Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with an FA Cup clash against Manchester United up next
While supporters have their fingers firmly on the transfer pulse this month, it’s a very different story for the players and staff at Arsenal.
The Gunners – still battling on four fronts – have a whopping NINE games to navigate in January, with matches in every competition before February rolls around. Defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, followed up a Premier League draw with Brighton, leaving fans feeling increasingly concerned about the second half of their season.
There is a belief that reinforcements – particularly in forward areas – could be needed to help Mikel Arteta’s side finally get over the line both in the league and in cup competitions.
But any major acquisitions appear increasingly unlikely, with Arteta, on the most part, looking to stick with what he’s got. That doesn’t stop rumours swirling however and here are some of the latest surrounding the Gunners.
Isak plan emerges
Arsenal’s lack of a recognised centre forward couldn’t have been more apparent during Tuesday night’s defeat to Newcastle, which saw the Gunners left to rue a number of missed chances. And the fact the ruthless Alexander Isak was the man to help Newcastle profit from that profligacy, wasn’t lost on supporters either.
The Swedish international, who is in the form of his life for the Magpies, has been regularly touted as an Arsenal target even going back to his days with Real Sociedad.
Again, last summer he was linked, only for Arteta to opt against making a big splash in the striking department. That looks set to change this year…but almost certainly NOT in January.
Mail Sport report that Arsenal are likely to revive their interest in Isak, but not until the end of the season. There is an understanding the striker could cost more than £100million, but after a relatively economical summer in 2024, that may not be out of the question.
January’s most likely signing?
But while a high-profile arrival appears unlikely at this point, there is a chance that Arteta could dip into the market in order to secure cover for the injured Bukayo Saka.
The England international is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring, leaving a gaping hole in the Gunners’ forward line. Ethan Nwaneri, 17, had impressed in his absence, but also suffered an injury after scoring in the 1-1 draw at Brighton last weekend.
That, according to the Daily Mail, could force Arteta into the market for a ‘stop-gap’ replacement for Saka, and that in fact is the most likely signing of the January window.
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Man Utd in race for Mbeumo
Manchester United are the latest club to signal their interest in Arsenal target and Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo. The Bees forward has been in scintillating form for the Bees this season, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances.
That form has alerted Arsenal over a potential move, although similarly to Isak, that would likely take place during the summer window.
And now United, desperate for more firepower under new boss Ruben Amorim, have thrown their hat in the ring. The Star report that the Red Devils are considering a £40m bid at the end of the season, while Newcastle are also interested.
It is understood Brentford have no intention of selling their top scorer this month, with the player himself unwilling to push for a move in the middle of the campaign.
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