Arsenal handed January transfer message as Mikel Arteta plans to reignite dream forward chase

Kevin Schade and Eli Junior Kroupi are both players who could be interesting the likes of Arsenal this January(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta is facing a clear message that Arsenal cannot afford to repeat their January transfer windows of the last three years. In 2026, 2025 and 2024, the Gunners didn't make a single signing to their senior squads in the winter market.

Regardless of the need, the club was either hamstrung by the lack of options or financially tied up and unable to commit. Antoine Semenyo was a great example of a player the club wanted, but Man City were the only viable option to make a move earlier this year, while Arsenal and Liverpool would’ve had to wait until the summer.

In the summer window just gone, Arsenal wanted to add another forward and made moves for Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, all of which, however, proved fruitless for a variety of reasons. Despite this, they still let Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both leave, with only Christos Tzolis brought in.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, therefore, have maintained their places in the squad as the second-choice left winger and centre-forward. Both started for Arsenal in the League Cup clash with Ipswich Town.

However, both emerged from the game having faced scrutiny for their performances - Gyokeres in particular. It raises concerns over whether current starting forward players suffer injuries, and whether those coming in to replace them have the required ability.

But it also adds expectation to what Arsenal can do in January. The market is notoriously difficult to do ideal business in, with clubs reluctant to sell, and therefore, prices typically skyrocket for players.

Players don't get any pre-season to adjust, have to integrate far more quickly, and hope for an immediate impact. This often leads clubs to look at signing players from within the league, with options up top both slim and expensive.

Eli Junior Kroupi and Kevin Schade are both names to monitor, with the latter starting the season excellently for Brentford. But there could be further names which emerge throughout the season.

Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV

Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.