Arsenal to Make A Move in January
We are already one week into the January transfer window and there has not been a great deal of movement among the top Premier League clubs. Chelsea have signed Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund but the United States international will not join the club until the end of the season.
The only other major move has seen Dominic Solanke leave Liverpool to join Bournemouth for £19 million.
Emery Wants Reinforcements
However, that could all be about to change as Arsenal aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season. Speaking to the media following the 3-0 win over Blackpool in the FA Cup, Arsenal manager, Unai Emery said, “I think the club is working for the possibility to take some players who can help us during these next four months.”
“Maybe the transfer market can help us with a centre-back, but it is not easy because also (Konstantinos) Mavropanos is coming back after injury. Also, a winger, right or left, one player can help us in this position.”
It is clear from these comments that Arsenal appear ready to make a move in the winter transfer window but who can they realistically add to their squad that is going to make a difference at this time of the season without breaking the bank?
Suarez Linked
Aaron Ramsey is leaving the Gunners, either on a free transfer or for a reduced fee this winter, with Juventus the favourites to sign the Welsh international in January at 9/5 with Ladbrokes. That would leave a gap in central midfield and Denis Suarez, who currently plays for Barcelona is just 1/5 with BetVictor to leave the Catalan giants and sign for Arsenal before February.
However, that does not solve the problems Emery believes need addressing at the club, which is central defence and out wide.
Pepe Available for Free
Interestingly, former Real Madrid and Portugal centre-back, Pepe is currently available on a free transfer having left Turkish football. He may not be in his prime but as a short term solution for the remainder of this season, his experience could be vital. Pepe is 3/1 with BetVictor to sing for Arsenal in January.
Quality Not Available
In terms of wide players, again it is not easy to find a winger of the required quality who is available. However, Arsenal have been liked with a move for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. Despite being the favourites to sign the French international at 10/1 with William Hill, it appears Dembele has a role to play for Barcelona this season and will not be allowed to leave in January.
A closer alternative could be Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace but again the odds seems to suggest a move is unlikely in January. Arsenal are out at 25/1 with Betfair to land the Ivory Coast international but the Gunners may be forced to settle with that they have got until the summer.