HUGE BOOST: Smith-Rowe and Jurrien Timber appeared at London Colney Training center ahead of PSV clash

Ahead of the January transfer window, Mikel Arteta and Edu have made a significant decision for the future of Arsenal. Despite not expecting to be very active in the winter trading period, injuries have forced a change in priorities. Initially, signing a striker was the plan, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney being a target. However, setbacks for Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu have shifted the focus to acquiring a defender. While the club has shown interest in players like Jeremie Frimpong and Ousmane Diomande, Arteta may choose to rely on the resources he already has. In fact, the club has already begun contract extension talks with 18-year-old defender Reuell Walters, whose current deal expires next summer. Walters could also be given playing time in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against PSV, as Arsenal have already secured qualification to the knockout stages with a comfortable lead at the top.