- Mikel Arteta confirmed Arsenal will “actively look” at potential January 2026 signings due to mounting injuries.
- The Gunners lead the Premier League by two points after a 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27, 2025.
- Key absences include defenders Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Cristhian Mosquera.
- Arteta emphasized preparation: “We have to be very prepared because something can happen.”
Arteta’s Pragmatic Approach to the Transfer Window
Mikel Arteta has signaled Arsenal’s readiness to explore the January 2026 transfer market. Speaking ahead of the December 30 clash with Aston Villa, the manager highlighted injury impacts: “We have to be actively looking… our job is to always be very prepared.”
Arsenal’s summer investment exceeded £250m on eight players, building depth for multi-competition demands. Yet persistent injuries—more than expected, some unavoidable—test resilience.
Defensive shortages forced Declan Rice into right-back against Brighton, with Riccardo Calafiori withdrawing in warm-up. Gabriel Magalhães recently returned, but uncertainties surround Timber, Calafiori, and Mosquera timelines.
Arteta noted squad similarity to rivals (24-25 players) but stressed availability’s role in title races.
Current Injury Situation and Squad Depth
Arsenal’s campaign mirrors last season’s disruption—Gabriel absent late, makeshift solutions employed. This term shifted from attack to defense woes.
Brighton’s win showcased adaptation: Rice excelled positionally, youth integrated effectively. Yet Arteta seeks reinforcements if recoveries lag.
Kai Havertz nears return (“matter of days”); others vary. Sporting director Andrea Berta assesses market, balancing PSR compliance post-summer spending.
| Key Arsenal Injuries (Late December 2025) |
|---|
| Jurrien Timber: Muscle issue |
| Riccardo Calafiori: Recent warm-up problem |
| Ben White: Hamstring |
| Cristhian Mosquera: Ankle |
| Others: Various recoveries ongoing |
Arsenal’s position atop the Premier League—two points clear—reflects summer recruitment success. Eight arrivals strengthened across lines, enabling competition in league, cups, and Europe.
Injuries persist as a theme: attacking early-season absences gave way to defensive crises. The Brighton victory—Martin Ødegaard’s goal, Georginio Rutter own goal, David Raya’s save—reclaimed top spot temporarily.
Arteta’s “actively looking” stance shows proactivity without commitment. “Can we do it or not? That’s a different story,” he cautioned, prioritizing right opportunities.
Depth comparisons highlight context: rivals boast similar numbers, but Arsenal’s absences feel amplified in key areas.
Preparation mantra—”always very prepared”—guides approach. January’s difficulty (prices, availability) tempers expectations, yet unique deals remain possible.
Defensive focus logical: right-back/left-back shortages exposed. Rice’s versatility helps short-term.
Arteta hopes for “very positive” window, medical updates dictating urgency.
This strategy balances caution and ambition: protect lead, address vulnerabilities.
