Arteta's top three January transfer targets to keep Arsenal title bid on track

27 December 2023 , 13:09

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Arteta's top three January transfer targets to keep Arsenal title bid on track

Mikel Arteta is hopeful of bolstering his squad by signing both a defender and a central midfielder in the January transfer window - but will have limited funds to do so.

Arsenal may have spent Christmas at the Premier League summit for the second successive season, but Arteta knows that fresh blood could make all the difference in his bid to end the club's 20-year title drought after falling short last term.

Arteta spent big on deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber in the summer, while David Raya's loan move will become permanent next year. However, it is understood that Arsenal would like to do further business once the window officially reopens next week.

According to a new report from The Athletic, loan are more likely at the Emirates than permanent deals with defence seen internally as a priority area. Summer signing Timber suffered an ACL injury on his Premier League debut and is a long-term absentee, while Takehiro Tomiyasu recently joined him on the sidelines.

There is interest in Ajax's 17-year-old defender Jorrel Hato, although the Dutch giants would likely demand a substantial fee for their talented teenager. The Netherlands international is also capable of filling numerous defensive roles, which is a bonus, but the club could opt to pursue a more experienced option on loan.

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Arsenal would also consider bringing in a midfielder on a temporary basis, although bolstering their defence is the undisputed priority. Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi is a long-term target but he remains fiercely loyal to his club and would be unlikely to move mid-season even if a deal was feasible.

Join the debate! Where do you think Arsenal need to strengthen in January? Let us know here.

Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is on Arsenal's radar ahead of the January transfer window (Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates)

Wolves winger Pedro Neto is another player Arteta and co have long admired. The fleet-footed forward, who is closing in on a return from injury, was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates back in the summer.

If Arsenal are to firm up their interest in Neto, it's far more likely that will take place next summer. The same could also be true in their hunt for a striker, which could take a backseat in the wake of Arteta's need for defensive reinforcements.

Mirror Football outlined earlier this year that Brentford striker Ivan Toney is a primary target for Arsenal. Toney, 27, will be free to return to action next month after serving a nine-month ban following a breach of betting rules.

Dan Marsh