Arsenal are gearing up for a return to Premier League action, hoping to round off a successful week with a victory over West Ham.
The Gunners will head to East London on a high, following triumphs over Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP, as Mikel Arteta seems to have steered his team back on course with the return of Martin Odegaard. The Spanish manager will be keen for his squad to maintain their positive momentum during the festive season and steer clear of injuries as the January transfer window looms.
Rumours are set to ramp up over the next month, with Arsenal expected to be linked with numerous potential ins and outs at the Emirates. Already, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have been touted as subjects of interest from Arsenal and other clubs, reports the Mirror.
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Gabriel Magalhaes (L) of Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres (R) of Sporting CP seen in action during the UEFA Champions League football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal
LISBON, PORTUGAL - 2024/11/26: Gabriel Magalhaes (L) of Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres (R) of Sporting CP seen in action during the UEFA Champions League football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Estadio Jose Alvalade Stadium. (Final score: Sporting CP 1 - 5 Arsenal). (Photo by Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (Image: Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images)
Arsenal are reportedly open to the idea of defender Jakub Kiwior leaving the club on loan in January, following an enquiry from Napoli about the player's availability.
Italian reports suggest Antonio Conte's side have shown interest similar to that of Juventus and Inter Milan last summer. Despite Kiwior's peripheral role at the Emirates, Conte is said to be uncertain about the move, although it could provide more playing opportunities for the player at the Serie A side.
January is not anticipated to be a hectic period for the Gunners. They've been linked with moves for Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, but neither transfer is likely to materialise in the first month of 2025.
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres (Image: Getty Images)
ESPN reports the North London club are preparing for a subdued transfer window with minimal activity expected. Despite their past willingness to bolster their squad mid-season with players like Jorginho and Leandro Trossard who were signed in January, Arsenal stayed notably quiet last term. The Gunners would only be spurred into the market by an injury or an unexpected transfer opportunity presenting itself.
Ahead of the clash against Arsenal, West Ham's manager Julen Lopetegui praised Arteta and his squad leading up to their encounter, stating. Lopetegui said: "He was a big, big player, in England above all. After that, he is doing very well as a coach. He's managing Arsenal in his way to work, and you can see how well he's doing. So, we have to be ready for a really tough challenge, against top players. But, we have to believe in ourselves."
Sharing his thoughts on Arsenal's recent victory over Sporting, Lopetegui remarked: "It was a very good performance, for sure," and recognised Mikel's diverse tactical options, saying: "Mikel has a lot of options, and a lot of ways to win. I have seen it, and they played really well."
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