Sol Campbell makes prediction over who Arsenal might sign in January window

Sol Campbell believes Arsenal may sign a defender on a six-month deal (Picture: Getty)

Sol Campbell has made a prediction over who Arsenal could sign in the January transfer window as they continue pushing for the top-flight title.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Gunners are ‘prepared’ to do business next month if there is an option to ‘improve’ the current squad.

The north London side, top of the Premier League table after 15 games, are dealing with a number of key injuries ahead of the busy winter period.

Arsenal’s first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes missed the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday and Campbell believes his former side may look to bring in a new defender in the January window.

If Arsenal do decide to recruit a centre-back, Campbell believes it will either be an ‘older’ player on a six-month contract or a short-term loan deal.

‘Who knows? Maybe an older centre-half who wants a six-month contract,’ Campbell told Paddy Power when quizzed about Arsenal’s January plans.

‘Something might happen at the back-end of January, or a loan that makes sense. Keep your options open.’

Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Gunners are ‘prepared’ to do business (Picture: Getty)

Campbell added: ‘You can’t afford both of them (Saliba and Gabriel) out, you need at least one fit and playing now.

‘The other centre-backs are all top players, but they’re not Saliba and Gabriel.

‘Arsenal can lose two players elsewhere on the pitch but in defence, they miss Saliba and Gabriel’s experience, knowledge and cool heads for the big moments.’

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba missed the defeat to Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)

It is understood that Saliba could make his return from injury against Wolves on Saturday.

But Gabriel is not expected to make a comeback until late December, or January, at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Campbell is now convinced that Villa must be considered as Premier League title challengers after their win over Arsenal last time out.

Unai Emery’s side are currently third in the table, three points behind the Gunners.

‘Aston Villa have the manager to do it, for sure,’ Campbell said. ‘Unai Emery has won multiple things and has a team that’s dynamic and awkward to play against – hungry, workmanlike and resilient.