Arsenal could be impacted by the latest January transfer in the Premier League for two reasons. After three games without a win, Mikel Arteta's picked up a crucial three points against Tottenham on Wednesday night that has brought them firmly back into the title picture after leaders Liverpool dropped points at Nottingham Forest.

Four points now separate the Gunners and Arne Slot's side, with another challenging away clash awaiting the latter against Brentford, which could see the gap reduce further. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be hoping to take advantage of another potential slip-up when they welcome Aston Villa to Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

It will not be an easy clash up against former manager Unai Emery, however, with Villa having won their last three games in all competitions. Though it must be mentioned that prior to Wednesday's win against Everton at Goodison Park, they had not won in the league away from Villa Park since mid-October.

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Arsenal won the reverse fixture 2-0 early in the season, but Villa boast a strong record in north London, having taken home all three points in two of their last four visits, with the most recent of those coming in April 2024, which all but ended Arsenal's title hopes.

Just as Arteta has, Villa have been heavily impacted by attacking absences, but they have taken action by signing Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund in a £19.4million January deal. The 25-year-old, who was once on the books at Arsenal, was not registered in time to feature against the Toffees, but he is in line to play against his old club.

The Netherlands international is unlikely to start, but he will certainly be hoping to make his debut off the bench and impact proceedings against Arsenal. Arteta and Co. could also feel the impact of that deal in their own transfer plans, with Oleksandr Zinchenko a target for Dortmund.

With the German club now having some funds to make a permanent purchase, Arsenal and Zinchenko could be where they choose to spend it. As a result, the Gunners' financial position could be boosted, or Arteta may opt to part ways with that cash immediately to add depth to his squad.