Arsenal could steal a march on their Premier League rivals with some key business in the January transfer window. But it will cost them.
The winter window is not one that is heavily used by clubs, with transfer fees increased mid-season to try and put interested parties off. It has not been a transfer window Arsenal have done huge amounts of business in in the past.
But this year could be the one for Arsenal to really make their mark. The Gunners have slipped out of Premier League title contention in recent weeks, with one point from their last three matches. They have fallen eight points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and with a tricky encounter against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to come on Sunday, could fall even further off the pace.
While this season may not be the season to win the title, Arsenal doing some big business in January would set them up for next season nicely. And in the process would take some names off the market for other clubs who plan to do business next summer.
First up is the need to sign a striker. Arsenal did not go for an out-and-out striker this summer, but the early part of this season has shown that to be something of a mistake.
Viktor Gyokeres was the one heavily linked with a move, although Arsenal baulked at the £86million asking price. That release clause is reported to be lowering next summer, with Sporting CP apparently willing to allow their prolific frontman to leave for a fee in the region of £50million to £58million.
Waiting until then, however, would see Arsenal have to do battle with the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and others for his services. Were they to make their move in January, for a more expensive fee, of course, they could get the deal over the line and beat their competitors who would prefer to wait for the cheaper price.
Arsenal will also need another No.6, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both in the final year of their contracts and set to depart the Emirates Stadium on a free in the summer. A midfielder is definitely on the cards this summer, but why wait?
There is talk of Eduardo Camavinga leaving Real Madrid and he is another whom Arsenal were linked with signing in the summer. He would be another star signing for Mikel Arteta and while he will cost more money in January, it may once again be worth it to avoid the clamour for his signature with other clubs.
Then there are outgoings to contend with. Gabriel Jesus has failed to tie down a regular starting spot or hit the goals trail this season and he could be up for sale in January for the right price. A fee of £40million should do the trick to recoup some money spent on the duo above.
The likes of Kieran Tierney and Jaukub Kiwior had their suitors in the summer and if they can fetch a good price for either of those, they could also depart north London to recoup some funds
