Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has pinpointed a key position to strengthen in the January transfer window, selecting eight players as his preferred targets.
With the January window now open, Premier League clubs can bolster their squads for the second half of the season. Arsenal, aiming to challenge Liverpool for the title, is expected to be active in the market.
Reports reveal that Arteta has decided to focus on acquiring a new attacker in January to mitigate the loss of star winger Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined for several months with a hamstring injury.
At the top of Arteta’s list is talented winger Nico Williams, who has drawn interest from top European clubs and is reportedly a long-term target for Arsenal. With a release clause around £50million, the deal fits within Arsenal’s budget, though convincing the 22-year-old to leave Athletic Bilbao mid-season may be challenging, especially with competition from other clubs.
Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a move away from the club, also features on Arteta’s list, although at 28 years old, he would not be considered a long-term solution.
Arsenal are also said to admire 19-year-old Real Madrid star Arda Guler, but Madrid reportedly view him as central to their future, making a transfer unlikely.
Florian Wirtz, who has impressed for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany, is expected to be pursued by Arsenal once he decides to leave his current club, though he will likely have several top European clubs, such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, vying for his signature.
In addition to a wide attacker to replace Saka, Arsenal are contemplating a new striker, a position often criticized as being too weak. Among the forwards on their list are in-form Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. However, a deal for any of these strikers in January is considered unlikely, with a summer move appearing more feasible.