Where do Arsenal need to strengthen in January?

Mikel Arteta is giving fans a reason to trust the process

Where do Arsenal need to strengthen in January? 

Arsenal are currently enjoying their best run of form since Mikel Arteta’s side won the FA Cup back in the summer of 2020.

 

Going nine games unbeaten across two months has rejuvenated the Arsenal faithful, who finally see a realistic path into European competition next season.

 

In the hierarchy of comebacks, it goes Jesus, Tyson Fury, and then Arteta’s Arsenal as things stand, but there’s always room for improvement.

 

Arsenal haven’t been tested against one of the league’s best sides since the 5-0 defeat against Manchester City, suggesting there’s still a way to go before this team can challenge at the top of the table again.

 

So, what positions do Arsenal need to strengthen in if they’re going to challenge at the top of the table sooner rather than later?

Right-back

In Takehiro Tomiyasu, Arsenal have one of the surprise packages of last summer’s transfer window.

 

He’s been superb since joining the Gunners from Bologna in a deal worth around £16 million, but there’s a severe lack of cover if the Japanese international picks up an injury.

 

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has impressed as part of a five but isn’t a suitable option at right-back if the Gunners plan to play in Arteta’s favoured defensive four.

 

Arteta needs another player who can operate on the right side of the defence, and in Norwich’s Max Aarons, he may have the ideal option.

 

His transfer value has decreased since his first spell in the Premier League with the Canaries and the 21-year-old has a lot to offer a top Premier League side.

 

This could be a bit of a coup from Arteta after the defender had been touted as one of the best young talents on the planet less than two years ago.

Central midfielder

Arsenal have a lot of class in their midfield but lack a bit of consistency and bite.

 

Some Arsenal fans may say we already have Granit Xhaka, but when Thomas Partey goes to the African Cup of Nations in January, will those same fans be happy to leave the Swiss international in command?

 

Xhaka is reckless, Partey will be absent, and Albert Sambi Lokonga still has a way to go before becoming a top Premier League player.

 

That leaves Arteta with a lack of players who excel in their defensive duties, and there are two ways Arsenal could tackle this issue.

 

Firstly, they can look for a long-term replacement to Xhaka, in which case the Gunners should bite the bullet and go all out to sign Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips.


Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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