The January transfer window presents Mikel Arteta with a chance to revitalize his Arsenal squad, which is currently underperforming.
The Gunners have fallen from first place in the Premier League on Christmas Day to fourth place after consecutive losses in the capital. They have only secured a victory in their last five games.
They had thirty shots on target at the Emirates last week but still fell to West Ham 2-0 before succumbing to goal-shy Fulham 2-1 away.
Arteta is struggling for motivation, and while new signings may be the answer, the Spaniard has indicated that the club should prioritize selling players before contemplating spending the money this month.
Arteta and its sporting director Edu devise a variety of game strategies based on their ability to change personnel and respond swiftly to market conditions.
Here, SunSport evaluates six potential transfer funds that the Arsenal manager could acquire:
CEDRIC SOARES
The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back, who spent the final months of the previous season on loan at Fulham, has been deemed unnecessary in North London for some time.
His contract expires in the summer, and it is highly improbable that the club will extend it given that he joined the club on loan from Southampton in January 2020, with the agreement becoming permanent that summer.
Arteta has previously acknowledged Cedric’s positive impact in the locker room and during practice; however, his playing time this season has been extremely restricted to 65 minutes.
Turkish flanks Trabzonspor and Besiktas are both interested in a loan with a purchase obligation. Arsenal would prefer to sell at this time, but if offers materialize, they may be compelled to do so.
Arteta’s decision may be perceived as a risk due to Arsenal’s injury woes at that position; however, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are both expected to return to action at Craven Cottage and mid-February, respectively.
EDDIE NKETIAH
In the summer of 2022, the England forward inked a new long-term contract with Arsenal, donning the renowned No. 14 shirt of Thierry Henry. This development appeared to bode well for his future.
But Nketiah has since struggled to persuade Arteta that he can head the line for an entire season, despite an impressive goal-to-game ratio – primarily from the bench.
Arteta is presently interested in retaining the useful squad member, who is tied for the Premier League lead with five goals in ten starts for Arsenal.
The 24-year-old has generated considerable interest for a number of months, and Crystal Palace are monitoring a prospective transfer this month.
Given that Nketiah’s contract remains valid until 2027, Arsenal would require an exceptional offer to allow him to depart. He will remain in Arteta’s plans until that time.
EMILE SMITH ROWE
Although Smith Rowe had continued to manage his minutes since returning from injury, his absence as an underdog against Fulham as Arsenal pressed for an equalizer was unexpected.
In the early stages of Arteta’s tenure, he contributed to their resurgence by supplying energy, goals, and assists.
However, in the two seasons since his most recent contract extension in July 2021, despite making 51 Premier League appearances over three seasons, he has only started once.
Although he is a fan favorite, Arteta may decide to cash in on a youthful player who still possesses the ability to establish himself in this division.
Arsenal, which is obligated to do so until 2026, will once more await a substantial offer prior to reaching a conclusion.
Newcastle, which was previously interested in Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City, is now reviewing him on loan with a purchase option during this transfer window.
AARON RAMSDALE
The individual who, more than anyone else, has his sights set on the departure door as the Euros approach in the summer, having been dethroned from the No. 1 position by David Raya’s arrival that summer.
Ramsdale was acquired from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 for £30 million, add-ons included. His agreement is set to expire in 2026, but it is potentially renewed until 2027.
Arsenal will likely strive to recoup their investment in the player in the event of his departure; however, Arteta has reiterated his insistence that Ramsdale compete for a reserve spot.
However, Ramsdale is cognizant of the fact that his odds of making the Three Lions are diminishing with each passing week. Since November, he has made a mere five Prem appearances thus far this season.
Both Chelsea and Newcastle are monitoring the situation due to the current injuries to their starting goalkeepers.
JAKUB KIWIOR
The Polish defender, whom Spezia paid £20 million for five and a half years in January, has already begun vying for a place in North London.
Kiwior was substituted at halftime against Fulham after struggling in an unaccustomed left-back position in his eighth Premier League appearance.
Similar to Cedric, it would be risky to transfer him without replacing him with a comparable, considering Arsenal’s injury concerns at the back and Kiwior’s defensive and holding midfield versatility.
In light of the fact that Tomiyasu, Timber, and Thomas Partey are all anticipated to return within the following month, this departure might be rational.
Tomiyasu, on the other hand, is scheduled to travel to Japan for the Asian Cup, and Kiwior could be required to fill in.
REISS NELSON
Nelson, one of Arteta’s most devoted employees and a player from whom the Spanish coach believes he can still learn more, has been a member of the benchwarming crew for some time.
The challenge for the academy graduate of 24 years old is to penetrate into a crowded roster that includes Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.
The four-year contract he signed in July will assist in maintaining his high value should Arteta, similar to Smith Rowe, decide that the time has come to cash out and move on.
Once more, the departure of a valuable squad member would be a risk. In the past, Wolves have shown interest in the player, and Nelson is certain to draw additional Premier League suitors.
Arteta is content with Nelson’s current position in the lineup; however, his performance off the bench thus far this season has been, at best, unimpressive.