Overview
- After spending more than £250m in the summer, Arsenal lead the Premier League and their Champions League group, shaping a cautious January stance.
- Injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera have exposed short-term full-back cover, with Declan Rice filling in recently.
- Arteta says the club will be ready to act to protect the squad, with any move most likely to target defensive reinforcement if circumstances require it.
- Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet remains a monitored option but would be expensive, while Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is admired with any discussions oriented toward the summer and Manchester City viewed as his preference.
- Major first-team exits are not expected, Gabriel Jesus is now likely to stay after returning to fitness, and loans for academy players are more probable as Arsenal manage squad size and finances.