31 December 2023 , 03:00
621
0
Arsenal could be in for a busy January transfer window, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting injury problems have left him "really short" in certain positions.
"We have positions that we have been very exposed [in] for the last six weeks and hopefully we are going to get players back," Arteta said earlier this month. "We have certain targets, ideas if things happen.
"But it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well, and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls." And ahead of the window opening on Monday, here are the latest transfer rumours coming out of North London.
Arsenal given Toney alternative
Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January, but pundit Chris Sutton believes Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke would be a superior signing given his excellent start to the season.
"Brentford's Ivan Toney has been linked for a while, but he has not played for months because of his suspension," Sutton told BBC Sport. "He will have been training, but how much match sharpness does he have?
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
" Arsenal are trying to win the title, so they haven't got time to wait for anyone to get up to speed. If we are looking at the names that are supposedly within their grasp, Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke stands out as the best candidate."
Read the full story here
(Getty Images)Nketiah stance
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have rejected an initial approach from Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah.
Palace have held a long-term interest in the England international, who has scored five league goals so far this season. However, the report states that Arsenal have told Palace Nketiah is not for sale as things stand.
It is noted that their stance could change towards the end of the window should they manage to sign a new striker, but the Gunners will have to be careful to stay within spending rules having already spent big over the summer.
Read the full story here
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates the winning goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)Arteta identifies problem areas
Although Arsenal are currently just two points behind leaders Liverpool, Arteta has warned they need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are win their first league title since 2004 and that could result in some new signings.
"If we don't improve in the boxes, no [Arsenal won't win the league]," Arteta said after the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to West Ham. "Because at the end that is what it is. It's not panic, it is about trying to do more, do better and win games. If the team plays like this, we are going to win a lot of games.
"We have to do what we can control. It's not time to look at other teams. You see how difficult it is for other teams yesterday and today and it is going to continue to be like that, because the level of the league is incredible."
Read the full story here
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes