With the January transfer window approaching, here are the signings Mikel Arteta will most likely make for Arsenal.
Arsenal are having a pretty good season, aren’t they? Sitting top of the Premier League table heading into the World Cup break, it is the perfect opportunity for Mikel Arteta to assess his next moves and where the club must improve in the transfer window – particularly with Gabriel Jesus out injured.
Without further ado, here are the 3 most likely transfers I would expect Arsenal to make.
#1 Most likely – Mykhailo Mudryk (Shakhtar Donetsk)
To me, this one is starting to feel like a no-brainer. Various outlets have already covered the signing and it does not seem like Arsenal’s interest in Mudryk is cooling off.
If Arsenal were to only sign one player this transfer window, it has to be Mudryk. His footwork is absolutely incredible and he loves to dribble against his opposition, completing the run more often than not. The Gunners have seen how this can be beneficial to their overall play, with Gabriel Martinelli possessing the trait and being one of the better players this season.
Transfermarkt has set Mudryk’s current market value at 40m euros. This is certainly a price tag which Arsenal can afford and they should absolutely jump at the chance. As soon as the transfer window opens, there will be a flurry of European clubs interested in signing Mudryk, therefore, the Gunners board must be efficient.
#2 Somewhat likely – Nicolo Zaniolo (Roma)
Another name which has cropped up in the media several times in the last couple of days is Nicolo Zaniolo and this deal just makes perfect sense. Zaniolo is an up and coming star, but he is proving himself again and again in Serie A.
Playing across a variety of different positions, Zaniolo could even be the fix to Gabriel Jesus’ injury. Zaniolo can play in midfield, out wide on either wing or even as a striker. He doesn’t compensate in either position, as he is one of the best all-round players in world football at the moment.
You might think that I’m going too far with this one, but they are not my words – Nicolo Zaniolo has been likened to Kaka before. While this is certainly high praise, he will welcome comparisons like this and if he is even half the player Kaka was, then he will be the perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s winning philosophy.
In terms of value, transfermarkt values Zaniolo at a little less (30m euros) than Mudryk, which will suit Arsenal’s recruitment team.
#3 Potential but not as likely – Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
This one seems like more a dream, but it could definitely happen. Reports are suggesting that Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid is looking for a new club after falling down the pecking order under Diego Simeone.
Like Zaniolo, Felix is another versatile forward. Primarily playing as a centre forward, the Portugal international can also drift out wide and play as a left-sided winger if need be. This can only mean great things for Mikel Arteta. Not only would Felix be the ideal replacement while Gabriel Jesus is injured, but he also adds a much needed sense of healthy competition to the indestructible Arsenal front three.
Arsenal are certainly interested in Joao Felix, and why wouldn’t they be?
Ageing at just 23 years old, he would be both a short-term and long-term signing. Transfermarkt value Felix at 50m euros but it will take more to sign him – once being one of the most expensive young players in the world.
Who would you like to see Arsenal sign in January?