With the January transfer window just around the corner, the rumour mill is in full swing right now. Players from around the world are being linked with both moves heading to and away from the Emirates, although many of these will be just that, rumours that need to be taken with a pinch of salt.
That said, it’s always interesting to check out which rumours are doing the rounds, just to get us excited. But it could well be a quiet one for Arsenal given how much was spent in the Summer. That hasn’t stopped media outlets posting about potential moves though so let’s check out a few of the changes that could come about in January.
Incomings
It’s no secret that Arsenal have an aging frontline. Whilst they do have youth on the wings in the form of Saka and Martinelli, as well as Smith-Rowe who has been contributing with the goals this season, their main stars are getting on. Lacazette is still good for a few years really, at the age of 30 he’s probably just at the peak of his prime, but Aubameyang is 32, and with recent issues regarding a “disciplinary breach” there have been questions raised about his captaincy status.
It’s no surprise then that Arsenal are being linked with a number of signings to slot in up front and help contribute to the team with goals. One player being linked with the club is Manchester United forward Anthony Martial at odds of 16/1. The last forward to swap between the two sides was Robin van Persie who went from hero to villain, albeit he did get the success he wanted managing to win silverware in his time there, so it proved to be a good one for him personally.
There are two important questions to ask though with regards to Martial. Would United sell to a rival who will be challenging them for possible Europa League football this season? And despite him having a good return in terms of minutes played and goals scored, why is it he never gets picked? Is there something we don’t see behind the scenes as to why he doesn’t get more game time when he was originally quite an expensive signing when he was bought for somewhere in the region of £56 million plus addons?
A player that seems to be more likely to join the Gunners is Fiorentina’s 21 year old Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic who is 6/1 to head to the Emirates. Vlahovic has managed to score 42 goals in 94 games for The Violets since his debut for them in 2018, and as such, commands a high transfer value, expected to be in the region of £64 million. But he would fit the bill a little better than Martial, as he’s younger, and is the type of player that Arteta will be looking for in his long-term vision for Arsenal. So make sure to check out the free sports picks before this weekend’s fixtures. You will find the Vlahovic’s Fiorentina and Benevento square off in the second round of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Fiorentina comes in as the favourite at 1/4, with Benevento the 9.5/1 underdog. A draw is priced at 4.3/1.
Outgoings
Sadly, it appears there are more outgoings rumoured for Arsenal than players coming in, although much of that may be deadwood that Arteta is looking to get rid of. With any sales potentially funding any transfers this window, considering how much they splashed out on the likes of White and Ramsdale in the Summer.
One particular area where it seems there could be movement is in the Gunner’s defensive ranks, as rumours of Manchester City showing interest in left-back Nuno Tavares are circling. However, having not long joined himself, it is unlikely he will move on in January, especially considering how he has impressed this season in his appearances where he has started in place of Kieran Tierney.
An Arsenal defender who is more likely to leave though is French defender William Saliba, who is hotly tipped to sign for Ligue 1’s Marseille. However, he has been questioned about a potential move but has stated that he would “prefer not to speak about” his future. So it’s unclear whether he wants to stay or would prefer a move away, or even if there is any interest from the French club at all.
Another player who could be on their way out, not happy with a lack of game time, is Arsenal’s English midfielder, Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Apparently he has become frustrated of late with a lack of time on the pitch, and other players being picked ahead of him, and so could be on the move in January as he looks to play more regular first team football.
But the potential exits don’t stop there, as it looks like Arsenal could struggle to keep one of their upcoming starlets in English striker, Khayon Edwards. The 18 year old has managed to score 14 goals this season already, catching the eye of the likes of Brighton, Chelsea, Leeds, Newcastle and Southampton. And with just six months left on his contract with the Gunners, he could be snapped up for a very low fee, so Arteta will be wanting to sign him down to a contract so that even if he does leave, they can at least get a decent return for him.
Final words
Rumours are likely to continue to circulate until the window closes, so expect many more names to be mentioned. But who would you like to see come into the club, and which players do you want to leave? Let us know in the comments below or on our socials about how you’d like the team to change come the January transfer window.