Arsenal are expected to be busy in the January window, with the club's attacking options identified as the main area to strengthen and midfielder Martin Zubimendi reportedly ready to seek a move away. Mirror Football reports that Mikel Arteta is pushing to resolve the forward shortage once the market reopens, while TEAMtalk is credited with the claim that Zubimendi has decided on his future.

Forward search the priority

According to Mirror Football, the Arsenal manager wants the club to act in the winter window after they did not land a high-profile forward in the summer.

Two names are said to feature on the club's list. Arsenal are keen to return to Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, although the Cherries are described as reluctant to sell mid-season. Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz is also reported as a target as the club look to add strength on the left flank.

Zubimendi's limited minutes

The same reports say Zubimendi has found playing time hard to come by since returning from Spain's World Cup success. After a mixed first campaign in north London, he is now said to sit below Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield order, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino largely used as the rotation options.

TEAMtalk's report, relayed by both outlets, says the midfielder is prepared to leave in January to restart his career. His contract runs to 2030, and Arsenal would be expected to want to recover the £60m spent to sign him last year.

Defensive picture brighter

Arsenal's back line has drawn praise again this season, with summer arrival Ezri Konsa deputising for the injured William Saliba, who has returned to training.

On the pitch, the Gunners hold a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League and face Slavia Prague away in the Champions League on Wednesday. Their one notable setback was a Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Fleetwood Town on penalties, which does at least lighten a crowded fixture list over the coming weeks.

Photo: Ronnie Macdonald from Chelmsford, United Kingdom via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, resized.