The January transfer window is now open and Arsenal are on the lookout for deals to strengthen their playing squad in pursuit of the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta openly admitted he did not expect to be busy in the winter window, but that was before talisman Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury that would keep him out for months. Arteta did also say "some surprises can happen" suggesting the Gunners would be open to any potential deals that cropped up.

Ethan Nwaneri has admirably filled in to replace Saka, playing a key role against Brentford in the first game of 2025. But that is a lot of weight on 17-year-old shoulders for the rest of the campaign.

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There are other positions that could be strengthened too, with persistent injury problems in defence and the supporters clamouring for a new striker to sign, despite Gabriel Jesus' upturn in form.

football.london writers deliver their verdict on who should be the Gunners' number one priority signing in the January transfer window.

Tom Canton

Arsenal need to find a wide player in this window, or at least a versatile option who can play in the wide area. Adding that extra goal threat while Bukayo Saka is out and even after he returns is vital if the Gunners have a hope of winning the title and overcoming their deficit to Liverpool.

The name at the moment appears to be Matheus Cunha and while he adds goals, I have questions on how easily he fits into the side, plus the price tag is surely going to be far above his market value and potentially obstructive to the dream striker signing so many so crave for the summer window.

The idea Alexander Isak could come in for £100million-plus, after spending tens of millions on Cunha seems wild to me. I would opt instead for a player like Bryan Mbeumo or Jamie Gittens before shooting for a more central figure. That said, if he arrives then of course I hope it proves that theory wrong and he takes the Gunners to the title.

Lee Wilmot

The priority signing is and has been for some time a forward. The position that forward plays in across the front line, however, may well be up for debate now.

With Saka's injury, the Gunners may well look for a versatile option - as they did in the summer when signing Raheem Sterling on loan somewhat ridiculously - as opposed to an out-and-out striker.

I still think a No.9 would be the best bet, although I'm inclined to think that's not the way they will go. Yes, Gabriel Jesus is in top form at the moment, but he was so out of form at the start of the season, how long will this actually last? Both he and Havertz are capable of filling in in wide positions, so Nwaneri does not bear the burden of being the Saka replacement until he's back.

In terms of versatile options, Raphinha would be my pick. Arsenal have been linked with signing him before and Barcelona are struggling to sort out their financial situation to re-register Dani Olmo this month. It could be the perfect time to sign the former Leeds United star.

Joe Doyle

For me, Arsenal's long-term transfer priority should be a top-class forward, but realistically they're not going to get one in January - or at least not without breaking the bank.

With the injury to Bukayo Saka, they should instead be looking at someone a little more versatile and able to play a couple of roles effectively - especially if it's a short-term deal or one they can get without too big of an outlay. Not asking much, I know!

There are a couple of options linked in January. Matheus Cunha is one name doing the rounds, although it's unlikely he'll be available cheaply with Wolves paying around £44million for him - they'd be looking to make at least 50% on top of that, if not 100%. But a relegation battle may mean he's more financially viable in the summer.

Instead, I think the Gunners should be seriously taking advantage of Dani Olmo's situation at Barcelona. With the club unable to register him for the rest of the season as it stands, they could swoop in for him on a free transfer - or perhaps come to an agreement on a six-month spell in north London while Barca sort out their finances.

A move for him would also help solve a creativity gap if Martin Odegaard is absent again this season. You can never have too many technically gifted creators in your squad.