Will Emery be pushed to reinforce in January?

In another set back for the Arsenal boss, foward Danny Welbeck suffered a long term injury in the Europa League just days before the start of the recent international break. 

The injury to the Englishman has only added to a growing list of casualties at the Emirates, and as such, Unai Emery may be forced to buy backup players in the looming winter transfer window.

So, we take a look at the key problems that could force the 'Gunners' boss to dip into the transfer kitty in January...

In case of Emergency

Previsouly, Arsenal's head of Football Raul Sanllehi has suggested that the January transfer window will be a quiet one for the North London side. However should a key target player become available, Arsenal may decide to spend big in order to catch competitors off guard and secure a new face to add to the existing squad. It is being said however that the hierarchy will not be put under pressure to sign stars by manager Unai Emery, as the coach is happy with his team for the time being.

Welbeck's long term absence

The England forward suffered a horror injury against Sporting CP in the Europa League a few weeks ago, and since then, the Arsenal squad have been slightly thin on the ground in wide areas of the attack. Of course, the 'Gunners' still have strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette who could be deployed in the wide role, but should either of them suffer injury themselves, or simply run out of steam, Arsenal could be in trouble. Therefore, availability of targets permitting, Arsenal could look to fill that gap in their side with a new face in January. Frenchman Nicolas Pape of Ligue 1 side AS Nancy is being earmarked as a potential replacement for the crocked England man.

Looming exits of existing players

Arsenal's midfield options could potentially get thinner in January. Welsman Aaron Ramsey may be sold by the club in order to ensure they do not lose him for free in the summer. It is being reported that Bayern Munich are interested in the player, but the German side are unlikely to pay for a player who they could sign on a pre-contract agreement and attain for free come June. Nevertheless, Ramsey is certain to leave at some point or another, and so the 'Gunners' may decide to take evasive action in January by means of not being overcharged for a central midfielder when the Welshman has finally departed. In addition, Arsenal could look to get rid of Mohammed Elneny, who is discontent with the lack of game time he has had under Unai Emery; he is yet to make a league appearance this season. Consequently so, Arsenal could decide to overhaul their midfield in January, funds permitting of course.