Arsenal are set to prioritise signing a defender in the January transfer window, particularly on a loan basis, according to a report.

John Cross reports for the Mirror that Arsenal are actively looking for potential January signings, and it seems that a defender is their priority for the winter window.

Cross writes that a loan deal is “very much an option”, given the injuries to Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is set to head off to the AFC Asian Cup soon after he returns to fitness.

Arsenal have quite a lot of defenders when everyone is fit, but they may need someone to provide cover on a temporary basis for the second half of the campaign.

Cross adds that Arsenal don’t have much scope to do a big deal in the January window unless they make a significant sale first.

The Gunners spent pretty heavily in 2023, and they reportedly need to be careful to stay within the FFP regulations.

Speaking in a press conference this week, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Arsenal have certain targets in mind for the January window, but it will depend on “if things happen”.

That’s presumably another hint that Arsenal would need to sell before buying.

There are a number of positions Arsenal need to address in the mid-to-long-term, despite the team’s strong performance so far this season.

With the rumours surrounding Aaron Ramsdale’s future, the club may need to dip into the market for another goalkeeper before long.

There’s a sense that Arsenal could still use an addition up front, as well as strong rotation options on the wings.

With Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny all in their thirties, the club might need to start planning for the future in midfield as well.

But there’s little doubt that defence is an area of concern ahead of the second half of the season.