Premier League leaders Arsenal are set to be “actively looking” at potential additions in the upcoming January transfer window, according to manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have already invested heavily this season, spending around £250 million in the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad across multiple positions. Despite these reinforcements, injuries continue to disrupt Arteta’s plans.

Arsenal’s Summer Signings and Squad Depth

During the summer, Arsenal signed eight new players aimed at bolstering the squad’s depth and quality. The goal was to manage a demanding fixture schedule and maintain competitiveness in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Last season, Arsenal’s campaign was severely hampered by injuries. Key players such as defender Gabriel Magalhaes missed the closing stages, while midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed as a makeshift striker. Despite these challenges, Arsenal secured second place in the Premier League for the third consecutive season and reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Paris St-Germain.

Injury Challenges Continue in 2025-26

This season, injuries have continued to affect Arsenal, particularly among their attacking ranks. Early-season setbacks included Kai Havertz missing matches from the opening day. Captain Martin Odegaard, wingers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and midfielder Max Dowman have all spent time on the sidelines.

Recently, Arsenal’s defensive line has come under strain. Arteta was forced to field Declan Rice in an unfamiliar right-back role against Brighton after Jurrien Timber was injured and Riccardo Calafiori suffered a problem during the pre-match warm-up. While Gabriel Magalhaes has returned, the recovery timelines for Cristhian Mosquera, Timber, and Calafiori remain uncertain.

Arteta Emphasizes Proactive Approach

Arteta stressed the need for preparedness and vigilance in managing the squad. “We’re going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players,” he said. “We have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not? That’s a different story, but our job is to be always very prepared because something can happen.”

The Gunners currently sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League, making the January transfer window a critical opportunity to reinforce the squad and sustain their title challenge amid an injury-hit season.

Looking Ahead

Arsenal fans will be closely watching developments in the January transfer window, anticipating reinforcements that can provide depth, cover injuries, and maintain momentum across multiple competitions. The club’s proactive approach reflects Mikel Arteta’s commitment to squad management and strategic planning, as Arsenal looks to reclaim Premier League glory and make a deep run in European competition.