Arsenal could make moves in the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta bids to strengthen his grip on the Premier League title
Mikel Arteta gestures from the techincal area during the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge and Arsenal
Mikel Arteta could make moves in the January transfer window(Image: (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images))
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Arsenal could be set to bolster their squad in the January transfer window as they bid to maintain control in the Premier League title race. The Gunners remained top at the turn of the year after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Arsenal have now been perched at the top of the table for 12 consecutive weeks, with Manchester City seemingly their only major contender for the crown. On top of their impressive recent form, Mikel Arteta has also been boosted by the returns of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes from injury, of late.
However, the opening of the winter window could provide the Spaniard with an opportunity to further improve his squad as the Gunners continue to fight on all four fronts. Now, Mirror Football brings you two of the biggest stories from the Emirates Stadium.
Real Madrid target
Arteta may have deep depth when it comes to his midfield, but with a Premier League title on the line, the Arsenal boss will certainly add quality to his squad whenever he can. While January is seemingly going to be a quiet month for the Gunners, they reportedly have their eye on Real Madrid's Arda Guler - a player they've previously been linked with.
According to CaughtOffside, the Turkish sensation is greatly admired by Arteta and the north London side who hope to structure a deal to sign the 20-year-old this month. However, the report states that the Spanish giants have no intention of parting ways with the midfielder.
Arda Guler plays a pass
Arda Guler is reportedly of interest to Arsenal(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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While it remains to be seen whether Madrid can be convinced to sell the youngster, he's certainly got a big fan in his boss Xabi Alonso. The 44-year-old paid Guler a huge compliment earlier this season who has become a key figure in his side.
Discussing the Turkish international's talent, Alonso said: "With his quality, he’s a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special — that natural talent you can’t teach."
Possible January windfall
While there isn't expected to be a significant outlay for Arsenal this month, they could be raking in some transfer profit thanks to two particular sell-on clauses. The two players that could bank the Gunners a winter windfall are Nuno Tavares and Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
Tavares, who plays for Lazio, was sold permanently to the Serie A side last summer for around £7.5million after an initial loan stint in Rome. In that deal was the inclusion of a sell-on clause which has estimated at 25% of the fee, although Italian sources have claimed the percentage could be as high as 35%.
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Patrick Berg of FK Bodo/Glimt competes for the ball with Nuno Tavares
The sale of Nuno Tavares from Lazio could bank Arsenal a pretty penny
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The Portugal international could be departing Lazio this month with the club in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. In the case of Norton-Cuffy, who currently stars for Genoa, his former club negotiated the sell-on clause in his £1.75m move, plus £1.75m in bonuses, to the Serie A side in August 2024.
The Englishman is reportedly being monitored by Juventus and Inter Milan. Any move for the 21-year-old will bolster Arsenal's financial prowess and give the north Londoners even more to smile about as they maintain their title charge.