Gunners

Pretty useless article that says basically what we already know, but some interesting tidbits from other clubs. Here's the Arsenal bit:

Recent years show Arsenal are not afraid of doing business in January and they will be alert again — depending on usual considerations such as injuries, profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) and opportunities in the window.

Last summer’s spending meant the signing of David Raya from Brentford needed to be done on loan with an option to buy (£27million; $34.2m), which shows Arsenal were in a tight spot around PSR. Once adequate finances are available, the Raya deal must be turned permanent.

Let’s see whether those finances are generated from existing resources or require player trading. Should it be the former, departures could presumably be used to enhance the budget. Should it be the latter, there is unlikely to be a huge amount of money at manager Mikel Arteta’s disposal.

The most obvious candidate to exit might be Aaron Ramsdale. Any goalkeeper in his position will want to regular football, especially given the desire to get into England’s Euro 2024 squad, though there have been no significant movements yet — nor are any certain to materialise.

While plenty of speculation has focused on Arsenal potentially recruiting a striker, that is more plausible in the summer. Nothing has developed regarding Ivan Toney and it would take a massive bid to change that, particularly with Bryan Mbeumo out for around three months with an ankle injury.

Even if Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson are among those admired by Arsenal (and many other clubs), it is not anticipated they will land at the Emirates Stadium soon.

Activity in midfield probably relies on somebody leaving or the fitness situation deteriorating. For both reasons, we should keep an eye on Thomas Partey and Jorginho — but it is more realistic to imagine their futures being decided after the campaign has ended.

Arsenal explored the idea of Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad 12 months ago and interest remains strong. However, multiple factors would have to combine to make it happen. Despite his contract including a release clause, the Spaniard would have to agree to go; that has been a stumbling block in the past and may prove a bigger problem given Real Sociedad are in the Champions League round of 16.

Cover at the back offers another dilemma. The absences of Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu at full-back — where Partey has also featured — arguably makes defence the area worthiest of strengthening but when everyone is fit, Arsenal are well stocked. So no guarantees but it would not be a total shock if there was a reinforcement here, perhaps on a short-term basis.