Gyokeres transfer completed, £39m windfall, Edu decision - Dream Arsenal January transfer window

Arsenal are set to hold a big transfer meeting over the November international break with plans for January likely to be finalised. The Gunners have endured a mixed start to the 2024/25 campaign with Mikel Arteta sure to be keen on strengthening his squad for the upcoming months.

Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, Raheem Sterling and Neto were all brought in over the summer with the latter two arriving on season-long loans, while Arsenal also made David Raya a permanent addition to the squad. A number of exits were also sanctioned with Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah the marquee names to depart.

Over recent months, Arsenal have continued to be linked with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Nico Williams, Leroy Sane and most recently Carlos Baleba of Brighton. A mid-season move for any of those names appears unlikely, but Arsenal can certainly dream.

READ MORE:Arsenal could target two strikers loved by possible Edu replacement after 'row with board'

READ MORE:Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest and FFP impact amid Man United talk

In terms of possible exits, a few fringe players could be on the move as Arteta struggles to keep every player in his squad happy. Though the plan for Arsenal is to be reactive rather than proactive, the process to decide a replacement for Edu is ongoing and that could impact winter trading period plans.

With all that being said, football.london has taken a look at what a dream window could look like for the Gunners with three transfers sealed.

Gyokeres transfer completed

Following his hat-trick against Manchester City, Viktor Gyokeres is the talk of the town with the expectation being this will be his final season at Sporting CP. Despite having only joined the Portuguese champions in 2023, Gyokeres has alerted himself to just about every top European club with 66 goals in 67 games.

The departure of head coach Ruben Amorim could play a deciding role in his future with Manchester United likely to enter the race given the fact he has agreed to become their next head coach. Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown an interest, though the latter could steal the jump on rivals by making an ambitious January approach.

It would be far from easy to convince both parties of the switch, however there are certain incentives which could help matters. New reports have suggested the Swede could leave for as little as £50million in the summer, so a significant increase on that sum to get the deal done in January may be tempting for Sporting.

The last few weeks have also highlighted Arsenal's need for an elite-level finisher remains and Gyokeres is certainly that.

£39m windfall secured

It is not always possible to make big transfer moves in January, but Arsenal could set themselves up for one of those by selling some players. The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior are certainly on the fringes, though it is the latter duo most likely to exit.

Interest from Italy, which is where both defenders arrived from, remains and neither are seemingly in Arteta's immediate plans. Signing Calafiori and Jurrien Timber in recent windows also highlights the fact they have fallen down the pecking order.

The Gunners paid a total of £39million for both and securing funds close to that value makes it tempting to part ways, especially with Myles Lewis-Skelly on the verge of breaking into the first-team to provide another option and more competition for places.

Edu replacement decision

While not directly linked to the January transfer window, Arsenal will be keen to appoint a permanent successor to former sporting director Edu. Jayson Ayto has stepped up in the meantime, but the Gunners have already started the process of replacing him.

As evidenced by Edu's appointment and Mikel Arteta's position as manager, bringing back former players has been a common theme of Arsenal in recent years. Per Mertesacker is at the club and in a prominent role within the academy with Jack Wilshere the same, until he recently departed to join Norwich.

Given his current position, Mertesacker is under consideration with former midfielder Tomas Rosicky, currently sporting director at Sparta Prague, also an option, as per GFFN. West Ham chief Tim Steidten has also been suggested, with those three names just a few early contenders for the job.

The role requires someone to oversee academy and women's team proceedings and because of that, there may be no better man for the job than Mertasacker with Arsenal promoting from within a likely scenario.