Arsenal face £423m transfer problem amid true value of Karim Benzema and 10 more targets

The January transfer window is in full swing and Arsenal are being repeatedly linked with some of the world's best footballing talent. But it hasn't been the busy month that supporters would have envisaged.

After sitting top of the Premier League at Christmas, by the turn of the year, the Gunners had toppled to fourth and out of the FA Cup — following the defeat to Liverpool in the third round. Injury issues across the pitch have proven costly to Mikel Arteta's selection options and as a result, the problem areas have become apparent.

A run of three straight defeats have raised questions over the attacking quality at the Emirates Stadium. The profligacy has been a main source of frustration for Arsenal supporters and have left a bitter feeling following the festive cheer that saw the North London club at the summit of English football on Christmas Day.

There is a burning desire in the red half of North London to build on last season's exploits in the Premier League. Arteta's men were looking to upset the apple cart and gazump serial-winners Manchester City to the Premier League title — thus ending the two-decade wait, of their own, to lift the famous trophy. But Pep Guardiola's side showed their mettle, as many clubs have learned during their period of dominance.

Gary Neville and those alike have been tipping Arsenal to be challenging once again, with questions over City this season after completing a famous treble in May 2023. But with football returning and the January transfer window edging into its business end, time is running out for managers and Arteta to make last minute additions, as well as sanction departures, to bolster their chances in the title race.

This month has been relatively quiet across the Premier