Overview
- Mikel Arteta said Arsenal must be "actively looking" in January and ready to act depending on player availability, noting the club will prepare even if deals prove difficult.
- A stretched back line saw Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera unavailable, with Calafiori pulling out in the warm-up and Myles Lewis-Skelly drafted in.
- Gabriel Magalhaes returned earlier than expected against Brighton, with Arteta praising the medical staff and acknowledging the defender was "rushed" back to help close out the win.
- Gabriel Jesus made an effective late cameo and questioned a denied penalty, while recent reports indicate his return to fitness has made a January departure unlikely.
- Arteta said sporting director Andrea Berta is assessing potential moves, with reporting pointing to a measured window focused on defensive cover and possible youth loans such as Ethan Nwaneri.