Arsenal may look to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window after a difficult start to the 2024/25 season, hampered by numerous injuries.
The Gunners began the campaign with high expectations, having narrowly lost the Premier League title to Manchester City last season.
However, after 15 games, they sit in third place behind Liverpool and Chelsea, with injuries playing a significant role in their position.
Key players like captain Martin Ødegaard have been sidelined, with the Norwegian midfielder out for nearly two months due to an ankle injury. Ben White has also been unavailable after undergoing surgery.
Meanwhile, other players, including Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, have missed matches, disrupting Mikel Arteta’s plans and forcing tactical adjustments.
The January transfer window offers Arsenal an opportunity to address these setbacks. Arteta has expressed hope about strengthening the squad during this period, stating,
“The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we have the capacity to do so.
We are assessing the situation, as it changes every week. I’m positive that in a few weeks, we’re going to be in a better place.”
However, the club’s transfer efforts have been complicated by the departure of sporting director Edu.
For now, his former assistant, Jason Ayto, will oversee recruitment, while Arsenal reportedly considers former Manchester United director Dan Ashworth as a long-term replacement.
Arteta also provided an update on Riccardo Calafiori, who has missed the last two Premier League matches due to a groin injury.
The manager praised Calafiori’s enthusiasm but stressed the importance of managing his recovery.
“We need a cage there because Riccardo wants to train and play,” Arteta said. “We need to calm him down because he is so willing.
Due to injuries, he had to play more than we wanted, and then he developed an issue in his groin.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal is preparing for a crucial Champions League clash against Monaco on Wednesday.
Despite their slow start in the competition, where they currently sit in 10th place, a win could improve their standings and enhance their chances of securing automatic qualification for the next round.
With January approaching, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this critical phase.
