Arsenal are looking at transfer opportunities this month as they look to finally earn a Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, and are being linked to moves for some big names
The January transfer window is already more than a week old and Arsenal have yet to make a signing.
The Gunners have seen a player return from loan and made a sale, but have not agreed a deal to impact Mikel Arteta’s first team squad just yet. The north London side are currently chasing Liverpool down in the Premier League and must overcome injury to Bukayo Saka.
Arteta has admitted Arsenal will take a look at opportunities that arise in the coming weeks, but January is a notoriously difficult month to agree a fair deal. The Premier League runners-up cannot afford a mistep if they hope to lift the title in May.
With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news and transfer rumours around the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta identifies target
Mikel Arteta wants to sign Nico Williams this month per the Athletic, but may be forced to wait until the summer. The Gunners, in addition to Chelsea and Liverpool are among suitors for the Spain international and Arsenal’s boss would like to add to his options in January.
The finances involved make a deal less likely however, with Williams not desperate to depart Athletic Bilbao. The winger’s release clause stands in the region of €60million, and is said to move with inflation.
The fee would be required in full and Williams earns a significant salary. Further reports suggest the player is now open to a move to the Premier League after preferring Barcelona in the summer.
Second bid success
Arsenal could be successul if they arrive with a second bid for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Soon after the transfer window closed, sporting director Fran Garagarza indicated the club could part ways with the shotstopper in the future after already rejecting a bid from the Gunners.
Reports from Spain, per Sport Witness, claim the 23-year-old is still of interest to the north London side. Arsenal saw a €20m (£16.6m) bid rejected and were pointed to his €30m (£25.4m) release clause.
Espanyol are now reported to have identified García as a player who could see them rake in some money. It is suggested as a result, that Arsenal’s summer offer could prove more tempting if presented again.
Arsenal hurdle
Paris Saint-Germain’s asking pricee for Lee Kang-in could prove a stumbling block if Arsenal were to pursue their interest, per reports.
The Gunners are said to have discussed Lee as a possible signing in the winter window but a fee of €44m (£36.5m), is believe to be prohibitive. The north London side would consider working out a a loan deal with an option to buy the midfielder if the Parisian side were open to such an offer.
Lee arrived in Ligue 1 from Spanish side Mallorca for €22m (£18.8m) in July 2023 and is now said to be ‘considering his options’ despite appearing in all of his side’s Ligue 1 and Champions League matches in 2024/25.
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