Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta seeks to keep the lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal have had an impressive season so far as they exceed expectations. Kicking off the second half of their season, they will spend Christmas day at the top of the table – their next match being West Ham United on boxing day (26th December).
On paper, this looks like an easy fixture for the Gunners. Arsenal are steaming ahead, while their London rivals are not looking great so far this season. However, there are complications that Arsenal must address.
Pushing aside the psychological impact of the World Cup break on players, there is one player that Arsenal will miss for the start of their re-surge and that is Gabriel Jesus. The star striker who was signed in summer has adapted well in North London, becoming one of the main creative outlets in Mikel Arteta’s attacking system.
There are options. Yesterday, the Top Flight reported that Mikel Arteta planned to use Gabriel Martinelli as a striker for a temporary fix. But the Spanish coach is not opposing the idea of a January swoop in the transfer window.
According to the Mirror, Mikel Arteta has teased fans by saying the “transfer window is an option” with regard to replacing Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI.
Who could Arsenal sign in January to replace Gabriel Jesus?
As is the case with most transfer windows, the options are endless. The first name which springs to mind is Joao Felix. According to Goal, Diego Simeone is not open to the idea of selling players who are falling down his pecking order – with Felix certainly being one of them.
If Gabriel Martinelli does play as a number nine against West Ham, which wouldn’t surprise me given Eddie Nketiah’s inconsistency, then he could fill the void but it leaves his wingers’ spot up for grabs. It works out perfect that way, as Mykhailo Mudryk who is Arsenal’s chief transfer target, could be introduced straight into the starting XI. More on that below.
What is your predicted finish for Arsenal at the end of this season?