Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are expecting transfer activity in January, particularly on the loan front, but he admits it’s not an easy market.

As of today, the January transfer window is open, and Arsenal are free to complete deals in or out for the remainder of the month.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta told the media they are expecting to do some business in January. But it’s likely to be loan moves, rather than permanent transfers.

“We are expecting some activity because of a few players, and we have a few loans that hopefully we will have to complete,” Arteta said.

“But it depends, as we all know it’s a very complicated market, and it’s a short window, so we’ll see what happens.”

Arteta wouldn’t be drawn on any specific business Arsenal are planning to do, but we can make a few educated guesses.

We know that AS Roma are pushing to try and sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan, and the reports suggest Maitland-Niles himself is keen. The issue at the moment seems to be whether or not Arsenal put an obligation to buy in the deal.

Sead Kolasinac returned to training this week, and the rumour mill suggests Watford are looking to loan him in the January window.

Then there’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose relationship with Arsenal is damaged after he was stripped of the captaincy. He could also be up for a loan move.

There are plenty more candidates for a loan in the academy, with Kido Taylor-Hart and seven others linked with a temporary departure.

So it’s no real surprise to hear Arteta suggesting the loan market will be the main area of activity for Arsenal in January.