Should Arsenal fulfil their dream of lifting this season's Premier League title in May, their first since 2004, Mikel Arteta must ensure his side continues to fire on all cylinders in the second half of the season.
The Gunners won 12 of their first 14 league games of the season prior to the World Cup to sit top of the table at Christmas. As the return of domestic football approaches, the focus will return on extending their lead on Manchester City - which currently sits at five points.
However, Arsenal return to action perhaps weaker than before due to Gabriel Jesus' injury picked up at the World Cup. The striker, who sustained a knee injury, is expected to miss the next couple of months of action leaving Arteta with only Hale Ender Eddie Nketiah as the only natural striker to choose from.
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football.london understands the Gunners are in the market for a winger in January but a number of strikers have been linked with a move to north London ahead of the opening of the transfer window. Alongside Mykhaylo Mudryk, Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres has been touted as another option to bolster Arteta's forward options.
Torres spent a season and a half with Manchester City before joining the Blaugrana at the end of last year but could now be offloaded due to the Spaniard's financial difficulties. The 22-year-old has scored five goals for Xavi's side this season and could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium with his ability to play out wide or as a number nine.
And as speculation continues to grow, transfer reporter Dean Jones has revealed Arsenal's stance on the possibility of signing Torres. Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: "They really like Ferran Torres, and they clearly believe he might become available because they inquired about him in the summer as well.
"So, if they're sniffing around him again now, they sense that something's up."
Torres scored 16 goals in 43 appearances under Pep Guardiola after signing from Valencia. Alongside a number of attacking options at the Etihad Stadium, the forward was likened to Leicester City's Jamie Vardy with Guardiola praising his striker-nature ability.
"Now, in this position, he make movements like the best strikers in behind like Jamie Vardy," Guardiola said. "He is a good finisher, he is so young. Man City made an incredible job buying him."
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