Arsenal had a disappointing end to 2023 with successive Premier League defeats and they are currently five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
The club have also bowed out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but they still have an opportunity to end the season on a high with a trophy.
The Gunners are still in the mix for the top-flight title while they are into the last 16 of the Champions League where they take on Porto.
With funds limited due to Financial Fair Play, the Gunners could resort to a couple of loan signings this winter to strengthen their squad.
Here are three potential loan targets for Arsenal:
Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad
The Frenchman made a surprise move to the Middle East with the Saudi Pro League champions last summer. The former Real Madrid man has been in good form with 12 goals and three assists, but he is weighing up his options this winter.
He has been absent in recent training sessions for Al-Ittihad and is said to be contemplating a return to Europe. The 36-year-old netted a stunning 31 goals for Madrid last term. We believe he would be an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah with his goalscoring exploits.
Goncalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain
The 22-year-old was one on the radar of several elite European clubs last summer but Paris Saint-Germain eventually won the race to sign him on loan with a €80 million buy clause. This has already been triggered by the reigning French champions.
Since his permanent move, Ramos has fallen out-of-favour under manager Luis Enrique and has been an unused substitute many times. The club are open to offloading him this month and could be persuaded to accept a loan deal with a buy clause. The Portuguese bagged 27 goals and 12 assists for Benfica last term and also scored a memorable hat-trick at the World Cup.
Goncalo Inacio – Sporting Lisbon
Arsenal don’t necessarily need to strengthen their central defence with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being undisputed starters. Should manager Mikel Arteta ask for reinforcement, the club could make a late loan swoop for Inacio before the transfer window closes.
Inacio has been on the radar of the Gunners for a while. Earlier last month, it was reported that they could pay a small loan fee with an obligation to buy for €60m. It seems unlikely but Sporting accepted a similar proposal from Tottenham Hotspur for Pedro Porro last winter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com