Arsenal could have a busy end to the transfer window with the Gunners facing pressure to act during January following difficulties in front of goal and injury to Gabriel Jesus
The January transfer window is nearing its halfway mark and Arsenal are perhaps in more need of reinforcement than at the start of the month.
The Gunners need for a new forward has been long-standing but Gabriel Jesus is set to be out for a lengthy period after being stretchered off against Manchester United. That leaves Mikel Arteta even more short of options in the forward positions with Bukayo Saka already expected out until at least March.
Arsenal’s head coach has being coy at the possibility of securing of new signings thus far however. The Spaniard has instead maintained his side will look at opportunities as they arrive.
Mirror Football takes a look at the latest transfer news and rumours around the Emirates.
First bid rejected
Arsenal are keen to secure the signing of a forward following injury to Gabriel Jesus and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has been of interest to the north London side. The Serbia ace has been tracked by the Gunners and Arsenal are reported to have made a first offer to sign the striker on loan.
Juventus swiftly rejected the move however. The Serie A side are reluctant to allow the forward to leave on that basis while leaving themselves short up front.
Reports claim Juve could be tempted to a sale or a loan with an obligation to sign the player but for the moment are uninterested in Arsenal’s offer. Mikel Arteta’s side do not want to commit beyond a loan amid interest in Benjamin Sesko in the summer.
Transfer breakthrough
Arsenal appear to have won the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool attempted to seal a deal for the Spain international in the summer but saw the 25-year-old have late change of heart. The north London side looked to have proven persuasive and have reached an advanced stage over deal.
Arsenal would like the player to arrive in the coming weeks but Sociedad are adamant that Zubimendi must remain with them until the summer. Despite the player having a £51million release clause, Arsenal’s limitations under profit and sustainability rules means the La Liga side still have a decisive role to play over payment terms.
Mikel Arteta’s transfer response
Mikel Arteta has suggested injury to Gabriel Jesus has not changed Arsenal’s approach to the transfer window. However, the 42-year-old made it clear the Gunners are being active in searching for opportunities in the market.
“My answer doesn’t change,” he said. “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We have been since day one.
“It would be naive not to do that because there is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad. Especially with the circumstances we have. So yes, we are looking and let’s see what we are able to do.”
“When you recruit a player there are three parties and you have to agree,” he added. “And we have our limitations as well like any other club. We can do what we can do. We plan our squad and have our limits to do what we want to do, that’s it.”
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