Wenger’s January to-do List

When it comes to the January transfer window, Arsene Wenger will know a successful month could be the difference between falling short in the title race and possibly ending the club’s 13-year wait to win the Premier League. Currently sitting right in contention in the league and looking very strong in Europe, the Gunners can feel pretty happy with how the club have started the season. We’ve been here before, though, and Arsenal fans will be under no illusions that this January transfer window could be the most important month in recent years.

While there has been very little wrong with the squad so far this season, it only takes a couple of injuries to key players to completely kill off a club’s title charge. There is also the small matter of keeping competitive over the course of a long domestic campaign with some of the most expensively assembled squads in world football – and ones which will probably be added to during the transfer window. As well as current league leaders Chelsea, the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United are all expected to strengthen their squads in January.

It’s no secret that Arsenal fans have to pay more than most for the privilege of watching their club at home, with a recent study conducted by Voucherbox revealing it’s cheaper for Gooners to buy tickets for away games than attending the Emirates. If Wenger’s men can end their long wait for a Premier League title, though, there won’t be many Arsenal fans complaining. However, a lot of those hopes could depend on what the club does during the transfer window.

So, what do Arsenal need to do in January to give themselves the best chance of finally getting their hands back on the Premier League trophy?

Strengthen up front

This is an area that has ended up costing Wenger and the club in recent seasons. Competing for honours on three fronts, fatigue is going to take its toll on this squad. While there is decent cover in the majority of areas, not to mention the potential of bringing back Jack Wilshere from his loan stay with Bournemouth, you’d find little argument from many Gooners that this group could do with another striker. Alexis Sanchez is currently one of world football’s most in-form forwards but the Chilean is going to need some support in the goalscoring charts if Arsenal are going to challenge this year, something Olivier Giroud has again failed to prove he is capable of doing.

Keep their stars

As well as delighting the Arsenal fans with their form this season, it’s no surprise that Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez find themselves on the radar of a number of huge clubs. While the German playmaker has been linked with a return to Real Madrid, the club who sold Ozil to Arsenal in 2013, Sanchez is the latest world star to be connected with a huge money move to China. The Chilean forward, who has been prolific in front of goal so far this season, is also attracting interest from Arsenal’s title rivals Chelsea, who could test the Gunners’ resolve with a massive bid in January.