The January transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most interesting and vital periods in Arsenal’s modern history. The opportunity of a title challenge that has opened up since going five points clear at the top of the Premier League is not something the Gunners can let go to waste.
The transfer window has provided Arsenal the chance to reinforce their squad and plans were in place to target both a midfielder and wide player this winter football.london understands. However, an injury to Gabriel Jesus has drastically changed the complexion of the window.
Eddie Nketiah is now the only natural senior attacking option to call upon for Mikel Arteta. There are other players who have some experience of playing centrally and have been backed by the Spaniard to provide cover, such as Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira.
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Yet according to The Athletic, Arsenal are considering Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha. Furthermore, Joao Felix’s name has also circulated, whilst the primary option appears to be left winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
January offers opportunities but at both a premium and in limited supply. Teams do not typically like to allow their best players to leave in the middle of the season and if they do, they tend to ask for significantly more money to sell them.
Funds are also typically limited in the winter window and for Arsenal, who recorded another significant annual loss, to expect a record-breaking window from them might be somewhat optimistic at best. Adding two forwards could potentially be possible but with the figures being quoted for Mudryk and Felix, if these two are even possible as a pair, it would surely prevent any further additions beyond loans.
Arsenal’s midfield remains in need of competitive options. Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga provide the cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka at the moment and although competent enough, they are not at the level of the two Gunners regulars who have been representing their countries at the World Cup.
Yet with the FA Cup getting underway this January and a Europa League knockout campaign to come, having a competitive option to the starting two appeared a necessity, especially with the ambitions heightened after such a great start.
Sporting director Edu is going to need to execute the window with efficiency and speed in order to reinforce with quality and early enough so it can have maximum impact.
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