Arsenal sit on top of the Premier League after Declan Rice’s late goal helped them dramatically beat Luton. Mikel Arteta’s side spent most of last year at the top but didn’t get over the line.

The Gunners are only second-favourites for the Premier League title with most significant bookmakers, suggesting most people don’t think they can close the gap to Manchester City. The manager will be desperate to avoid a similar ending to last term, and strengthening in January could help his young side go one step further.

Central Midfielder

It may be surprising to some, given the nature of spending this summer, but it appears Arteta and Edu have identified defensive midfield as a possible weakness in the squad. Declan Rice has settled in well, but Thomas Partey has missed most of the season with injury. The other central midfield options are more attacking.

Douglas Luiz at Villa is the player linked most consistently. Reports of a late bid in January last year suggest Arsenal’s interest is concrete. The Brazilian has been a major part of Villa’s impressive form this year and would boost the Gooner’s midfield options to rival the depth of Man City’s.

There are also rumours linking Arsenal to a few different defensive midfield targets. Ruben Neves looks likely to make a loan switch back to the Premier League from Saudi Arabia, but Newcastle are his most likely destination. Young Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren has also been mentioned, but he is also the subject of interest from Barcelona.

Striker

The future of Ivan Toney is one of the Premier League’s most intriguing storylines going into the January transfer window. The Brentford striker will be returning from suspension and has been linked to several clubs.

Brentford have already signalled their intention to keep hold of the talented frontman, but he suggested he’d be open to a move to North London in a podcast appearance earlier this year.

Arsenal’s attack has not been as free-flowing as last year. Adding a striker of Toney’s quality could help them break down the defensive low blocks that saw them drop points late last season.

There haven’t been too many other players linked, suggesting the club doesn’t think a striker is a priority. If Arteta and the board are serious about winning the Premier League, improving on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah could be a necessary upgrade.

Right Winger

Bukayao Saka is elite. It’s just that simple. That doesn’t mean he should play every single minute of every single game for Arsenal. The electric winger is starting to find his best form after a slow start to the season by his standards.

With an arduous European campaign continuing, Arsenal must find a competent backup on the right wing. Reiss Nelson is not good enough to provide competition to someone of Saka’s ability.

An injury to Saka will significantly dent Arsenal’s title hopes, so investing in another right winger that can provide competition to and cover for the England man would help Arteta’s side take a step towards lifting the Premier League.

Arsenal are in a fantastic position to pounce on the potential complacency of Manchester City caused by their treble win. Making quality signings in these areas would improve the level of the squad and help them clinch the Premier League title.