The controversial swap deal Arsenal could agree with Wolves to get what they need this window

We have officially entered the home stretch of the January transfer window and Premier League clubs looking to buy or sell before Deadline Day are picking up the pace. The competition in the top flight this season has delivered some lip-licking action so far and we can only expect more of the same as the final months play out.

At both the top and bottom of the table, there's still a lot at stake. Arsenal will undoubtedly feel frustrated that they have more than just Manchester City to watch out for this time, after they let last season's title advantage slip through their fingers. Now, they have to battle with comeback kings Liverpool, dark horses Aston Villa, and even their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

In the weeks leading up to the winter window, reports claimed Arsenal we looking to offload a number of first team players in order to fund future blockbuster moves. The Gunners have been linked to mega money targets like Douglas Luiz and Ivan Toney but the club need to balance their books and cash in on some out of favour players first.

Of course, selling players in order to raise funds is usually the approach for clubs who want to spend big on the transfer market but an underrated and often overlooked alternative is the classic swap deal. Few high profile swap deals happen these days and it's likely because it's simply easier to raise the cash elsewhere and then return for a typical player purchase later. Plus, agreeing on a fair swap is probably harder than it sounds, especially with today's market prices and clubs who heavily over-value their players.

But 3AddedMinutes has been entertaining the idea of Premier League clubs engaging in swap deals for players they really need. We've taken a look at what each club needs and who they could potentially trade with in a deal that suits all parties involved. I've brought Arsenal to the table this time with an alternative option to their interest in Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Now, that's not to say the Gunners can't or won't sign the Algeria international but when you include competition from a direct rival — in this case it's Liverpool — things naturally become trickier to navigate. Both Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp are keen on bolstering their defensive options and at just 22 years of age, Aït-Nouri is a very attractive target. However, Football Insider recently reported that the full-back is 'all but certain' to remain at Molineux past this window's Deadline Day.

This takes us to a list of potential back-up options, if Arsenal don't fancy waiting until the summer to bring in reinforcements. The interest could stay with Wolves but this target would prove a lot easier to get hold of.

Jonny Otto captured the headlines recently but for all the wrong reasons. The Spanish defender has been exiled from first team action by his club after a moment of madness during a training session back in December. Media reported that Jonny threw an elbow at teammate Tawanda Chirewa after reportedly growing frustrated after a challenge, he also allegedly spat at a staff member and damaged property on site.

Naturally, this doesn't paint the best picture of a player who has been at the club since 2019 but this won't be the end of his career in football, someone will give him a second chance somewhere. Wolves are reportedly ready to offload Jonny following the incident, so striking a deal will not be hard as the West Midlands club do not need convincing.

The 29-year-old is now into the last 18 months of his contract at Molineux and his Transfermarkt value is a mere €8 million (£6.8m). Arsenal could take a punt on Jonny, as his main selling point is that he can play at both left-back and right-back.

In return, the Gunners could offer up Fábio Vieira, who is currently working his way back from a groin operation. Even before his surgery this season, the midfielder struggled for regular time on the pitch and made just two Premier League starts. Last season was also sporadic — Vieira was left on the bench 14 times during Arsenal's title chase and started just three games.

The majority of his appearances were cameos lasting less than 20 minutes, and the signings of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, plus Arsenal's interest in Luiz and Everton's Amadou Onana amongst others only raises more question marks over where Vieira will fit into this saturated midfield.

The Gunners may also want some cash for Vieira, as he is contracted until 2027 and is valued at €28 million (£24m) but a trade involving the their midfielder and Jonny could be beneficial for all involved. Once Vieira is back to fitness, he could slot into a starting role at Molineux as Wolves currently have no natural attacking midfielders on their roster.

Bringing in someone capable of adding to their creative play could really boost Wolves' mission to climb the table. They are currently 11th in the Premier League rankings but could well close the gap on those fighting for European football between now and the end of the season. Plus, Wolves have always enjoyed bringing Portuguese players to the club, so Vieira would fit in well with the likes of Bruno Jordão, Pedro Neto and José Sá.

Arsenal would then gain much-needed back-up for Oleksandr Zinchenko, meaning the pressure for others to play out of position when covering him is reduced. Jonny's ability to play at both left-back and right-back — and even at left midfield when required — makes him an appealing target.

However, his recent alleged behaviour at Wolves will certainly divide the opinions of fans, and many won't particularly want to risk a potential repeat at the Emirates, but providing Arteta can assure the player's outbursts won't happen again, it could work itself into a beneficial move for all.