Mikel Arteta will be looking at strengthening his Arsenal side during the January transfer window as the second half of the season could be the most important in the North London side's recent history.

The Spaniard will be given funds to spend next month and with a midfielder and a winger targeted, it could be a busy month for the Premier League side.

There might even be a surprise move for Leroy Sane, with journalist Pete O’Rourke telling Football FanCast that Sane’s previous relationship with Arteta, from their time together at Manchester City, could help with any potential move:

“So, I think any player wants to go into a club where you can immediately settle and if you’ve got a previous relationship with players or coaching staff, sure, its something that will seriously come into their consideration about where they possibly move.”

Arteta was of course an assistant coach at City under Pep Guardiola and coached the German winger throughout his spell in Manchester, building up a positive relationship with the 26-year-old.

According to Sport Bild (via TEAMtalk), the club were linked with Sane during the summer, although Bayern valued the player at £59m and as he still has two and half years left on his contract, it could well take an offer around that number for the Bundesliga side to consider selling in January.

The 50-cap gem has been in fine form this season, registering 16 goal contributions in just 19 matches in all competitions (ten goals and six assists) and it's no wonder Arteta would love to have him in his team.

Gabriel Martinelli is currently impressing on the left wing for the Gunners, chipping in with five goals and two assists, however, he is still only 21 years old, and with the club leading the Premier League table, it is a lot of pressure on the youngster to maintain his excellent form.

Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann once dubbed Sane as “unbelievable” following his sensational start to the season and this could make it difficult for the 40-year-old to tempt him back to England with a move, either in January or the summer.

Winning the league and securing Champions League football might prove to be the catalyst that can land Arteta the Bayern winger, and it would be a magnificent coup that would signal a real statement of intent over their rivals.