Mikel Arteta could be tempted to dip into the transfer market in January as his Arsenal side attempt to breathe new life into their Premier League title challenge
Arsenal go into their FA Cup match against Manchester United wondering what might have been after the last round of league fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s team failed to beat Brighton on Saturday, with Joao Pedro equalising from the penalty spot after a contentious award. It will have felt like even more of a missed opportunity on Sunday afternoon as league leaders Liverpool were held by United at Anfield.
Kai Havertz missed the Brighton game through illness, though he shouldn’t be sidelined for too much longer. It’s a different story for Bukayo Saka, though, with the forward beginning his long road back from hamstring surgery.
The situation leaves Arsenal primed to explore attacking options in January, though it remains to be seen whether they are able to land the targets they want. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from North London.
Four in for David
Jonathan David has long been linked with a move to Arsenal, but the Gunners are far from the only interested party. According to Sky Sports, four unnamed Premier League clubs have approached the player’s camp over a pre-contract agreement.
Canadian striker David is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he could join another club for no fee. Speaking to La Voix du Nord (via GFFN) in December, he indicated it was 50/50 whether or not he will stay with Les Dogues.
The 24-year-old has 11 goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season, making him the top scorer in the competition. He also scored twice in Champions League qualification and four times in the competition proper, including the winner against Real Madrid.
Barcelona readying Olmo appeal
Barcelona are set to appeal to Spain’s Ministry of Sport on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to be able to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. If they are unsuccessful, Arsenal are among a number of clubs linked with an opportunistic January move for Spain international Olmo.
WIll Arsenal make any signings in January? Have your say in the comments section
According to El Periodico (via Football Espana), citing legal experts, it is unlikely the ministry sides with Barcelona. The Catalan club have so far failed to convince the Spanish FA and La Liga to support their argument for registering the two players.
Barca were permitted to register Olmo and Pau Victor for the first half of the season due to long-term injuries elsewhere in the squad, but wage restrictions have stood in their way of renewing the registrations from January onwards. Olmo scored five league goals in the first half of the campaign, and Arsenal are joined by Manchester City and AC Milan amid the list of clubs to reportedly show an interest.
Winger recalled from loan
Arsenal have recalled Charles Sagoe Jr from his loan spell at Shrewsbury Town. The 20-year-old winger had joined on a season-long deal, but is back in North London after making just 13 appearances in League One.
Shrewsbury made a managerial change in November, replacing Paul Hurst with Gareth Ainsworth. The new boss appears to have preferred other options in the wide roles, handing Sagoe Jr just two league starts.
“Shrewsbury Town can confirm Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to parent club Arsenal,” Shrewsbury confirmed on Monday. “We would like to thank Charles for all his hard work over the past five months. The club wishes him and his family the very best of luck for the future.”
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