Are Arsenal expected to do anything in the January transfer window? | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal remain open to strengthening their squad in January, despite boasting what many consider the strongest group in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal have finished runners-up for the past three campaigns, falling short each time after injuries to key players at crucial stages. Determined to end that pattern, the club’s American owners sanctioned a record £255 million outlay on eight new signings last summer.

That investment has paid immediate dividends. Arsenal head into the January 2026 transfer window top of both the Premier League and Champions League, with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea also to come in the New Year.

However, Arteta’s much-vaunted depth has already been tested. A spate of injuries to attacking players, followed by defensive absences, has exposed weaknesses in certain areas of the squad.

Several key figures returned in December, including Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. Even so, Arsenal remain without Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Max Dowman.

Despite the size of the squad, Arteta has still been forced into makeshift solutions. Mikel Merino has been deployed further forward, as he was at times last season, while Declan Rice and Christian Nørgaard have both started major matches in the back four to patch up depleted defences.

In reality, Arteta may not need to sign anyone in January unless injury problems worsen. Movement would likely depend on a major opportunity emerging in the market, or if Arsenal are forced into action by a significant outgoing, such as an unexpected, substantial bid for Gabriel Jesus.

The loan market could prove more active. There is growing belief that England prospect Ethan Nwaneri needs regular first-team football after impressing during Bukayo Saka’s injury absence last season. With Madueke now able to cover that role, and Eberechi Eze ahead of Nwaneri for midfield minutes, a temporary move may appeal.

It may not be the most exciting window for supporters craving new arrivals, but after a statement summer, Arsenal’s position is difficult to argue with. While they spent less than defending champions Liverpool and world champions Chelsea, their lack of player sales left them with the highest net spend and a squad built to compete on all fronts.