Journalist shares what he’s now been told about Arsenal’s January plans

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Journalist Dean Jones has shared what he has been told about the plans Arsenal may have if they have money to spend in the January transfer window.

January is looking set to be crucial for Mikel Arteta and his side. Of course, Arsenal came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title last season. And they find themselves in a fantastic position once again.

So there will be huge disappointment if they do not make the right signings next month. And obviously, there will be plenty of debate amongst the fans over what the club needs.

Signing a defender in January becoming a bigger priority for Arsenal

Arsenal have been linked with Ivan Toney. Meanwhile, the Gunners want Pedro Neto. But it seems that their priority may lie further back on the pitch.

Journalist Dean Jones has told Ranks FC that he understands that Arsenal may now focus what budget they have on strengthening at the back.

“The defence is actually becoming a priority. Now obviously, Jurrien Timber’s injury was a massive blow to them. Tomiyasu’s had a blow in terms of injury. And now when he comes back, he’s going to go away to the Asia Cup anyway. You see Thomas Partey’s filled in at some points at right-back and he’s been injured anyway. And he’s going to go off to AFCON if he’s fit enough to do so. So that can’t be an option,” he said.

“So I think a defender will come in. And I’m told that if they were to spend money, it would probably go into the defence if they could find the right option. It’s very unclear as to how much money Arsenal actually have available to them because they are having to tread very carefully around FFP constraints, because of the outlay they made in the summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Timber and the David Raya deal.”

Gunners will be wary of history repeating itself

It must be frustrating for Arteta that he is potentially going to need further reinforcements in defence. They arguably have the best centre-back partnership in the league in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. No team in the division has conceded fewer goals this season.

But then, losing Saliba to injury late last season appeared incredibly costly. And history repeating itself would be a sickener for supporters.

Arsenal believe that they lead the race for Goncalo Inacio. And they will have other names on their radar ahead of next week.

It is certainly an opportunity to make a real statement given just how strong their starting lineup already is.