Arteta 'Identities 3 Players He Wants Arsenal to Sign in January to Boost EPL Title Chances

• Arsenal are expected to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season
• Mikel Arteta is said to be keen to sign a defender and central midfielder in January
• The North Londoners currently sit second in the Premier League table with 40 points

Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified three players he wants Arsenal to sign ahead of the January transfer window.

The Gunners are expected to bolster their squad in the coming weeks to help them challenge for the Premier League title.

According to The Mirror, signing both a defender and a central midfielder is a key priority for Arteta.

However, the north Londoners have limited funds to splash on permanent deals, having spent big during the summer on big signings, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.

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As such, reports claim that loan deals are more likely at the Emirates Stadium than permanent deals, with defence identified as a key priority.

Which players does Arteta want?

The Athletic claims Arteta is looking to sign a defender to provide cover for Timber, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who recently added to the club's injury list.

It is understood that interest has been generated for Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato, although the Dutch side are expected to demand a substantial fee for the teenage star.

In midfield, Arsenal are believed to be eyeing Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimedi, who is a long-term target.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto has also been linked with a possible switch to the Emirates, with Arteta a long-time admirer of the forward.

Arsenal fans dream of Mbappe transfer

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Kylian Mbappe has sparked Arsenal transfer speculation after he liked William Saliba's Instagram post.

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Saliba recently took to social media to share his thoughts on the game against Liverpool, describing it as a tough encounter.

Mbappe liked the post, leading many to believe he was hinting at a preference for Arsenal over Liverpool.

While supporters of Mikel Arteta’s side have seen it as a sign of things to come, Mbappe could have just been showing support for a fellow Frenchman.