Let's be realistic.
Instead of setting sights high only for dreams to get dashed, we want to know what the minimum requirement is for Arsenal on deadline day.
Be as specific as possible and tell us what will ensure you are satisfied come 23:00 GMT on Monday.
It's a little odd how Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been adamant for so long that he does not need another striker. Then, all of a sudden, we get to the end of January and they put in an offer for Ollie Watkins at Villa.
It all feels a little bit late to me. Why not do it at the start of January? I know they have had a couple of injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus but I don't understand the delay and it feels a little bit like they are making it up as they go along.
This is a huge game for the Gunners - in the past couple of seasons it has been a title decider when they've played Manchester City but this time only Arsenal's title hopes are on the line.
City have improved of late but I still look at them and think they are going to concede a goal, as Club Brugge showed on Wednesday.
It was a great game when these two met earlier in the season and Leandro Trossard was sent off in a 2-2 draw. The readers will probably go for a 1-1 draw this time, I reckon, but I am going to pick a winner.
It is the Gunners who I see taking this, and I wouldn't be surprised if a set-piece proves crucial. Let's hope City striker Erling Haaland can 'stay humble' if his team do end up being beaten.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal are unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches and have won the most points of any side from their 11th match of the season. It is their longest unbeaten run under Mikel Arteta, last going 14 without defeat between August and December 2018 under Unai Emery.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are unbeaten in six Premier League games and only Newcastle (15) have won more points since Christmas than City. The Blues have also scored the most goals in that time (18).
Finally, Manchester City have lost just one of their past 40 Premier League matches played from January until the end of the campaign, a 1-0 defeat by Brentford on the final day of 2022-23.
They are unbeaten in their past 23 of these games across the past two campaigns, scoring 66 goals at an average of 2.9 per game.
Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe talk around Arsenal this week has again been dominated by the club's search for a striker.
After news broke that the Gunners had approached Aston Villa for striker Ollie Watkins, Mikel Arteta was always going to be asked about the striker search in the January transfer window.
About 100 miles north at Villa's training ground, boss Unai Emery was saying Watkins had told him he wanted to stay in the West Midlands anyway.
Arsenal have predominately signed younger players in recent windows but when asked if they were looking for an experienced striker, like Watkins, Arteta said there are many factors that have to be considered.
"We don't really look at the market in those terms," he said. "We look at what we have in this squad, what we are lacking and what can really impact and bring something that potentially can make us much better, regardless of the age or sometimes the background that they have.
"It's a real belief that that player can be really good for us over time."
Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Goalkeeper David Raya is a doubt to face the reigning champions with a "muscular issue" and a decision on his inclusion will be made in the next 48 hours.
Defender Ben White is still out and is yet to train with the team during his recovery from injury.
On potential transfers before Monday's deadline, Arteta said he "will not talk about individuals" following reports of a failed bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, adding: "We're actively looking to find a solution in that position and we'll see what the market brings."
On whether he is looking for experienced players or somebody who can develop with the club: "We don't really look at the market in those terms. We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking and who can bring something that potentially can make us much better. Regardless of age or the background they have, [there has to be] a real belief that the player can be really good for us."
Asked to sum up the rivalry that has developed between Arsenal and Manchester City in recent seasons, Arteta said: "Normal - it is two teams trying to win."
On how important a victory could be for Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations: "It will be a big boost for us. Winning big matches is always something special and every time you play a big match against your big rivals, it brings something extra."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Full commentary of Arsenal v Manchester City from 16:30 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is complete.
Arsenal now know they will play either the winners of Juventus v PSV or Feyenoord v AC Milan in the last 16, as they look to take another step closer to the final.
The play-off first legs will take place on 11 and 12 February, with the second legs on 18 and 19 February.
The Gunners will then find out their last-16 opponents - and their route to the final - in the next Champions League draw on Friday, 21 February.
Tottenham have agreed a £50m deal with Bayern Munich for 19-year-old forward Mathys Tel, who is also being targeted by Arsenal. (L'Equipe - in French), external
However, Tel would prefer a move to Manchester United over Arsenal, Chelsea or Spurs, so he is waiting to see if interest is concrete before making a decision. (i Sport), external
Meanwhile, England striker Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month, but Aston Villa are determined to keep the 29-year-old. (Mail), external
Finally, Arsenal have blocked 27-year-old left-back Kieran Tierney from bringing forward a summer move to Celtic. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, PA MediaThe business Arsenal need to do feels obvious with most people talking about bringing in a striker. Putting it in a different way - they just need more goals.
Kai Havertz is the top goalscorer this season. He gets criticised for missing chances but without his goals, what position would they be in?
With the season-ending injury to Gabriel Jesus, finding a replacement for him is important. Somebody that can play as a nine, who is going to be trying to score goals, but also somebody who does not affect their style of play.
In an ideal world, Alexander Isak fall into that but he is unlikely to leave Newcastle.
However, Mikel Arteta is also not somebody who is obsessed with a number nine that scores 20-30 goals a season. That's because having such a player rarely guarantees success as it might affect the style of play.
Lok at the example of Harry Kane at Tottenham. He competed for the Golden Boot nearly every season but it did not translate into success for the club. So Arsenal need somebody who is a good team player, that understands the identity of the team and then has a keen eye for scoring big goals.
A short-term loan is not the answer as they do not think like that and it is one of the reasons why they are such a good football club.
They will have identified their targets a long time ago. Maybe they need to speed them up to a certain extent, but they are still trying to keep their identity.
Even if they do not sign a striker this window, there is no reason why they cannot still have a successful season.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Nick Southall
BBC Radio Shropshire Sports Editor
Image source, Getty ImagesCharles Sagoe Junior can count himself unlucky to have his loan at Shrewsbury cut short with the club fighting for survival at the wrong end of League One.
The 20-year-old winger made 13 appearances since joining from Arsenal last summer and made a promising start to his season-long loan.
His best performances came playing on the left of a front three, taking on defenders with his pace and using his ability to dart into the channels to create openings for his team-mates.
Arguably, his best game was at Blackpool, just a few days before Shrewsbury decided to end his loan.
Not only was it frustrating for Sagoe Junior not to get a consistent run of games in the earlier part of the season, but it was the topic of much debate on BBC Radio Shropshire's 'The Verdict.'
The truth of the matter is he is a victim of circumstances. He played under Paul Hurst for the first third of the campaign but with the club languishing in the relegation zone, Hurst left and in came Gareth Ainsworth, who to be fair to him, gave Charles every chance to show his worth.
Inheriting a full quota of loan players, Ainsworth had to clear the decks to free up space for more experienced players to come in and scrap for every point possible. Like Aston Villa youngster Tommi O'Reilly, Sagoe Junior currently lacks the experience and the instant impact required to help Town stave off relegation.
Ainsworth needs players who've been there, done it and worn the t-shirt.
There's no doubt he will go on to have a fantastic career, it is just a shame we were not able to see his full potential in a struggling team.
Image source, Getty ImagesOllie Watkins is the subject of an approach from Arsenal.
The 29-year-old has found the net 11 times this season and fits the mould for Arsenal given the widespread analysis around Mikel Arteta's need for a centre forward.
On Match of the Day, former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock said: "Money talks. If Arsenal up their bid, you might see some wheeling and dealing.
"I don't think you would want to lose Watkins.
"He is the focal point of attack. But are you going to get that money again as a 29-year-old? That's a business decision then and that's when it becomes difficult.
"PSR has changed everything. It's a bigger decision now."
European football expert Julien Laurens added: "I think Arsenal looked at other potential signings like Benjamin Sesko at Leipzig.
"I guess maybe towards the end you see clubs who are are more open too, as we saw with the bid for Jhon Duran.
"Aston Villa will have a replacement list already of strikers they can go and get."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Ethan Nwaneri after the teenager scored on his first Champions League start on Wednesday.
Nwaneri's goal helped the Gunners to a 2-1 win at Spanish club Girona and secured a top-eight finish for Arteta's side.
The Arsenal boss said: "That's what we love about him - he's very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it.
"He never [looks nervous], he's so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common."
We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Champions League game between Girona and Arsenal.
Here are some of your comments:
Ilyas: Arsenal put in a solid performance, showing resilience and character to secure a 2-1 win. It wasn't a perfect game and there were nervy moments, especially with Sterling missing a late penalty, but they held on for the win. Overall it was a good result that shows the squad's depth and determination, which will be crucial as they head into the knockout stages.
Stu: I'm happy with that. Another tough away game overcome. We are comfortably top eight, so well done lads. Nwaneri - I love you.
Paul: Job done - and what a goal from the young man!
Peter: Yes it was another win in the Champions League but, as usual, we never kill off games and make it easier for ourselves - but then that wouldn't be the Arsenal way. We now have to focus on Manchester City, who are beginning to find momentum again and we cannot drop more points. We also need a striker in place before 3 February.
David: Why are we persevering with Sterling? Yes he tries hard, but that is not enough. An end product is also required. His best days are clearly behind him and we should send him back to Chelsea as soon as possible. Why not bring Reiss Nelson back from his loan? He can't do any worse and he is one of our own.
Steve: Sterling is hopeless. The transfer window is is open and I say we should throw him out of it!
Want to hear more analysis of a gripping night in the Champions League?
BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast has reaction to games involving Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City.
All four English clubs remain in the competition at the conclusion of the League Phase.
Arsenal are expected to make an improved second attempt to sign 29-year-old Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who grew up as an Arsenal fan. (Mail), external
The Gunners are ready to make Bayern Munich an offer for 19-year-old Mathys Tel before the close of the January transfer window. (Football Transfers), external
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are investigating a move for Tel, while Manchester United are also monitoring the player's situation. (Independent), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesThose finishing in the top eight automatically progress to the last 16, where they will be seeded.
They will await the winners of eight two-legged knockout play-off ties featuring the clubs ranked from ninth to 24th.
Liverpool could possibly face the following four teams - PSG, Benfica, Monaco or Brest.
Arsenal could possibly face the following four teams - AC Milan, PSV, Feyenoord or Juventus.
Aston Villa could possibly face the following four teams - Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.
Image source, Getty ImagesAt 17 years and 314 days, Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri became the second youngest Englishman to score a Champions League goal after Jude Bellingham for Borussia Dortmund in April 2021.
Bellingham was 17 years and 289-days-old.
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal boss Mikel Arteta: "Things are going well. We won the last four games in the Champions League and winning in this competition is very demanding.
"But overall the team has been very consistent, regardless of all the issues they have had to face.
"Hopefully there will be more belief in that dressing room that we are a good team and that we can face anyone and still perform and win games."
On David Raya's injury: "He certainly could not play, he is injured and that is it."
On the rejected bid for Ollie Watkins and transfer business: "I can't talk about any of that. My confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve. Let's see what happens."
Full time whistles have blown across Europe.
Liverpool claimed the top spot and are joined in the top eight by two other Premier League teams - Arsenal and Aston Villa.
That means they progress directly to the last-16.
Manchester City's 3-1 victory books their place in the knockout play-off phase alongside Celtic.
