The upcoming transfer window is a moment of great significance for Arsenal, particularly with the club currently leading the table. Last season, the Gunners invested over £60 million ($75m) in strengthening their squad with the goal of bolstering their title aspirations. As January looms, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a myriad of decisions, particularly in considering a potential double transfer move.
Prior to the November international break, Kai Havertz, who had recently joined the squad, faced challenges in finding his niche within the team, maneuvering through various positions in an attempt to establish himself as a pivotal player. However, Havertz has evidently turned the tide and emerged as a hero for Arteta, following his exceptional three-goal performance in as many recent games, solidifying his value to the team.
As Arsenal approaches January, two pivotal issues demand immediate attention. Firstly, the club is in dire need of a dependable centre forward, as current options such as Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have demonstrated inconsistency. Secondly, concerns persist regarding the team’s defensive and midfield capabilities, stemming from a lack of depth and viable options.
The scrutiny is currently focused on Havertz and the striker position, particularly in light of his recent scoring streak. This may prompt Arteta to reassess the necessity of procuring a high-profile signing. Although Ivan Toney has been associated with the club, initiating a mid-season transfer could prove to be costly and might impede other transfer plans.
Conversely, Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation presents a further cause for concern. David Raya’s performances have been underwhelming and have only compounded the team’s difficulties, rather than resolving them. Not only has Raya been prone to errors, but his underlying statistics also fail to validate his substantial price tag. Furthermore, Aaron Ramsdale, who was initially recruited to compete for the No.1 position, has also struggled to find form, exacerbating the complications in the goalkeeping department.
Looking forward, Arsenal’s decisions in the upcoming January transfer window will bear substantial significance. The club must deliberate carefully on whether Havertz’s recent performances are sustainable, and whether they can rely on him as their primary goal scorer. The goalkeeping situation also demands urgent attention, prompting the club to assess the viability of persisting with their current options or seeking alternative solutions. These impending decisions will undoubtedly carry profound implications for Arsenal’s title aspirations.