14 January 2024 , 04:00
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Arsenal are not in action this week but Mikel Arteta would have undoubtedly been keeping an eye on other results to see how they impact the Gunners ahead of their return.
Next up for the north Londoners is the visit of Crystal Palace to the Emirates next Saturday, where anything less than a home victory may see many write off Arsenal's title hopes altogether. The post-Christmas period was a miserable one for Arteta's side, who are winless in four.
Arsenal's last victory came against Brighton on December 17, but since then they have drawn at Liverpool and been beaten by West Ham and Fulham in the league. The Gunners are also out of the FA Cup after a home defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp's side last week.
This recent run has sparked many fans to call for further additions this month, but so far Arsenal are yet to announce any new signings. With that being said, here are some of the main talking points surrounding the Gunners on Sunday, January 14.
Target compared to Thierry Henry
Alexander Isak is compared to Thierry Henry by Newcastle's coaching staff (Getty Images)Alan Shearer has claimed that Newcastle's coaching staff have compared star striker Alexander Isak to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
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The Gunners were linked with a move for Isak before he eventually joined the Magpies, but amid rumours Eddie Howe's side will need to sell to adhere to financial fair play rules, Arsenal are linked with the Sweden international again.
"I love Isak, not just because of who he plays for or the position he plays in, or his excellent record of 23 goals in 36 starts in all competitions, but because of how he does it," Shearer, who is Newcastle's record scorer, wrote in The Athletic.
"As a kid... he was inevitably compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another Swedish legend, but the comparison they make within Newcastle's coaching staff is to Thierry Henry. You can see it in that blistering pace, the languid grace, that gorgeous, fluid movement."
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Arsenal ready to battle Man Utd for striker
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee (Getty Images)Arsenal are weighing up a January swoop for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee but will have to beat Manchester United in the race for his signature.
According to the Telegraph, ex-Dutch youth international Zirkzee has had a £50million price tag slapped on his head, a fairly achievable fee for either of the Premier League giants, although a move to either Arsenal or United this month is likely to be complicated.
The 22-year-old former Bayern Munich prodigy, who was let go by the German giants 18 months ago, has scored eight goals and registered four assists across 22 appearances for Serie A side Bologna so far this term.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee would certainly offer a different kind of option in attack for both Arteta and Ten Hag's sides, but it is the Gunners who are in greater need of a new striker.
Arsenal told they aren't City's main challengers
Rodri believes Liverpool are the biggest threat to City's reign as championsManchester City midfielder Rodri believes that Arsenal's current crop are no longer Pep Guardiola's side's main challengers.
Instead, he feels that title now goes to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who currently sit five points in front of the Gunners. The Spain international told City's official YouTube channel: "If you ask me, our real contenders are Liverpool because they have the experience of winning in the last years. Arsenal showed the level last year they can do and this year they have the experience they didn't have last time."
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Perhaps if Arteta were to oversee a few more arrivals between now and the end of the month, Rodri would change his mind, but it is damning to hear how the Gunners are viewed by their rivals.
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