Where could Arsenal be looking to strengthen before the January transfer window slams shut?

Laying down another title marker on Sunday afternoon and claiming north London bragging rights thanks to a 2-0 victory away at Tottenham, Arsenal are on course to make real history this season.

Watching Manchester City suffer a public slip-up away at Old Trafford and once again widening their buffer at the top of the Premier League table to eight points, the Gunners find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high.

However, left frustrated over the weekend after watching long-term target Mykhailo Mudryk complete a shocking move to London rivals Chelsea, Mikel Arteta’s side have a fortnight until the transfer window slams shut.

Still without the likes of attacking talisman Gabriel Jesus due to a knee injury the Brazil international picked up at last month’s World Cup, many around the Emirates are calling on Arsenal to dip into the market.

Looking to strengthen their squad ahead of a real title charge in 2023, we have taken a look at a few stars who have been linked with a January move to north London.

Raphinha – Barcelona

After rather publically missing out on Mudryk over the weekend after having the Ukrainian ace snatched from underneath their nose, it appears that Arsenal have reignited their interest in a former target.

While the Gunners might have been in the chase to snatch Raphinha from Leeds last year, the Brazilian international instead made the move to Spanish giants Barcelona in a deal worth up to £55million.

However, although many around the Nou Camp were excited by Raphinha’s arrival in Catalonia six months ago, it has been suggested that the 26-year-old could already be on his way back to the Premier League.

Only making a single La Liga start for Barca since the middle of October, the ex-Rennes forward has failed to cement his spot as a regular in Xavi’s plans this season.

Nevertheless, still holding plenty of admirers in north London, 90min reported on Sunday that Arsenal have already spoken with the Nou Camp hierarchy over a potential permanent switch.

Ivan Fresneda – Real Vallodolid

While many might have been shocked at the start of the 2022/23 campaign to see Ben White operating as an out-and-out right-back the former Brighton star has continued to receive plenty of praise.

However, while the Gunners might have shipped just 14 Premier League strikes this season, it has been suggested that Arteta could be looking to add some defensive reinforcements this month.

Although Real Vallodolid might find themselves at the heart of a La Liga relegation scrap in 2023, 18-year-old Ivan Fresneda has been a standout performer for the Pucelanos.

Making nine domestic appearances this season and heavily linked with the likes of Newcastle and Real Madrid since the window reported, The Telegraph reported on Sunday that Arsenal have now officially joined the race.

Quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s most sort after young defenders, Arteta’s side would consider it a real scalp if they can secure Fresneda signature this month.

Leandro Trossard – Brighton

With continued reports that Arteta is looking to add some attacking options before the window slams shut, Brighton’s Leandro Trossard has appeared as a realistic target for the title chasers.

While the Belgian international might have cemented his spot as a fan favourite on the south coast since arriving in the Premier League three years ago, the 28-year-old finds his future at the Amex at a real crossroads.

Despite bagging seven top-flight strikes this season and featuring with Belgium at last month’s World Cup, Trossard is having a rather public clash with the high-flying Seagulls.

Falling out with new Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and banished from first-team training, Trossard looks set for a move away over the next fortnight.

Although it might have been suggested last week that Tottenham are keeping an eye on Trossard’s situation, The Metro reported on Sunday night that the 24-cap international has been offered to Arteta’s side over a potential permanent deal.