Arsenal are already looking ahead to the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta and the club’s recruitment team expected to assess the squad carefully before deciding whether further additions are necessary.
The Gunners were extremely active during the summer, strengthening several areas of the squad with the arrivals of Bruno Guimarães, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapié, Christos Tzolis and goalkeeper Illan Meslier. However, Arsenal were unable to complete deals for some of their biggest attacking targets, leaving questions over whether the club could return to the market in January.
The winter transfer window will officially open on January 1, 2027 and close on February 1 at 11pm UK time. Arsenal will also have Champions League fixtures during January, making squad depth particularly important.
Arsenal Could Prioritise Attack
One of the clearest themes surrounding Arsenal’s January plans is the possibility of strengthening their attacking options.
The club spent much of the summer pursuing high-profile forwards, with Julian Alvarez, Vinícius Júnior and Morgan Rogers among the names linked with a move. None of those deals materialised, although Arsenal did bring in Tzolis as an attacking addition.
Sky Sports reported after the summer window that Arsenal had failed to sign an elite attacker despite their attempts to land Alvarez, Vinícius and Rogers. The report also highlighted the fact that several first-team forwards had departed during the summer.
That situation could encourage Arsenal to return to the market.
Reports have already linked the Gunners with AFC Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. Football365 reported earlier this month that the two attackers had emerged as reported targets for January.
Alvarez would represent an ambitious target. The Argentine can operate as a central striker or in wider attacking positions, giving Arteta tactical flexibility. However, any potential deal would depend on Atlético Madrid’s willingness to negotiate and the player’s own preference.
Julian Alvarez Remains a Major Name
Alvarez remains one of the most frequently discussed attacking options around Arsenal.
The Gunners explored the possibility of signing him during the summer, but the transfer did not happen. Sky Sports reported that Alvarez remained at Atlético after his preference to pursue a move to Barcelona complicated Arsenal’s efforts.
A January move would therefore be difficult to complete, particularly if Atlético are unwilling to lose one of their most important attackers midway through the season.
Nevertheless, Arsenal’s previous interest means Alvarez is likely to remain part of the wider conversation surrounding the club’s recruitment plans.
The situation could become clearer during the first few months of the season. If Arsenal believe their existing attacking options are sufficient, they could decide against making an expensive January investment. If weaknesses become apparent, however, the club may be more aggressive.
Eli Junior Kroupi Also on the Radar
Another reported target is Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi.
Kroupi is viewed as a younger alternative to some of the established attacking names Arsenal have pursued. Reports have suggested that Arsenal have identified him as one of their potential attacking targets for January.
The challenge could be convincing Bournemouth to sell during the middle of the season.
Premier League clubs are generally reluctant to lose important players during the January window, particularly when they remain involved in multiple competitions. Arsenal would therefore need to determine whether Kroupi is available and whether his valuation fits their recruitment strategy.
A younger forward could also fit Arsenal’s long-term approach, allowing Arteta to add competition while developing another player for the future.
Arsenal May Also Assess Their Midfield
Attack is expected to receive the most attention, but Arsenal’s midfield situation could also influence the January window.
The club invested heavily in Bruno Guimarães during the summer, while Martin Zubimendi remains another major midfield option within the squad. With competition for places increasing, Arsenal could potentially focus more on managing their existing group rather than adding another central midfielder.
There have also been reports concerning Zubimendi’s future and his playing time. However, such reports should be treated cautiously because the midfielder remains an Arsenal player and the club’s preference is understood to be keeping its important squad members.
January could therefore become a period of assessment rather than automatic recruitment.
Possible Departures Could Shape the Window
Arsenal’s January plans will not only be about new arrivals.
The club may also have to consider players who are struggling for regular playing time.
One example is Noni Madueke. Reports have suggested that Juventus and Atlético Madrid are monitoring the winger and could explore a loan arrangement in January. The Sun reported that no formal talks had taken place but claimed both clubs were interested in his situation.
If Madueke’s playing time remains limited, Arsenal could have an important decision to make.
Allowing a first-team player to leave on loan could create space in the squad, but it would also reduce Arteta’s attacking options. Any decision would therefore have to balance the player’s development and playing opportunities against Arsenal’s need for depth.
Max Dowman’s Future Could Also Be Important
Another interesting January situation concerns young Arsenal star Max Dowman.
The 16-year-old has already made an impact at senior level, and reports indicate that Arsenal are considering whether a loan move would benefit his development once he becomes eligible.
TalkSPORT reported that Arsenal could consider a January loan for Dowman, although Arteta’s decision would depend on what is considered best for the youngster’s development. The report also noted interest from Luton Town.
Dowman’s situation will be particularly interesting because Arsenal have already demonstrated a willingness to give him opportunities around the first team.
If he continues making progress, the club could decide that remaining at the Emirates is the best option. Alternatively, regular senior football elsewhere could become part of his development plan.
Champions League Schedule Could Influence Arsenal’s Decisions
The timing of Arsenal’s January fixtures could also play a major role in the club’s recruitment strategy.
According to Arsenal’s official schedule, the Gunners have Champions League league-phase matches scheduled for January 19-20 and January 27. The Champions League knockout play-off draw will then take place on January 29.
Arsenal will also be competing in the FA Cup during January.
That means Arteta could potentially have several matches to manage in a short period, increasing the importance of squad depth.
A new forward could therefore be particularly valuable if injuries or fixture congestion begin to affect the team.
Arsenal’s Recruitment Strategy
The biggest question is whether Arsenal will continue pursuing major names or focus on more realistic targets.
The club’s summer recruitment demonstrated that Arsenal are willing to spend significant amounts of money when they believe a player fits their plans. However, the failure to complete several major attacking deals also showed that the club will not necessarily force a transfer simply because a high-profile player is available.
BBC Sport reported that Arsenal had more than 20 names on their summer shortlist, demonstrating the scale of the recruitment process.
January could follow a similar pattern.
Arteta and the recruitment department are likely to monitor the market before making a final decision. Arsenal could move quickly if the right opportunity appears, but they may also wait until the summer if their preferred targets are unavailable.
What Arsenal Fans Can Expect
At this stage, Arsenal’s January transfer plans are not fully confirmed.
The strongest reports point toward attacking reinforcements being considered, with Alvarez and Kroupi among the names linked with the club. Other positions could also be reviewed depending on injuries, performances and departures during the first half of the season.
The club’s decision will ultimately depend on how the squad performs between now and January.
If Arsenal remain competitive domestically and in Europe but experience problems in attack, another forward could become the priority. If the current squad performs well, Arteta may decide that there is no need for a major addition.
What is already clear is that Arsenal’s recruitment work has not stopped following the closure of the summer window. The club will continue monitoring potential targets, evaluating its squad and preparing for opportunities that could emerge when the January market opens.
With the winter window beginning on January 1, 2027, Arsenal supporters can expect the transfer speculation to intensify long before the first deal is officially completed.
