19 December 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal are enjoying another exciting season under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League table, one point clear of Liverpool in second and surprise package Aston Villa in third. Arsenal fans are delighted to see Manchester City - the team who beat them to the title last season - five points behind them.
Arteta's side are also doing well in the Champions League, having reached the knockout stages by finishing top of their group. They'll face Porto in the last 16 of the tournament and will be confident of challenging for their maiden European Cup.
But they may have to dip into the transfer market to maintain their strong position in the Premier League. With that in mind, here are the latest headlines from the Emirates...
Ramsdale exit route blocked
Chelsea are not interested in signing Aaron Ramsdale, according to the Evening Standard. The Blues were tipped to make a bid for the 25-year-old after losing first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to a knee injury. It's unclear how long Sanchez will be out for.
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Yet it's claimed Mauricio Pochettino wants to give back-up stopper Djordje Petrovic a run in the team. A move to Chelsea was a potential exit route for Ramsdale, who has fallen down Arsenal's pecking order since David Raya arrived from Brentford in September.
It's now difficult to see where Ramsdale goes in January, should he decide to leave Arsenal. A move to Newcastle could still be on the cards, with Nick Pope ruled out for at least another four months with a shoulder injury. A loan switch could also suit Ramsdale.
Why Solanke?
Dominic Solanke is on Arsenal's transfer radar (Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Who do you think Arsenal should sign in January? Let us know in the comments below!
As reported by the Daily Star on Saturday, Arsenal are weighing up a move for Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke. Arteta is considering bringing in a new striker in January to boost their title hopes, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggling for goals.
It's believed Brentford star Ivan Toney is Arsenal's first-choice target, but he could cost them up to £100million. Solanke would be a slightly cheaper option and, at 26, is a year younger than Toney. He's also enjoying a stellar season for the Cherries.
Solanke, who is under contract until June 2027, has scored nine Premier League goals this season to finally prove his top-flight credentials. It's the first time he's flourished in the big time since Bournemouth paid Liverpool £19m for his services in January 2019.
Solanke also knows what it's like to play for a big club after his spells with Chelsea and Liverpool. The U20 World Cup winner is also an England international, having won one senior cap in 2017. He's likely to add to that tally this year, considering his good form.
Arteta vindicated
Arsenal have faced a lot of criticism in recent months for signing Kai Havertz in June. The German international, 24, scored just a single penalty in his first 19 games for the club but has bagged four goals in his last six outings to boost Arsenal's hopes of silverware.
Arteta reacted to Havertz's critics after the player's latest goal in the 2-0 win against Brighton on Sunday. He was asked whether Havertz is now providing the performances that are expected of him. Arteta replied: "In terms of goals, yes.
"In terms of performances it’s exactly the same as he was at the start of the season. You can see he’s confident and enjoying his football."
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