Five players who could join Arsenal in January as Mikel Arteta finally set to complete first January transfer deal this week

Arsenal are considering their options to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window as they look to right the wrongs of last season and go one step further in their push for the Premier League title.

The Gunners spent big last summer, dropping more than £200 million on the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, and their impacts have varied.

Rice, in particular, has become the envy of the other Premier League giants with his assured performances in central midfield, but Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his squad after coming so close to dethroning City last season.

FootballTransfers looks at five of the most likely January arrivals at the Emirates…

Ivan Toney

Arsenal’s attack has not been as free-flowing and exciting as it was last season and the club still lack a bona fide No.9, with Gabriel Jesus not scoring enough goals and Eddie Nketiah arguably a bench or rotation player.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney would fit the bill. The recent England cap scored 20 times in 33 games last season before being hit with a gambling ban, however he netted on his return from suspension, indicating that he might pick up where he left off and be capable of providing goals for any team.

An asking price of a reported £100m could make a deal a non-starter, however.

Dominic Solanke

An emerging alternative to Toney could be Dominic Solanke, who is having an impressive season at Bournemouth having scored 12 times in 19 Premier League games.

Younger and arguably more affordable than Toney, Solanke’s form has attracted attention from the likes of Newcastle but Bournemouth are reluctant to sell their talismanic striker mid-season.

However, an approach from Arsenal could turn the 26-year-old’s head and prompt Bournemouth to consider an offer for the right amount, while a proven Premier League goalscorer would be a worthy investment for Arteta’s side.

Douglas Luiz

Another Brazilian on the Gunners’ radar is Douglas Luiz, who has been shining at the heart of Aston Villa’s midfield. As exclusively reported by FootballTransfers collaborator Steve Kay, Villa would want £110 million for his services.

Such a fee might make a January transfer less likely, but Arsenal are likely to test the water as they look for a defensive midfield partner for Rice, and will wait until the summer if his current employers hold firm.

Jeremie Frimpong