Squad needs often inform any January business. If injuries continue to strike in defence, Arsenal may be forced to look at a sticking-plaster solution to ensure they have sufficient depth until the end of the season. The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly as a serious option at left-back has somewhat assuaged that need.

Arsenal's final game of 2024, a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, was a serious wake-up call to Mikel Arteta and those working alongside him ahead of the January transfer window. Kai Havertz's 12th goal of the campaign was the difference at the Emirates Stadium to keep the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal are set to be without Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling for the coming weeks with the January transfer window less than a week away