The one January transfer that Arsenal can secure for Mikel Arteta as deadline day approaches

Arsenal face a race against a ticking clock if they are to do any business during this January transfer window. It has been an uncharacteristically quiet winter market so far with many clubs includingthe Gunners cautious of spending due to the Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

It is important to stress that the lack of movement does not come from a reluctance to spend. football.london understands that the club are open to looking at potential opportunities and will move for a player if it is deemed to be the right move and they have the financial freedom to make it happen.

However, with the reality of the situation, there is only one type of deal which appears likely to happen, and in that case, it remains tricky to get done. That is of course a loan move, with the little financial overheads they include Arsenal might look to find a temporary solution to add some depth.

It is unlikely however to happen until right at the end of the window and perhaps even until deadline day. Arsenal can only look to loan one more player as Premier League rules dictate thata club can only register two players on loan at one time and David Raya is currently taking up one of those slots.

Loans can often be a reactive decision and with one final game of January left, on Tuesday away at Nottingham Forest, Arsenal could wait until after the game to decide on a loan move in case of a potential injury forcing their hand. Otherwise, there are two areas which require reinforcement.

Midfield remains an area of concern with the left eight role having not yet settled since the departure of Granit Xhaka. Arteta has looked to use Kai Havertz here but with the return to fitness of Thomas Partey, perhaps Declan Rice will soon establish himself