Imagine thinking before the season that Arsenal would be Premier League leaders, with a 5-point gap over Manchester City right before the start of the World Cup. Well, the reality is that Mikel Arteta’s side have stunned the world and at this point, it would be delusional to deny them of the status of title challengers.
But for Arsenal to go from contenders to winners, which January signings should they make to continue their ascendancy over Pep Guardiola’s superteam? We have handpicked 5 potential additions that could just do the trick.
Harvey Barnes
If there is a player who is having an underrated season in the Premier League, it is none other than Harvey Barnes.
The 24-year old has managed to score 6 goals in 13 league starts for a Leicester City side that have been in and around the relegation zone for much of the campaign.
For context, the electric wideman has managed to outscore perhaps the most in-form wide forward in the country in Gabriel Martinelli, who has 5 strikes to his name.
With Brendan Rodgers’ side languishing in 13th place in the league table, Arsenal should assert their dominance by trying to prise away the England international in January.
Considering Martinelli has never started upwards of 21 league matches in his Gunners career, injuries could become a possibility as the season wears on.
Assessing Barnes’ profile as well, one will notice that he is not too dissimilar to the Brazilian forward in many ways.
Much like the 21-year old, the Foxes winger also has pace to burn, is an expert at playing on the shoulder and is an incredible 1v1 threat.
Hypothetically, Mikel Arteta would be quietly confident that Harvey Barnes would slot into the side without looking like a fish out of water, in case Gabriel Martinelli is unavailable ahead of a game.
Ultimately, Mykhaylo Mudryk admitted to Sport Arena that he is “very upset” about being valued at €100 million (£87.5 million) by Shakhtar Donestk, which basically rules out a move in January for the Gunners.
Harvey Barnes could well be the cut-price alternative to Mudryk Arsenal have been searching for.
Danilo
Recently, Danilo told Band Sports that there is “still nothing” in the speculation that suggests that he is set for a move abroad.
However, the Palmeiras sensation did also mentioned how he has left his immediate future to his agents, which could hint that he is open to a switch elsewhere.
Arsenal, who were claimed to be confident that a £26 million bid could help get the move over the line by the Sun should be all over the chance of signing the prospect at the turn of the year.
While Thomas Partey has been in sensational touch this season, it almost seems inevitable that an injury will interrupt his ascent at this point.
Danilo, who is known to be an all-action defensive midfielder, capable of covering every blade of grass and winning duels for fun would be the archetypal backup for the Ghanaian international.
The 21-year old averages an impressive 3 tackles and interceptions per 90, whilst also boasting an 83.6% pass success percentage, as per WhoScored.
Renowned for his excellent long passing ability, the 21-year old would provide cover for Partey, who is arguably the league leaders’ most irreplaceable player, whilst being an instant fit in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Unfortunately for the North London outfit, Albert Sambi Lokonga profiles better in a more advanced role, as was evident in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United as he had a day to forget in defensive midfield.
As for Mohamed Elneny, his risk-averse passing makes him a significant downgrade to Thomas Partey.
Keeping said factors into mind, Arsenal should bring Danilo to the Emirates Stadium in January.
Youri Tielemans
Much like Harvey Barnes, Youri Tielemans has managed to thrive in a struggling Leicester side this season.
However, what makes the Belgian’s addition perhaps even more tempting than the Englishman, who is contracted to the Foxes till 2025 is the fact that his current deal expires in the summer.
For all practical purposes, Arsenal could be in pole position to sign the 25-year-old if they put the money on the table.
While many tend to criticise Tielemans’ defensive workrate, they also tend to forget that the in-form Granit Xhaka is operating as an advanced No.8 this term, which defeats said argument.
And in possession, the Leicester lynchpin is perhaps a better stylistic fit in comparison to the Swiss international fit, due to his ability to dictate games as well as his superior mobility.
As an upgrade or even to provide competition to the ex-Gunners captain, the league leaders should snap Tielemans up in January, considering his employers’ hands are tied as they could end up losing one of their best players on a free transfer in the summer.
Nicolas Jackson
Bukayo Saka may well be Arsenal’s best player, which emphasises why an injury to him could instantly derail the club’s entire season.
While Reiss Nelson and Marquinhos’ talent is undeniable, it is also inarguable that the side are in desperate need of an upgrade in terms of a backup to the England international.
Enter Nicolas Jackson. Considering the youngster was promoted to Villareal’s first-team only this season, a glimpse at his goal and assist numbers would be a reductive assessment of his quality as a player.
Instead, the eye-test serves as the best possible barometer of what makes the silky right-winger one that is destined for the very top.
The Senegalese wideman possesses a unique profile in the sense that while he can veer out wide and stretch defences at will, he also has the ability to pick up the ball in central areas and beat a series of defenders.
Furthermore, the 21-year-old has displayed signs of being a threat in the box, which is welcome news for Mikel Arteta who worked alongside none other than a master of said skill in Raheem Sterling.
It is a green flag for the North Londoners that the Villareal winger, who is also right footed, offers something different to the table than Saka, as he could be a handy tool for Arteta to exploit if a transfer comes to fruition.
Aside from Jackson’s positionally unique attributes, he is a nuisance for any defence when he gets on the ball, blessed with bags of pace, nimble feet and unstoppable ball-carrying ability.
Considering Nicolas Jackson is not a big name yet, Arsenal could bully Villareal into prising away their talismanic forward.
Malo Gusto
A glimpse at Lyon right-back, Malo Gusto’s name may surprise many, considering Ben White making the position his own this season and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s exploits already.
However, the 21-year old’s suggested addition could be a smarter move than you think.
For starters, Tomiyasu’s injury woes have become commonplace at this point, considering he missed as many as 13 matches in all competitions last term.
While White could deputise at right-back in the Japanese international’s absence, constant games after the World Cup could lead to unexpected injury problems.
And an injury to the Englishman would be nothing short of catastrophic, with the out-of-favour Cedric Soares having to be called upon.
With Gusto being one of the most gifted right-backs in Europe, there may be an argument that Arsenal would be signing an upgrade to both their current options in the position.
Keeping in mind that he is set to enter the final year of his contract, Lyon may well be open to cashing in on the 19-year old in January as well.
The Frenchman’s numbers, as per FbRef speak for themselves, considering he sits in the top 29% of full-backs in the top 5 European leagues over the past 365 days for SCA (Shot-creating actions) per 90 (2.41).
Completing over a dribble per game (top 18%), whilst also making 1.46 interceptions (top 16%), Gusto is the complete package.
As opposed to the more defensive-minded duo of Tomiyasu and White, the Lyon starlet could allow Arteta to utilise a more adventurous right-back, whilst also being the overlapping partner an inside forward such as Bukayo Saka, who tends to have to do it all has always needed.
Malo Gusto would be a surprising, yet splendid addition to this Arsenal side in January.
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