Managing Arsenal - Dream Viktor Gyokeres transfer, midfield decision, Edu replacement

While it might still be a couple of months away, preparations for the January transfer window will be taking place behind the scenes as Arsenal look to strengthen their squad.

Mikel Arteta's side will be hoping for a strong second half of the season - with an unwanted gap starting to open up between them and Liverpool at the top of the league. Four league games without a win means that Arsenal sit in fourth place in the Premier League, nine points behind the Reds.

The positive news for the Gunners is that Manchester City have also their own 'blip'. Pep Guardiola's side have lost their last four games, in all competitions, meaning there's just four points between them and Arsenal.

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Should that gap not get any bigger, or even close between now and the end of the festive fixtures, it places more importance on the January window. Decisions made in the mid-season transfer market can often have a big impact on the remainder of the season.

With that in mind, football.london have taken a look at three things that could come into the thinking of Arteta and his staff with one eye on the transfer window.

Edu replacement

The main priority for Arteta - or Arsenal - in the build-up to the January transfer window is getting a replacement for Edu sorted. In was announced at the start of the month that their sporting director was stepping down from a role which he has held since 2019.

Edu was praised for his impact at Arsenal, having seen a massive overhaul of the squad. It's come at a time when the Gunners have been challenging for the Premier League title.

Arteta and Edu had a close relationship, and the dynamic between the manager and whoever steps in is going to be important. That's why Arteta should play a big role in the recruitment process.

Viktor Gyokeres transfer

It's no secret that Arsenal are on the look-out for a striker - and it should be a priority for the upcoming windows. Two options currently stand out, Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Alexander Isak of Newcastle.

Of the two, Gyokeres might be the easiest deal to do. Sporting are said to be willing to accept a fee of £63million for the striker next summer. The dream scenario would see the Portuguese side accept a similar amount in January, but if that is to be the case is still to be seen.

Currently, Kai Havertz is playing in the main striker's role for Arsenal - with Gabriel Jesus as the back-up. Having a natural goal-scorer come into the club could just make a difference in the title race both this season and in future campaigns.

Partey and Jorginho decisions

Two players whose futures are being talked about is Thomas Partey and Jorginho. The arrival of Mikel Merino this summer added to the club's midfield options.

Partey has, however, remained a first-choice pick so far this season, but that could be down to injuries to Merino and Martin Odegaard. With both now back to fitness, he could potentially lose his place in the team.

Jorginho is one of the midfield options who has struggled to command game-time this season, making just three Premier League appearances. Both players are out of contract at the end of the season, meaning a decision has to be made over the duo - sooner rather than later.

If Arsenal don't cash-in in January, then they risk losing the players for nothing in the summer. Partey and Jorginho will be able to agree pre-contracts with overseas clubs from January.

But selling both could leave Arsenal short on options - unless they bring a replacement in.