'Expect them to be active' - Arsenal tipped for major January transfer window spree amid injury crisis

Arsenal have reportedly identified four positions where they want to add players in January, and have been tipped for a spending spree in the winter transfer window.

One of the four positions is at centre-back, which has been a position of concern with Gabriel especially suffering several injury problems so far this season.

The Brazil international has been impressive this season, scoring three goals. However, he had to miss Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Fulham at the weekend with a knee injury. Mikel Arteta replaced him with Poland international Jakub Kiwior, who is not a natural centre-back.

Furthermore, Ben White remains out with a long-term knee injury after he underwent surgery that is expected to keep him on the side-lines for several months.

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, the Gunners are expected to bring in a centre-back in January to help ease some of the pressure on Gabriel and William Saliba.

He also suggests that Arteta wants to bring in a midfielder, winger and striker to help with the lack of depth that the Gunners have at each position. He told Football Insider: “I expect them to be active in January. The transfer team have been working overtime to identify replacements in key positions.

“Given the injury issues Arsenal have had this season, they are prioritising deals for players who can step in to cover key players if worst comes to worst.

“From my understanding, it will be a new centre-back, a striker, a winger and a midfielder. Those are the areas they want to strengthen and add cover, whether it’s a first-team player or an improvement on their current backup options.”

H2 - Arsenal defender in demand

Despite Arteta’s concerns around depth in defence, there has been significant transfer interest in Kiwior who has struggled to get consistent first-team minutes.

Kiwior has played in eight Premier League games so far this season with the majority of his appearances coming off the bench. Recent reports have linked the 24-year-old over a move to up to ten European clubs, including Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and Sevilla.

It has been suggested that the Gunners could accept an offer between £33m and £37m for the defender, however, Arteta is reportedly reluctant to let him leave, due to the team’s lack of depth at the back.