As 2022 nears, the Gunners are in a strong position. But will Arteta be looking to strengthen his squad before the end?
Few would have predicted that Arsenal’s poor start to the season would lead to them aiming for Champions League qualification in the new year.
Arsenal is currently fourth in Premier League, thanks to the excellent reinforcements of last summer.
Arsenal’s young players have been energetic beyond expectations. Despite some disappointing results, such as the defeats to Everton and Manchester United, they are showing that they don’t fear any opponent. This is evident by their excellent performance against Manchester City.
Ramsdale and Ben White, Kenyo Tokiyasu, Erdogan, and Lokonga have impressed when they’ve been on the pitch.
Arsenal can strengthen their transfer window in January to increase their chances of finishing fourth.
Below, We looks at possible deals Arsenal might make over the next few weeks.
Potential reinforcements
It is unlikely that Arsenal will add any reinforcements after the amount of money they spent last summer.
Arteta has downplayed the possibility that the club would complete a major transfer in January. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t enter the market if the opportunity presents itself.
The Gunners have made it a priority to buy a new striker, and they are also trying to improve their midfield.
They may wait until summer to pursue their top goal, but they could accelerate the pace of bringing in an attacker if Aubameyang leaves the club during the winter window.
Arsenal is the long-term suitor of Lille striker Jonathan David but they are also keeping an eye on Everton striker Loewen.
Arsenal has been linked to Fiorentina striker Vlahovic, although sources close to Arsenal are continuing to downplay claims that the 21-year old is being pursued by Arsenal.
Arteta may be short in the midfield with Thomas and Elneny due to travel to the African Cup of Nations in early January, and Niles drawing interest from both domestic sides and international.
Arsenal is still linked to Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes. However, Arsenal can’t rule out Arsenal purchasing a midfielder during the winter window. But, they don’t want to rush to make a move.
Although the club might be open to lending players like Erdgau, Real Madrid’s January player, it is difficult to find players with that level of quality at this stage in the season.
Wilshere is an option. The former England international footballer has been training with the first squad for the past two months to improve his fitness, and then he will look for a club in January.
Rising star Charlie Patino scored against Sunderland in his debut for the team on 21 December. He could be offered more opportunities as Thomas and Elneny depart for national team matches.
Potential departures
Arsenal’s departures during the winter window are mainly focused on Aubameyang’s future.
Arteta took the captain’s armband from the striker last month for another disciplinary offense. Since then, he has been banned from training with the first team.
Aubameyang will represent Gabon in the African Cup of Nations. He has not been in the matchday squad since Everton’s defeat on December 6. His future is now in doubt.
The club won’t stop him from moving in January. However, it is believed that finding a buyer might prove difficult despite reports of interest from Juventus and Barcelona.
Arsenal could be required to accept a loan deal to make his move permanent at season’s end.
Niles is also in the same boat. Everton tried to sign Niles last summer but he continues to struggle to get playing time.
After Tuesday’s breakthrough in negotiations, Roma won the race. After a loan agreement was reached, Niles and Abraham will team up at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Arsenal may also sell Nketiah.
Arteta would like to keep the young striker, but he’s turned down many contract extensions. With his current contract due to expire in the summer, Arsenal might be reluctant to accept an offer in January.
Crystal Palace is interested in Nketiah but other teams in Germany are looking to sign him.
On loan
Arsenal could allow Chambers to go on loan because of a lack of game time. Pablo Mari, center-back, is also surplus to requirements.
Many Arsenal’s youths are expected to be loaned, with Balogun likely to move to a new club before the end of the season.
Arsenal realizes that the young striker has many suitors.
Although many Championship clubs are interested in him, Middlesbrough is leading the race. The deal could be done soon.
Arsenal could loan Tim Akinola, a U23 midfielder, to the club. Oumar Rekik, James Olayinka, and George Lewis could also be loaned out.
Contracts
Lacazette’s contract expires this summer, and his Arsenal career should end.
Arteta repeatedly stated that Lacazette’s future will be decided by the club in the summer, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Lacazette staying with the club.
But Lacazette is likely to leave and Arsenal will sign a new striker in the summer.
