Who Could Arsenal Sign in the January Window?
In the wake of Manchester United’s recent win over Tottenham, we saw pundit and former Red Devil Patrice Evra express his concerns that Arsenal lacked the strength in depth to sustain an EPL title challenge this season.
This is a concern shared by others too, with Arsenal lacking adequate replacements in some positions and in need of strengthening as the season progresses.
It appears as though Mikael Arteta agrees, with the Spaniard being linked with several players in the January transfer window. These include:
#1. Youri Tielemans, Leicester City
Arsenal are currently priced at an average of 6/1 to win the title, while they’re among the odds-on favourites to qualify for the Champions League (with this wager offering considerably less value than a trip to the ggpoker.global website).
Another midfielder is key if the Gunners are to remain competitive at the top of the table, however, with Leicester City’s talented Belgian player Youri Tielemans at the top of Arteta’s list.
The Gunners were linked to the versatile and technically excellent midfielder during the summer, while the Belgian’s refusal to sign a contract extension at the King Power Stadium may make him available for just £30 million.
#2. Douglas Luiz, Aston Villa
The 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who combines silk and steel in equal measure, was another summer transfer target, with the Villains turning down three separate bids before the Brazilian signed a new contract.
However, Luiz remains an ambitious players who some believe is not fully committed to Steven Gerrard’s side in the long-term, with his new, five-year contract simply meaning that potential suitors will have to pay more to prize him away.
He’s undoubtedly a quality player who would suit Arteta’s proactive playing style, while he would considerable depth and challenge Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey for a starting role.
However, a fee of £60 million may be a sticking point for the Gunners, especially if Tielemans is available at around half the price.
#3. Evan N’Dicka, Eintracht Frankfurt
Recently, Brazilian centre back Gabriel is being linked with a move away from the club next summer, with Serie A giants Juventus apparently interested in the defender.
According to Calciomercato.it, defending Serie A champions AC Milan are also interested in Gabriel, with both sides having made initial overtures so far.
This would be a huge setback for the Gunners, who have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka as a potential replacement.
Strong and pacy, N’Dicka would also provide a relatively affordable option in defence, with the player potentially available for just £7 million or so. This could rise to £10.4 million, but either way, this is a bargain purchase that sits well within Arteta’s recruitment policy.
