Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could be among Mikel Arteta's targets for Arsenal in the January transfer window | National World / Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could be among Mikel Arteta's targets for Arsenal in the January transfer window | National World / Getty Images | National World / Getty Images
Mikel Arteta will hope to boost Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League hopes in the January transfer window
Arsenal’s net summer spend of £246 million fixed their problems in midfield and attack while adding crucial defensive depth so it’s hard to see where they can realistically improve the starting XI. Hard, but not impossible though. Left wing is the obvious spot after The Gunners were linked with several attacking superstars in the last transfer window while they could use additional reinforcements in midfield and up front.
Somehow Mikel Merino has played almost as many games at striker as in midfield once again this season while Arsenal’s options to rotate with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the double-pivot are limited to Merino again or Christian Norgaard. So who can Arsenal fans hope to find nestled in the proverbial Christmas tree that is Fabrizio Romano’s Twitter feed?
Who is on Arsenal’s Christmas transfer wishlist?
Rodrygo - Topping the list is a move that appeared unrealistic in the summer, but could be a lot closer to happening this time around. Rodrygo was as important to Real Madrid’s latest Champions League triumph as Vinicius Junior and is the definition of a ‘big game player’. The Gunners need players like Rodrygo who regularly make crucial knockout interventions if they are to fulfil their potential and be crowned kings of Europe. He won’t come cheap - with a reported price tag of €85m-€90m (£75m-£80m) but can you put a price on a Champions League title?
Michael Olise - There’s probably only about a 2% chance of this happening - but there wasn’t much likelihood of me getting a quad bike when I was 8 and I still asked Santa for one. It’s called a wish list for a reason and as one of the most exciting and threatening wingers in the world right now, Olise would solidify Arsenal’s status as the best team in Europe.
Kobbie Mainoo - Likewise a bit more of a long shot, though Manchester United are open to selling the 20-year-old. Mainoo is the prime candidate to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund by finding success the moment he leaves Old Trafford and though he’d not be guaranteed many starts at the Emirates, he’d be perfectly set to get back to his best under Mikel Arteta.
Rodri Mendoza - If Arsenal don’t want to go for a cheaper and longer-term approach to midfield depth, Mendoza is the perfect player. Though actually older than Mainoo, he’d be available for less than half the price and possesses the tools to have the same impact on the Premier League as Rodri or Kevin de Bruyne.
Ivan Toney - Arsenal need a striker to rotate with Gyokeres who is available, Premier League proven and able to hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium and Toney ticks every box.
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