Arsenal are gearing up for the January transfer window, which opens in less than three weeks, though Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may be focused on outgoings rrather than reinforcements
With less than three weeks to go before the January window opens, Arsenal are now drawing up their transfer plans.
Boss Mikel Arteta hinted earlier this week that the Gunnes are hoping to be active next month. While Arteta will be hoping to focus on strengthening his squad, he will also have to keep an eye on expiring contracts.
A number of players could go for free next summer, with January being Arsenal’s last chance to bring in a fee. The boss has also been told which position should be his top priority in the winter window.
Gunners legend Martin Keown has spoken out on Arsenal’s current crop of strikers, as he urged his former side to go out and buy a new one. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Gunners at risk of Partey exit
Arsenal are in serious danger of losing Thomas Partey for nothing in the summer. As Mirror Football has reported, the 31-year-old is free to talk to other clubs from January 1 because his current contract expires at the end of the season.
There has been little progress in talks over a potential new deal despite Partey re-emerging as a key player in the squad this season. The Ghana international midfielder Partey has made a total of 21 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and an assist.
But so far there has been a stalemate on the contract. Clubs in Saudi and across Europe are now keeping tabs on the Partey situation. Arsenal would be reluctant to let him go in January but then risk losing him for free if they do not resolve the issue.
Arteta urged to make striker a priority
Mikel Arteta has been urged to upgrade his options at striker. Currently Kai Havertz is first-choice, with Gabriel Jesus his back-up, but Martin Keown believes a new forward needs to be signed next month.
“We talk about Havertz and Jesus – they need to score more goals and be more ruthless,” Keown told TNT Sports. “There is no doubt about it. I think they could do with that different tool in the box, that player who can find an opportunity out of nothing.
“Jesus has come with a lot of experience, he has bought a lot to the group, but he wants his goals on the pitch. He has played his part but Arsenal need that prolific goalscorer to put these opportunities away.”
Reis price named
Arsenal have been warned it will take £29million to convince Palmeiras to sell wonderkid Vitor Reis to them. The Gunners are one of the frontrunners for the defender, with João Paulo Sampaio, coordinator of Palmeiras’ youth teams, now commenting on his future.
“There were two teams that talked about €30million and Palmeiras refused. Vitor Reis will be the most expensive defender in the history of Brazil. He will be sold for around €35 million,” he said.
“Palmeiras did not want to listen (to Vitor Reis’ proposals) because they are focused on the 2025 Club World Cup. If there is anything, just like what happened with Estêvão, it will be after the World Cup.”
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