Arsenal’s hierarchy will be ‘working hard’ to try and address their ‘priority position’ along the forward line in January, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Gunners are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League after losing just one of their opening 14 games of the season and could look to strengthen their squad even further in January.

What is the latest news involving Arsenal?

Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Arsenal have had ‘very positive contacts’ with Shakhtar Donestk over winger Mykhailo Mudryk after missing out on Raphinha’s signature in the summer.

“We know they [Arsenal] wanted a winger. Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible to proceed,” the transfer expert said on his YouTube channel. 

“They have had very positive contacts on Mudryk on the player’s side, but then they decided not to proceed with Shakhtar because they wanted more than €40m to €45m.

“Now Shakhtar want more than €60m to €65m,” Romano continued. “But Arsenal are still following the player.”

And Simon Collings of the Evening Standard has stated that ‘Arsenal’s priority is to add a winger’ when the market re-opens for business, further emphasising their transfer plans.

What has Sheth said about Arsenal?

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Sheth said: “I think that is a priority position along the forward line for Arsenal just now.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

“They were looking at Raphinha, remember, in the summer. They didn't get him, he ended up going to Barcelona, and they didn't end up getting anyone in those positions.

“So, I think there's still space in the squad for a player like that at Arsenal. I think Arteta and Edu will be working hard to try and do something in January.”

Who could Arsenal sign?

Apart from Mudryk, Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram is the other target reportedly on Arsenal’s radar at this moment in time.

The 25-year-old’s £82,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer, and Romano has informed GMS that he is ‘not going to extend’ his deal at the Borussia-Park.

And Italian outlet Milan.Live have claimed that Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are all taking a keen interest in Thuram.

Thuram has been in outstanding form for the Bundesliga outfit so far this season, registering 13 goals and four assists in 17 league and cup appearances.

Both Mudryk and Thuram have the potential to be astute acquisitions for Arsenal, and Arteta would surely welcome either player to the club in the new year.