Edu may have little choice but to move earlier than anticipated.
Evan Ndicka
Some may argue that a left-sided centre-back should be prioritised over a midfielder and it’s difficult to disagree with that, after all, we know Oleksandr Zinchenko is more than capable of playing in an advanced role.
If anything was to happen to Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White would likely replace him alongside William Saliba while Takehiro Tomiyasu slots in at right-back. However, with the latter's injury record in mind, it’s a move that would come with its risks.
The addition of Evan Ndicka would certainly ease those concerns and allow White to stay at right fullback where he continues to flourish. Similarly to Tielemans, though, a swoop for the Frenchman now would only seem sensible if another club makes a move, considering his contract is also set to expire in the summer.
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