The 20-year-old forward Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to Arsenal from a loan spell with League One side Shrewsbury Town, but that is unrelated to the current injury crisis. After Sagoe Jr made just five starts in the first half of the season, Shrewsbury opted to terminate the loan arrangement.

Liverpool have concluded their first piece of January transfer business with the sale of young goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga to Fluminense. The 22-year-old Brazilian has returned to his former club on a permanent deal after more than four years on Merseyside in which he did not make a single senior competitive appearance in any competition.

Given his Premier League goal-scoring pedigree, Ferguson would be an ideal January signing for any team lacking a predatory edge in the final third. West Ham is currently said to be leading the chase for the striker’s signature, and he would likely leave the AMEX stadium in an initial loan deal.

Arsenal's January transfer plans focus on adding firepower, resolving injuries, and securing contract renewals. Will new arrivals help the Gunners stay competitive?