Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points following a stunning Declan Rice brace against AFC Bournemouth.
The Gunners came from behind at the Vitality Stadium to win 3-2, with that result made all the more important as fellow title hopefuls Manchester City dropped points to Chelsea.
The Blues, under the interim stewardship of under-21 coach Calum McFarlane, snatched a last-grasp equaliser at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of Enzo Fernandez.
Injury-hit Arsenal
Despite a comfortable cushion, it has not been all sunshine and rainbows in North London.
Several key players, such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, are among a few who have been sidelined for extended periods this season.
Not to mention the likes of Ben White, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori, who are all currently injured.
Andreas Berta’s excellent work as Sporting Director at the Emirates Stadium in the summer has paid off, though, as Mikel Arteta has heavily relied on his squad’s depth this term.
Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke have shone going forward, while Piero Hincapie, currently on loan from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, has been a utility man at the back.
However, as the North Londoners eye silverware across the domestic and European fronts, are fresh faces needed to finally get Arteta & Co. across the line?
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Mikel Arteta keen
The Spaniard has assured that Arsenal will be “actively looking” to bring in reinforcements this winter and ease their injury concerns.
He said: “The window is there, and I mean, we are Arsenal, and we have to be looking at it – ‘okay, what do we need?’
“And we have to be actively looking, and then, whether we can do it or not, that’s a different story.
“But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it will be very positive.”
Marc Guehi to Arsenal?
With several areas of concern, Arsenal are likely to have a varied shopping list this winter.
Injuries to Gabriel and Saliba have already proved the high workload put on the Gunners’ backline, so could another defender be on their way to N5?
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who is currently being chased by Liverpool and Manchester City, would be a superb option to bring in.
The 25-year-old would be available at a cut price, too, with just six months left on his current deal at Selhurst Park.
That being said, it is unlikely Guehi would be happy with a bit-part role, especially with the countdown to the World Cup well underway.
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Midfield options
Arsenal have also been notably stretched in midfield, with Martin Zubimendi and Rice running themselves into the ground.
German midfielder Leon Goretzka would be a top, experienced addition, and could also be brought in on the cheap.
The Bayern Munich veteran has entered the last six months of his contract in Bavaria, and it is unknown whether he will put pen to paper on a new deal.
Hot prospects
The Gunners have also been quoted with interest in Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elche CF’s Rodrigo Mendoza.
As per CaughtOffside, Arteta is understood to be a huge fan of Bouaddi, however, a deal would likely be struck for next summer.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Mendoza appears to have more urgency, with Juventus and Real Madrid also reportedly keen.
According to The Telegraph, the 20-year-old has a release clause of just £20million, with Arteta ready to act quickly for a player who he sees as a key future star.
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