As Arsenal approach the final international break of the season they find themselves in good shape. Mikel Arteta's men are just one point off the top of the Premier League and have all but qualified from the Champions League group stage for the first time in seven years.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Gunners so far though, is that they're yet to truly kick in to top gear. Speak to most people who have watched the club this season and they'll tell you that there is so much more to come.

That could be boosted by some smart movement in the January transfer window. football.london understands that Arsenal are surveying their midfield options after losing Thomas Partey to another injury, with Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz among the names linked.

As well as bringing players in, though, Arsenal may well have some decisions to make when it comes to players who might leave. There are several who will be able to begin pre-contract talks with European sides once January first comes around. Here football.london takes a look at them.

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Arthur Okonkwo

Despite a superb season on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, football.london were the first to report over the summer that Arsenal would be willing to let Arthur Okonkwo go. The 22-year-old simple suffered from bad timing as he sought to make his breakthrough into the Gunners first team, with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale fighting it out for the first team spot.

After failing to find a suitable permanent move the decision was taken on transfer deadline day to allow Okonkwo to move on loan to Wrexham for the season. The move has been pretty successful so far, with the Hale Ender keeping five clean sheets in 10 appearances. He has also benefitted from the exposure of playing for League Two side who have become renowned around the world after being taken over by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. At time of writing there are not thought to be any plans to extend Okonkwo's contract at Arsenal, which will have just six months remaining on it come January.

Runar Alex Runarsson

After failing to find a permanent move in the summer, Runar Alex Runarsson is currently on loan with Cardiff City. The Iceland international joined Arsenal in 2020 for £2million, but has been farmed out on three separate loans since a disastrous debut season.

He has one year remaining on his current contract, although Arsenal do have the option to extend it by a further 12 months. It has not been triggered yet as things stand, meaning that he will have the option to talk to European clubs in January about a potential free transfer.

Mohamed Elneny

You would be hard pressed to find a more popular player at Arsenal than Mohamed Elneny. The feeling of adoration is mutual from the Egyptian who admitted in an interview with football.london that he was reduced to tears when the Gunners chose to extend his contract just days after he picked up a season ending injury in January.

He is now back fit and a key part of Mikel Arteta's squad. He has said that he would like to finish his career at Arsenal, but as things stand no contract extension talks have started. He would be able to talk to teams about a move in January, but with Elneny's loyalty to Arsenal, it's hard to see that happening.

Cedric

It was expected that Cedric would leave Arsenal on a permanent basis this summer after attracting interest from Villarreal and Portugal's big three clubs. The 32-year-old ended up staying though, and has drawn plenty of praise around the club for his professional approach to receiving limited minutes this season.

Despite that Arsenal have no plans to extend his contract having brought in Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the full back positions in recent years. He will be able to talk to European teams about securing a permanent move away in January.

Jorginho

Having signed on January deadline day earlier this year, Jorginho has surprised many with the impact he has had on this Arsenal squad. Mikel Arteta values his leadership and experience in the group, while his ability to cover the injury-prone Thomas Partey has been crucial.

As it stands he has just over six months remaining on his contract with Arsenal, although the club do have the option to extend it by a further 12 months. The Gunners are looking at options for the future in the 31-year-old's position, with Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz heavily linked.

For his part Jorginho has stated that he is just focusing on helping Arsenal for the foreseeable future. "I haven’t had any conversations to be honest,” he told reporters last month. “And the only thing I can say is that I feel really good here and I am really happy at Arsenal. I didn’t think [about it] to be honest with you!"

No decision has been made on the Italian yet though. As things stand he will be free to speak to European clubs in January, with Lazio and Barcelona both having been linked in the past.