Arsenal haven’t yet firmed up plans for the January transfer window, but they’re more likely to sign a striker in the summer, according to David Ornstein.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that he doesn’t believe there are firm plans in place at Arsenal for the January transfer window just yet, with a month still to go until the window opens.
Arsenal’s first priority with any money they earn is to turn the David Raya deal permanent, but beyond that, the feeling is that they’ll look to sign a striker.
As it stands, nothing is advancing on that front for the January transfer window, so a move appears more likely in the summer.
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on May 20, 2023. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Ornstein adds that if one of Arsenal’s midfielders leave in January, then the Gunners may look to make a signing in that area of the pitch.
Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
But whilst Ornstein highlights that names like Douglas Luiz, Ruben Neves, Martin Zubimendi, and Diogo Jota have been doing the rounds, it doesn’t seem any of them have drawn a common consensus at Arsenal.
Many of the above names also appear to be difficult to sign in January, with their clubs unwilling to sell or the players themselves not keen to move.
AL AHSAA, SAUDI ARABIA: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al Fateh and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on November 3, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The situation could change very quickly. A couple of injuries in the next month could force Arsenal into the market, the surprise emergence of a fringe player could put any potential deals on hold until the summer.
With a month to go until the January window, it’s no real surprise that Arsenal haven’t finalised their transfer intentions yet.