Thomas Partey axed from squad as Arsenal prepare four-man striker shortlist
Arsenal will need to get back to winning ways in the Premier League if they want to keep their dream of winning the title alive.
Mikel Arteta's side have picked up just one point from their last three games to slip to fourth in the table behind Liverpool, Aston Villa and champions Manchester City. Their latest defeat came on New Year's Eve, as Fulham recored a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
The Gunners may dip into the transfer market this month after their recent defeats, but who are they interested in? Here are the latest transfer rumours from the Emirates...
Partey misses out
Thomas Partey has NOT been included in Ghana's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which gets underway next month. The Arsenal midfielder, 30, hasn't played since October due to a thigh injury - and it could be a while before he plays in the Premier League again.
Partey's injury also raises doubts over a January transfer. He's no longer a guaranteed starter at the Emirates and been linked with a transfer away, with Juventus and clubs in Saudi Arabia thought to be interested. Yet his Ghana omission has cooled those rumours.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Who are Arsenal linked with?
With Arsenal's season stalling, many fans would like to see them sign a striker in January. But who are they linked with? Ivan Toney is the name on everyone's lips, but Brentford are determined to keep hold of him with Bryan Mbeumo nursing a serious ankle injury.
Yoane Wissa will also head off to the Ivory Coast soon to represent DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations. If Arsenal want to sign Toney, who has 18 months left on his deal, they will need to offer Brentford a huge amount of cash - perhaps more than £100million.
Ivan Toney is unlikely to secure a January move to Arsenal (Simon Stacpoole/Getty Images)Who do you think Arsenal should sign in January? Let us know in the comments below!
Victor Osimhen is also on Arsenal's shortlist, but there's a £120m release clause in his Napoli contract. And what about Dominic Solanke? He's in exceptional form for Bournemouth at the moment but is tied down to a long-term deal and will also be very expensive.
Perhaps Arsenal's best option is a loan signing, with Dusan Vlahovic's name being mentioned. Yet he's scored just 23 league goals in the last two-and-a-half years. Can Arteta rely on Vlahovic to score their goals? Probably not. It's a tough situation for Arsenal.
Arsenal miss Xhaka - Morgan
Piers Morgan believes Arsenal are missing Granit Xhaka's physicality in midfield. Xhaka, 31, was allowed to join Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen during the summer. "Arsenal are being bullied by teams who've realised our midfield/attack is very skilful, but physically weak," Morgan, who supports Arsenal, wrote on X on New Year's Eve.
"We need more muscle. I miss Xhaka. Arsenal look a pale imitation of last year's swaggering team... You can't lose to Aston Villa, West Ham and Fulham in the space of 3 weeks and expect to win the Premier League. It's over before we even get to 2024."
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