The January transfer window is approaching, with Arsenal having the last chance of the season to improve their squad in their bid to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
The injury to Gabriel Jesus will be a primary cause for concern, with the striker having been ruled out for a number of months following a knee injury suffered during Brazil's group stage defeat to Cameroon at the World Cup. The striker underwent successful surgery on December 6 and is expected to be back at the beginning of February at the earliest.
This means that Arsenal may be looking to strengthen their striking options following the news that they will be missing the £45 million man they signed from Manchester City in the summer. Jesus has been a good acquisition and has transformed the dynamic of Arsenal's attack as well as scoring five goals in 14 Premier League matches.
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Express Sport are reporting that amid interest in stars such as Mykhaylo Mudryk their attention could be focused on efforts to sign a new striker with Eddie Nketiah the only current option in the role. The 23-year-old is known to be hopeful of more first team action going forwards, but having only one player to rely upon during crucial months could be cause of concern for Sporting Director Edu and Mikel Arteta.
Gabriel Martinelli has operated in a central role before, but it is an unnatural role for the Brazilian who prefers to operate on the left wing. This could lead them into the transfer market for one of the players that have been linked with in the past.
Following Juventus board members resigning last month, the Serie A club has been thrown into turmoil which means that Arsenal could sense an opportunity to return for Dusan Vlahovic. The Gunners were reported to have been interested in the Serbian striker last January before his move to Turin which has proved to be a success so far.
However, this appears to be a non-starter given the frustrations which arose during their efforts to sign the target man during the last January window, according to Express Sport. Arsenal are reported to have been overlooked by the striker's representatives in talks as a £62 million move to Juventus was sought and this will leave a move to north London, at least in the short-term, highly unlikely.
There will be complications in this winter window, with Manchester United and Chelsea both believed to be in the market for attacking talent. Mikel Arteta will push for transfers, however, as he revealed after their recent friendly win against AC Milan, saying: "We are looking and we are very active looking at the possibilities. If we can find the players that can strengthen the team we will try."
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