Vinicius Jr backup plan, Pedro Neto deal, six leave – Arsenal to-do list before deadline day

Arsenal have identified contingency targets ahead of the January transfer window, with sources indicating that should a move for Brazilian winger Vinicius Júnior prove unattainable, the club will accelerate efforts to secure Portuguese star Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners sit second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool, and manager Mikel Arteta recognises the need for additional attacking reinforcement. Neto, who has made 15 appearances for Wolves this season, brings proven Premier League experience and technical quality to a squad chasing domestic and European silverware.

Neto's profile aligns perfectly with Arsenal's attacking philosophy, having contributed three goals and four assists in the league this campaign whilst operating across multiple forward positions. The 24-year-old Portuguese international has established himself as one of the division's most consistent creative threats since his £35 million arrival from Benfica in 2023. Simultaneously, the north London club faces the parallel challenge of engineering departures for up to six squad members to balance the books and create pathway opportunities, a task that requires meticulous negotiation before the 3 February deadline.

Completing both the outbound clearance and an inbound acquisition of Neto's calibre would represent a significant restructuring of Arteta's attacking options, particularly given that the Portuguese winger made 34 league appearances last season. Arsenal's Champions League qualification status and sustained title challenge provide attractive incentives for prospective signings, though meeting Wolverhampton's valuation—likely exceeding £50 million—demands either rapid sales elsewhere or board investment. The fortnight ahead will prove decisive in determining whether the Gunners can strengthen sufficiently to close the gap at the summit.