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Arsenal will enter the January transfer window with new intentions following the appointment of Mikel Arteta as the Spaniard will be looking to fill the gaps that will get the team to employ his tactics successfully.
The former Manchester City assistant manager has inherited a highly imbalanced squad from Unai Emery, which means he will not only have to imbibe his football philosophy within the team as manager but he would also have to solve the existing problems before they implode.
The north London giants earned their first win under their new head coach on the back of a rejuvenated performance against Manchester United on Wednesday night, thereby ending their winless run at the Emirates since October.
However, the Gunners still have a long way to go as they currently stand closer to the relegation zone than the summit of the Premier League table with 27 points from 21 games this season.
With the winter transfer window now in session, we take a look at three players Arsenal should sign to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season:
Also Read: Gunners interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng in January
#1 Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano
Arsenal's defensive crisis has been the biggest constant as the club gradually fell from grace and gave up their Champions League spot in recent years. The root of the problem seemingly lies in the lack of a commanding presence at the heart of their defence - an absence that neither Arsene Wenger nor Unai Emery was able to fill.
The Gunners had previously planned on waiting until the summer to bring defensive reinforcements, partly because players like William Saliba are scheduled for a return from their loan spells at the end of the season. However, they may be forced to reverse their decision after Calum Chambers' recent injury has further worsened their defensive conundrum.
The Englishman sustained a serious injury during his side's loss to Chelsea before the New Year and could be sidelined for six to nine months. This leaves Arteta with David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis as the only options for the centre-back position, with all of them being guilty of horrendous mistakes this season.
Having said that, Dayot Upamecano could prove to be an ideal candidate for the north London giants at this stage, having played a pivotal role in maintaining RB Leipzig's solid defence this season.
The France Under-21 international was heavily linked with Arsenal before the arrival of David Luiz last summer, with talks of a swap deal involving Emile Smith Rowe firmly doing the rounds. The side were believed to have made a bid of around £50 million for the defender but the offer was rejected by Leipzig.
Arsenal have been linked with Upamecano in the winter transfer window as well, and the Gunners faithful have been rightfully excited at the prospect of signing the Frenchman as an aggressive and big presence like him may just be what the team needs to provide depth and strength in the position.
Follow the latest transfer rumours with Sportskeeda's Live Football Transfer Blog
#2 Midfield: Thomas Partey
Arsenal's midfielders are as guilty as their defenders when it comes to conceding goals this season. The vast uninterrupted space in the Gunners midfield has continually left the back-line without any cover, making it incredibly easy for opponents to sneak into the area.
Granit Xhaka's performances have been the subject of intense scrutiny owing to his lack of pace and mobility in the middle of the park. The 27-year-old was heavily linked with a January move to Hertha Berlin a few days ago but Arteta has insisted that he will stay on at north London.
Whether or not the Swiss international leaves this winter, Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey would be an ideal candidate either as his replacement or as a partner to Lucas Torreira, who is currently thriving in his new role as the deepest lying midfielder under Arteta.
Partey was linked with a move to Arsenal last summer and is understood to have a £43.5 million (€50m) release clause in his contract with Los Rojiblancos. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the 26-year-old was incredibly keen on a move to the Emirates but his fee proved to be a little too expensive for the Gunners.
The Ghana international's stature and physicality could prove to be complementary to the dimunitive Torreira and would offer some balance and structure to an otherwise disproportionate midfield.
Arsenal would, however, have to make a quick move if they wish to secure Partey's services as the Madrid giants are believed to have alreaady begun talks to increase the value of his release clause.
#3 Forward: Kevin Volland
Kevin Volland is one of the few high-profile players to have been linked with Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. The north London giants are reportedly lining up a winter move for the versatile 27-year-old; a decision that could benefit Arteta as he continues to rotate the team to figure out what works for him.
Like most of the Gunners' options up front, the German international can play both as a striker and a winger and has been efficient in front of goal, scoring 14 league goals for Bayer Leverkusen in each of the last two Bundesliga seasons. His efforts have drawn the interest of the London giants who have reportedly sent scouts to watch him in a series of games.
Volland has 18 months remaining on his contract with Leverkusen and is tipped to be an ideal replacement in case of a sudden absence within the team, especially as there has been heavy speculation surrounding the potential departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in recent weeks.
