Arsenal find themselves at a crossroads in this January transfer window. The squad’s attacking depth has been severely hit by injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, leaving Mikel Arteta with limited options up front. Kai Havertz remains the only experienced centre-forward, with Leandro Trossard needed on the wings.

This lack of depth has even seen the introduction of academy graduate Nathan Butler-Oyedeji in the Champions League—a touching moment but also a stark indicator of Arsenal’s pressing need for reinforcements.

The club’s leadership is actively exploring options to bolster the attack, but the question remains: should they invest now or wait until the summer?

January is notorious for being a tricky transfer window. The compressed timeline and mid-season nature of the market make it difficult to secure high-quality players without overpaying. Arsenal’s primary long-term targets—Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyokeres—are unlikely to be available this month.

• Benjamin Sesko: Arsenal pursued the Slovenian striker last summer, but he chose to stay at RB Leipzig. Given Leipzig’s Champions League ambitions, it’s unlikely they would sell him mid-season.

• Alexander Isak: Newcastle United, aiming for a return to the Champions League, have no reason to part with their star forward.

• Viktor Gyokeres: While extensively scouted, Arsenal don’t seem to rate him as highly as Sesko or Isak.

These targets align with Arsenal’s long-term vision, but their inaccessibility in January poses a dilemma. Should Arsenal pivot to players lower on their list, knowing this could jeopardise summer moves for their primary targets?

One option is to consider players who might be easier to sign this month. Matheus Cunha, for instance, is reportedly available for around £70 million. While talented, Cunha might not be the transformative player Arsenal need, and committing such a fee could close the door on pursuing Sesko or Isak in the summer.

Alternatively, Arsenal could look for a short-term fix via the loan market. As the window nears its close, players who were previously unavailable might become viable options. This approach could address immediate needs without compromising the club’s long-term strategy.

Despite the noise around Arsenal’s lack of centre-forwards, Kai Havertz has quietly enjoyed a productive season. With 14 goals in 30 appearances, he has adapted well to Arteta’s system and offers many of the qualities the manager seeks in a striker. While Havertz has performed admirably, Arsenal know that an elite-level forward could elevate their attack to another level.

The decision to buy now or wait carries significant strategic weight. Investing heavily in January could bolster Arsenal’s chances of silverware this season, but it also risks derailing their summer plans. On the other hand, holding out for their primary targets in the summer would likely mean enduring the rest of this campaign with a threadbare squad.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, reportedly earmarked for a €60 million summer move, further complicates matters. Balancing the budget while adhering to UEFA and Premier League financial rules requires careful planning.

Choosing to wait for the summer isn’t without its risks. Injuries to key players like Saka and Jesus have already derailed Arsenal’s domestic cup campaigns, and failing to reinforce now could diminish their chances in the Premier League and Champions League. Additionally, competition for summer targets like Sesko and Isak will be fierce, and there are no guarantees Arsenal will land them.

Arsenal’s January 2023 window offers a blueprint for success. After missing out on their primary target, Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard for a reasonable fee. The Belgian winger exceeded expectations, proving to be a reliable and impactful addition. This experience underscores the potential value of finding a “Goldilocks” player—someone affordable yet capable of contributing immediately.

Arsenal fans are understandably impatient. Saka’s injury occurred on December 21, yet the club has entered the final 10 days of the window without securing reinforcements. The injury to Gabriel Jesus on January 12 further intensified the urgency, but Arsenal’s leadership faces the challenge of acting decisively within a shrinking window.

The sentiment among supporters is clear, as evidenced by a recent alteration to a mural of co-chair Josh Kroenke: “Time to splash some cash, Josh.” While fans demand immediate action, Arsenal’s decision-makers must balance short-term needs with long-term ambitions.

Arsenal’s current predicament highlights the delicate balance between addressing immediate needs and staying true to a long-term vision. Whether they choose to act now or wait until the summer, the stakes are high. The right decision could propel them toward success this season and beyond, while the wrong move could leave them further from their goals.

As the transfer window ticks down, Arsenal must weigh their options carefully and make a choice that aligns with both their present challenges and future aspirations.