Arsenal January Transfer Window 2024: Targets, Potential Signings, Need and Outgoing

Mikel Arteta is keen on applying the lessons learned from the previous season as Arsenal sets their sights on the January transfer window with a robust performance throughout the 2023/24 campaign across various competitions. The team faced setbacks in the form of injuries to key players, and a lack of squad depth, and experience, resulting in a dip in form during a crucial period. This ultimately cost Arteta in the run-in of the 2022/23 season, allowing Manchester City to surpass them in the Premier League title race.

Mindful of these challenges, the Basque coach is strategically planning for the upcoming January transfer window. His objective is to strengthen the squad, ensuring it is well-equipped to contend in the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions League. Sports Dunia have delved into Arsenal’s rumoured transfer targets, assessing the potential impact of mid-season arrivals at the Emirates Stadium.

What Arsenal need in the January transfer window?

Looking from an external perspective, Arsenal may not require significant changes in the January transfer window, but Mikel Arteta could benefit from acquiring experienced reinforcements for the latter part of the season.

The absence of William Saliba due to injury impacted Arsenal last season, but the defense seems solid, even with Jurrien Timber sidelined. The versatility of players like Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, who can serve as emergency defenders, along with the adaptability of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kiwior, provides sufficient coverage.

Arteta might choose to postpone the pursuit of a prime midfield target until the summer, but he will closely monitor injury concerns surrounding Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith-Rowe.

The primary question mark for Arteta lies in the attacking department. While Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jesus are his preferred choices, the need for rotation is evident, and concerns persist about Jesus’ ability to remain injury-free. The inclusion of Trossard or Eddie Nketiah in case of injury could potentially impact the team’s performance.

Balancing the delicate decision of bringing in a new forward during this crucial phase of the season will be challenging for Arteta. However, he cannot afford to witness a drought in Arsenal’s goal-scoring if City hits their stride.

Also Read: Arsenal Emerges as Front-Runner in £60 Million Pursuit of Striking Sensation Ivan Toney

Transfer rumours that might come true in January for Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are poised to rekindle talks for the transfer of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the upcoming January window, as suggested by Arteta. The manager has expressed a keen interest in bolstering the team’s midfield, particularly considering lingering uncertainties about Kai Havertz’s suitability for a central role, despite Captain Martin Odegaard and record transfer Declan Rice being established starters.

Arteta has conveyed a preference for signing a specialized midfielder, acknowledging the gap left by Granit Xhaka’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen. Barcelona’s withdrawal from the race for Zubimendi, as reported by the Daily Express, has strengthened Arsenal’s position. The midfielder’s release clause stands at £52m/$65m, and with Real Sociedad already securing a place in the Champions League Round of 16 for 2024, the club is in a strong negotiating position.

However, it’s emphasized that Real Sociedad is adamant about receiving the full exit clause amount, and they may be unwilling to part with such a crucial player in January. This scenario could potentially prompt Arteta to postpone the move until the summer transfer window.

Douglas Luiz and Joao Palhinha

Mikel Arteta is exploring potential midfield reinforcements, and recent links suggest he might focus on domestic talents, namely Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, both of whom have been putting in impressive performances in the Premier League.

In the pursuit of Joao Palhinha, who currently plays for Fulham, the move might seem uncomplicated given the geographical proximity. However, it is anticipated that Bayern Munich could target the Portugal international in 2024. Notably, respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has hinted at Arsenal initiating discussions with Fulham regarding Palhinha, with a potential fee of £77m/$88m quoted by the Cottagers. Additionally, there’s reported interest in Douglas Luiz, who is also on Arsenal’s radar.

While Arteta may encounter resistance from both Fulham and Villa in parting with key players midway through the season, the pursuit of Luiz continues despite Unai Emery’s determination to retain him at Villa Park. The negotiations for these midfielders may present challenges, but Arsenal seems determined to strengthen their squad in the ongoing season.

Ivan Toney

A noteworthy transfer rumor swirling around Arsenal ahead of the January window revolves around the potential acquisition of Brentford’s star, Ivan Toney.

Ivan Toney is currently serving a suspension until mid-January due to an FA ban related to breaches of betting rules, and he is reportedly open to the idea of leaving Brentford for a fresh challenge.

In the previous season, Mikel Arteta marked Arsenal’s significant January spending by investing £50m/$62 in acquiring Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, and Jorginho. However, a potential move for Toney would surpass that cumulative figure. The Metro suggests that Brentford is demanding a substantial £80m/$100m for the 27-year-old striker.

Several pundits and former players have expressed concerns about Arsenal’s ability to score enough goals with their current attacking options, making Toney an appealing prospect to alleviate the goal-scoring burden on Gabriel Jesus.

The relationship between Arsenal and Brentford appears strained, with Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, expressing frustration over David Raya’s loan move to Arsenal. Any deal for Toney is likely contingent on the player actively pushing for the move amid the existing tensions between the two clubs.

Players who could leave Arsenal in January transfer window

Mikel Arteta has quashed rumours regarding the potential departures of key players like Jorginho and Kiwior, emphasizing the need for a full squad to navigate a demanding schedule.

While the majority of Arsenal players seem content with their roles, the exception is former No.1 goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Despite Arteta’s plans to rotate between David Raya and Ramsdale, the latter has emerged as the clear first choice. This situation leaves Ramsdale with a decision to make.

Arteta continues to express his admiration for the former Sheffield United goalkeeper. However, given Ramsdale’s awareness of his current status, he may contemplate requesting the club to consider offers. The injury to Nick Pope at Newcastle potentially opens up an opportunity for the 25-year-old goalkeeper to explore new options.