Arsenal are edging closer to the January transfer window as just a few games remain before they can look to add reinforcements to their squad. In a unique season, the Gunners are set to reach the market sooner than standard campaigns, with the mid-season break for the World Cup throwing the schedule into chaos.
It could present a huge boost for Mikel Arteta, who will be able to strengthen his side sooner for the rest of the season amid talk of a title push. According to reports, the Spaniard is set to be backed by the board for the window, with another winger being a priority but with links to a midfielder too.
"The planning of that period is extremely difficult," Arteta said on the January transfer window. "First of all because we know the January window, how special it is, the opportunities that you have, the short window that you have. Once you get the player they are straight away competing, so there is not an adaption process.
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"And obviously with the position that we are in right now as well, it demands as well another level of player - and that player has to be available. We will look at everything and let’s see what we can do."
One of the areas that could be strengthened further is the midfield, which was a concern for the Gunners in the summer after missing out on signing Douglas Luiz. A player they continue to be linked with is Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, who is out of contract in the summer and looks unlikely to sign a new deal.
The Belgian sent a reminder to Arsenal of exactly what he is capable of, scoring a stunning strike from the edge of the box to give the Foxes the lead against Everton on Saturday. "That is what we want to see, these kinds of moments," former Chelsea player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink told Sky Sports. "Special players who deliver in these moments."
"I would love him to sign another deal and continue his journey here at Leicester City," manager Brendan Rodgers said on Tielemans. "But we will see in the coming months."
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