Many Gooners are concerned that in Andrea Berta’s bid to improve Arsenal’s attack this summer, he somehow managed to leave Mikel Arteta with fewer attacking options than he had last season.I have accused the Italian’s policy of being naive and/or arrogant, with decisions made that other Champions of England would not have taken.It’s only fair, though, that we give a balanced account of the topic and explore why the Gunners have gone in this direction.Maybe the Kroenke family genuinely did agree to change the wage structure for Vinicius Jr; maybe they believed they could convince Alvarez to leave Spain, and maybe they truly felt that Rodgers and Barcola were overpriced.That doesn’t explain why Trossard, Jesus and Martinelli were sold while Nwaneri was loaned, with only one incoming.You can’t, on one hand, whisper to journalists you’re prepared to break transfer and salary records for an LM and then, with a straight face, pretend it’s a position that doesn’t need improving.Could January Be the Plan?The next possible month clubs can buy and sell is January.That means our manager only has four months to make do with fewer offensive weapons than last campaign. When you word it like that, our fanbase might be more comforted?That doesn’t guarantee money will be spent in the New Year because the winter is harder than the summer to attract the very best away from their clubs.Regardless, expect it to be leaked to the media how much cash is in the piggy jar for the start of 2027 for PR reasons. Especially if the team isn’t winning.The same YouTubers will then upload breaking news which, in fact, isn’t breaking news; it’s just them reporting a rumour you could have read yourself.If, though, powder was being kept dry for someone not currently available but who will be after Xmas, suddenly recent choices would make sense in hindsight.Merino & Rodrygo (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Could Arsenal Return for Previous Targets?Junior Kroupi and Rodrygo are both currently injured but have been linked with moves to North London in the past.Bournemouth are adamant they don’t want to sell, but would their stance change if they nearly had 40 points by the end of 2026?Real Madrid, meanwhile, will struggle to guarantee the Brazilian starts on the left once he is fit. A loan to the English capital could even be part of his recovery.Then there is the ongoing game of bluff regarding Atletico Madrid and Alvarez.Will the Spaniards still not be prepared to negotiate with Barcelona?Will the striker still maintain that’s the only place he wants to play?Or do the Premiership winners spend from now till January sorting out all tax/visa issues so the Argentine feels comfortable that he and his whole family can move back to the UK?January Could Tell Us Plenty About Arsenal’s AmbitionHow the Premiership table looks at this point might determine how much pressure our recruitment team will be under to help the squad.Saying that, this was the case a couple of years ago, and excuses were made why not to spend.Our Director of Football has credit in the bank due to his body of work, but his popularity may have taken a knock this week.What he does, or doesn’t do, in January will tell us a lot about our ambition.Dan SmithHave Your SayDo you think Arsenal deliberately kept their powder dry this summer with a view to making a major attacking move in January?Could the club’s recent transfer decisions make more sense if a particular target becomes available in the New Year, or have Arsenal simply taken an unnecessary gamble with their attacking options?Let us know what you think in the comments._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal’s Transfer Gamble: Is a Big January Signing Already Planned?4 September 2026, 23:00Gabriel Martinelli: More Than Just a Player for Arsenal4 September 2026, 22:00Troy Deeney thinks Arsenal man is lucky they have not sold him4 September 2026, 21:00The post Arsenal’s Transfer Gamble: Is a Big January Signing Already Planned? appeared first on Just Arsenal News.