Arsenal have reportedly altered their January plans and have become more open to pursuing a wide forward in the winter window after previously preferring to wait until the summer.
The Gunners defeated Brentford 3-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday evening and closed the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points, though they have played a game more than the Reds.
However, while boss Mikel Arteta will no doubt be relieved that his side started 2025 in winning fashion, the victory does not erase concerns that his team could suffer without star forward Bukayo Saka, who is set to be out for months after undergoing hamstring surgery.
Arsenal started Ethan Nwaneri on the right side of attack against Brentford, and though the 17-year-old looked promising, it is hard to see how the teenager can make up for the loss of Saka.
The Daily Mail report that the Gunners are actively looking to sign a wide forward this month and are willing to bring forward their summer plans should an opportunity arise.
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Arsenal's January transfer targets
Replacing the injured Saka is easier said than done, especially considering the attacker is capable of both creating goals and finding the back of the net himself.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has long been admired by those at the Emirates, and the 22-year-old's release clause of £50m is within an affordable price range.
Williams has only scored one goal in La Liga this term and has primarily operated on the left side of attack, while Saka is Arsenal's main threat on the right of the Gunners' forward line.
Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane has also been touted as an option for Arteta, and though the German is comfortable on either the left or right, his signing would likely be seen as a short-term option given the 28-year-old's age.
Elsewhere, younger attackers like Arda Guler and Florian Wirtz are not only unlikely to be available in January, but are also certain to be considerably more expensive than the previously mentioned duo.
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Can Arsenal cope without a January signing?
Arsenal have been criticised this season by fans and pundits for their supposed reliance on set-piece goals, and the Gunners scored from a corner against Brentford on Wednesday evening, with Mikel Merino giving his side a 2-1 lead early in the second half.
No other team has scored more than Arsenal's nine goals from corners this term in the Premier League, but they have at times struggled to break opponents down from open play, demonstrated by the fact they created just 0.29 xG from open play when they drew 1-1 with Fulham on December 8.
Arteta should be praised for creating a side that is so threatening from dead-ball situations, but with Saka out for a prolonged period, it is plausible that the Gunners could become even more reliant on set pieces.
Saka has scored five goals and produced 10 assists this season in the top flight for Arsenal - meaning he has directly contributed to 39.5% of his team's Premier League goals - and it is difficult to see any of his teammates replacing his influence on the London club's success.
While January could be a difficult window to do business in, the Gunners' hierarchy will likely have to back Arteta with funds in order for him to challenge Liverpool's stranglehold on the league title.
Lewis Nolan
