The year is nearly over, and Arsenal could yet end 2024 in the same place they concluded the previous season, in second place. The January window presents an opportunity for the club to sign players to try and close the nine-point gap to Liverpool.

However, the plans for the summer could yet supersede the desires of supporters for this winter. Decisions to overhaul the look of the team have been in motion for some time, with some players having been outgrown while others see their contracts expire at the end of the season.

With that in mind, football.london makes its prediction about what 2025 might indeed hold for the squad. The changes, exits, and potential arrivals that could excite the supporters in the windows to come.

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David Raya will need to find a new partner with on-loan goalkeeper Neto set to leave at the end of the season. Arsenal were very keen on Espanyol’s Joan Garcia at the end of the summer window but were priced out by the Spaniard side who were in a strong position to demand more – but come the summer that resolve and the player’s own demands may indeed help the Gunners’ position.

In defence, the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior could all be moved in with injuries and interest from elsewhere being a permanent fixture of their time with the club. Myles Lewis-Skelly has already begun to make an impact and will fill the role left by one, but there could yet be a return to Jorrel Hato who has been of keen interest from the Gunners in the past.

In midfield, both Jorginho’s and Thomas Partey’s deals are due to expire, and there have been no suggestions that either will be renewed. This creates quite a void in the middle, and Arsenal definitely need to invest again in a defensive midfielder.

One Premier League player who has impressed having replaced a previous transfer target of the Gunners is Carlos Baleba. Moises Caicedo was chased hard by Arsenal but they were eventually priced out as Brighton once again replaced their expensive star astutely and the Cameroonian midfielder has excelled and should draw the interest of Mikel Arteta.

Ethan Nwaneri will continue to play a greater role in the side, so the need to sign an attacking midfielder is not too great. There is also a consciousness of the pathway being kept open for Max Dowman, which could, of course, see a late decision on keeping the likes of Jorginho for a further year. In the forward line, Raheem Sterling will not see a continuation of his time with the club. While, Gabriel Jesus – despite his recent strong form – will almost certainly be sold to help fund a move for a new striker.

In January the hope is that a forward of the winger variety could be signed with several names having been touted already. Mohammed Kudus is another player with a long-standing admiration from Arsenal which could be exercised either this winter or after the completion of this season.

While the centre forward remains the predominant priority in most fans’ minds. Alexander Isak, despite claims Newcastle value the Swede at £150million, could finally make the switch to north London as the club looks to take advantage of his desire to play UEFA Champions League football and get that price tag down as much as possible, perhaps with the striker’s help.