Arsenal's recent progress has been a bit overrated amid the ups and downs of Tottenham and Manchester United's form, but they are certainly moving in the right direction. Arteta's job has been seriously threatened after three consecutive defeats at the start of the Premier League season, but good performances in recent weeks have put the Gunners fourth at Christmas. This shift can be attributed to the fact that the new players work well with a small number of talented young players, while many high-paid and low-energy players are excluded from the main squad. Now, if the Gunners want to regain their footing in the Premier League 'top four', they must continue this good momentum, while also needing to tinker with the squad to some extent. Here are the actions they should take during the January transfer window.
Arsenal have been criticised for allowing Emiliano Martinez to leave the club after a heroic moment in the 2019 FA Cup. The Argentine has performed well in his debut season at Aston Villa, most recently, winning the Copa America with Messi. However, after bringing in 23-year-old Ramsdale this summer, the Gunners found a long-time patron saint in the goalkeeper position. The former Sheffield United goalkeeper was full of enthusiasm and fun off the pitch, and of course his outstanding performances were all fresh. This put former main goalkeeper Leno in a difficult position, and leaving the club could solve the problem.
Arsenal currently have an excessive number of defenders, meaning there could be a lot of people leaving next month. With the arrival of Tavares, Kolasinac was relegated to unnecessary third option at left-back. Meanwhile, Holden and Chambers have a decent market value as homegrown players, so Arsenal should consider exchanging them for transfer fees. The Lower Premier League clubs could offer around £10m each for both of them, which will help the club break even after the summer spending spree.
Smith Rowe and Erdegaard are currently in a healthy race for the Gunners' starting core role. As a result, Arteta's shopping list has only one place in possession midfielder. Thomas Partey is an injury-plagued player, with new signing Lokunga positive but inexperienced, while Xhaka has always been decent. Ernani is not good enough to expect him to leave North London. Zakaria is one of Arsenal's most interested players and he has less than a year left on his contract. The 25-year-old's transfer fee for next month is expected to be just over €15 million.
Aubameyang's disciplinary problems have cost him the club captain's armband and could also cost him his future at Arsenal. Still, the Gabon international signed a lucrative new contract in the summer of 2020, so getting rid of him will be a huge challenge. Pepe is another out-of-favor striker who could be sent away, especially if Aubameyang's £350,000-a-week contract can't be thrown off. As an ideal substitute, Vlahovic could move to the Premier League. The Fiorentina star has excelled in Serie A, scoring 16 goals in 18 league games this season. The Serb is expected to cost the club €80 million, but beating Liverpool and signing rivals Tottenham Hotspur will be a fantastic deal.