The new year is here and Arsenal will be looking to start 2025 in the best possible way as they take on Brentford at the G-tech Community Stadium.

A win would see the Gunners climb back above Nottingham Forest and into second place in the Premier League table. It would also see them close the gap to leaders Liverpool to to six points, although the Reds will have a game in hand.

The start of the new year means that eyes also turn to the January transfer window. Arsenal will be hoping to strengthen their squad over the next month ahead of the second half of the season as they look to challenge for the title.

READ MORE: Arsenal told final Dani Olmo decision as January transfer window reality clear

READ MORE: Premier League striker signs, £106m spent – Arsenal's January transfer window simulated

It’s no surprise then that there is a lot of talk on who may be coming and going over the next few weeks. With that in mind, football.london have taken a look at a couple of the stories doing the rounds and also given our own thoughts.

Nico Williams problem

Arsenal maintain an interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with the 22-year-old within the club’s transfer budget, according to the Daily Mail . The player has been linked with Arsenal since the summer, but, despite speculation over his future, he stayed with Bilbao.

The report named Williams as a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, who is targeting attacking reinforcements over the next month as they aim to challenge Liverpool at the top of the table.

However, it is said that there is ‘doubt’ over if Williams would be willing to leave Athletic Bilbao mid-season. There is also interest from several other clubs, including Barcelona.

FL says : The injury to Bukayo Saka means that the need for attacking reinforcements in January is now more crucial. Williams would be a good addition for Arteta’s side.

It is reported that his release clause is around £50 million. However, if there is any doubt over if the player would be willing to come, then Arsenal should move onto other targets quickly, instead of using their time trying to convince the player.

Duo could leave

Both Marquinhos and Kieran Tierney are free to leave Arsenal in January, with a return to Celtic a possibility for the latter, according to the Daily Mail.

Marquinhos has returned from a loan spell from Fluminense, and is free to leave the club this summer. Tierney has remained at Arsenal for the first six months of the season following his return from a loan deal with Real Sociedad, but could move on this month.

FL says: Moving on players who are not a part of the first team squad should be one of the priorities for Arsenal in the window, especially if they are out of contract in the summer. With the case of Tierney, if the Gunners can get a small fee instead of losing him for nothing in the summer, then that will be a small boost in terms of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).