Arsenal are prepared for a big January transfer window to keep up their title challenge and finish the season strongly.
The Gunners, perhaps surprisingly, find themselves top of the league after nine matches, having beaten the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Mikel Arteta's side were thought to be targeting top four this season but are now thought to be Manchester City's biggest challengers for the Premier League.
There were no incomings in January 2022, despite the north Londoners seeking a striker that month. Arteta waited until the summer, signing Gabriel Jesus – though some fans believed waiting cost them Champions League football.
Arsenal won't be making that mistake again this season though, however, according to GiveMeSport, with owner Stan Kroenke prepared to invest in winter buys to continue the title challenge.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke says that the Gunners have already laid plans to bring fresh faces in, despite spending upwards of £100 million in the summer.
“I think they are busy planning for the January transfer window as well where money will be available if Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his squad,” O'Rourke claims.
“The Kroenkes have come in for a bit of stick in the past, but they are putting their money down and backing Mikel Arteta and, so far, it seems like things are paying off with the success Arsenal are having, especially on the recruitment front.”
On top of new signings, Arsenal want to extend the contracts of three key stars this season.
Gabriel Martinelli is demanding £200,000 a week according to the Mail, Football Insider says Bukayo Saka is set to earn the same from his new deal, while William Saliba has confirmed he is in talks over extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium, too.
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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli; the Gunners are said to have already made contact with the Italy international's camp.
Meanwhile, one man who could be heading for the Emirates Stadium exit door is Gabriel Martinelli: there's been talk of Chelsea making a shock swoop for the winger.
In other news, Aaron Ramsdale says that the Gunners have been motivated to succeed this season by the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification last term. The goalkeeper was speaking after Saturday's 3-1 North London derby win over Tottenham – a result which kept Mikel Arteta's side top of the Premier League.
