Arsenal’s January transfer priorities have suddenly shifted making alternative to Alexander Isak the perfect signing

WHAT Arsenal do in the current transfer window could be the difference between hunting Liverpool down or seeing another title tilt end in heartbreak.

The Gunners are so close to a first Premier League title since 2003-04.

Perhaps all it will take is one missing piece, one new player who can turn a game and transform one point into three.

And now’s the time to bring them in.

But who should they be looking to sign, can they get them, and has Mikel Arteta even got the finances to land the players he wants?

We answer all those questions and take a look at how the Gunners – in an ideal world – could line up the day after the transfer window closes.

What do Arsenal need?

Before the recent injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, all eyes were on the left wing position, with competition needed for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

There is a view within the club that they need a world class talent on the left to match that of Saka on the right, who has nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions so far this term.

In comparison, Martinelli and Trossard have 10 goals and five assists combined this season.

But with Saka potentially out until at least mid-March after hamstring surgery, and stand-in Ethan Nwaneri also suffering a muscular injury in the 1-1 draw at Brighton, priorities may have changed.

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Cover on the right wing now seems more pressing.

The attack in general has been criticised this campaign, despite the upturn in form of Gabriel Jesus and the steady consistency of Kai Havertz.

Boss Mikel Arteta has suggested signing a top No.9 would not solve all their problems, but it would arguably go a long way to giving them the best chance of chasing down Liverpool at the top.

Elsewhere, Arsenal appear to be in good shape, with numbers in defence as right-back Ben White eyes a return from knee surgery later this month and plenty of options in midfield.

The absence of skipper Martin Odegaard highlighted the need for a back-up playmaker, but that will likely be looked at in the summer instead of this month.

Who is the perfect buy?

Arsenal and Arteta have been long-term admirers of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.

The 22-year-old is primarily a left winger, but can play on the right as a right-footer and has become one of Europe’s most talented and sought-after young players.

Back in December 2023, the Spaniard – who was Man of The Match in the Euros final win over England last summer – signed a new four-year deal until 2027.

With a reported release clause of £48m, the youngster appears to be good value for money right now.

However, most of Europe are in for Williams, including Barcelona – who came close to luring him to the Nou Camp five months ago.

And Williams is also very happy at his boyhood club Bilbao. He said in August: “I had many clubs to choose from, but my heart is with Athletic Club, I have a contract and I am very happy in Bilbao.”

And then there is Alexander Isak, another player Arsenal and Arteta are huge fans of, especially given his form this season of 13 goals and four assists in 18 Prem appearances.

Price is a major sticking point. The Toon value the Swede at £150m – a fee the Gunners are unlikely to fork out in the middle of a campaign.

Who is more realistic?

This is not a market for ‘realistic’ signings, especially in attacking areas in a winter window.

Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has been mentioned, but the Brazilian is on the verge of signing a new deal. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has also been looked at but for a valuation between £50m and £60m.

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time but could cost between £60m and £80m. Manchester United and former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim are also monitoring the big Swede’s situation.

Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was eyed up last summer due to his £54m release clause, but that has now been wiped following his one-year contract extension.

How are the finances looking?

Arsenal spent just shy of £70m on defender Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer, as well as £27m to confirm the signing of David Raya after his loan from Brentford last term.

But they also recouped funds in sales with an initial sum of £70m from Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale. So, there is money to be spent if needed.

Arteta spoke last week of having all their transfer preparations done and being ready to act for the right move for the right price.

However, the club – as they normally do in January – will be cautious, especially following the recent departure of sporting director Edu, a position they are not expected to fill permanently until nearer the end of the season.

Could anyone be on their way out?

Defender Kieran Tierney’s contract expires in the summer and is expected to be on his way out, with Celtic hoping to bring the Scot back home in the coming weeks.

Centre back Jakub Kiwior has also been linked with a move away after just two years in North London, but Arsenal will only sanction a transfer if they can replace the Pole.

Then there is the situation with Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Both midfielders see their contracts run out in the summer.

Arteta would ideally like to keep both but wants to wait to discuss new deals until later in the season.

It is highly unlikely the pair will depart this month.

If everything went to plan, how could Arsenal line up after the January window?