Liverpool are still keen on signing Marc Guehiplaceholder image
Liverpool are still keen on signing Marc Guehi | Getty Images
How Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up could look based on the latest January transfer rumours
Arsenal are currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and have lost just two games so far all season. With the January transfer window now open for business, Mikel Arteta is looking to firm up his squad and secure the club’s first league title since 2004.
Thanks to Manchester City drawing their last three games, the Gunners have stretched their lead in this season’s title race. City and Aston Villa are now level on points with 43 each, while Arsenal dropped points for the first time in six games against reigning champions Liverpool.
As the leaders hope to stay ahead of City and Villa, we’ve taken a look at who they could sign to bolster their ranks. Here’s how Arteta could line up after the transfer window based on the latest Arsenal rumours.
Arsenal goalkeeper and defence - Marc Guehi linked
David Raya will keep his spot as first choice goalkeeper for Arsenal, while Kepa Arrizabalaga continues to provide solid back-up.
Another firm favourite is Jurrien Timber, who plays a key role at right-back. Opposite him at left-back, Arteta has been deploying loan signing Piero Hincapie in the absence of Riccardo Calafiori, who has not featured since before Christmas.
Arsenal have been linked with Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, who typically plays at right-back. However, as 23-year-old can comfortably play at left-back and Timber has secured his role on the right, the Gunners could bring in Livramento to ease the pressure in the absence of Calafiori.
Otherwise, they risk losing a huge transfer target for a bargain price. If they do sign Guehi, he will likely link up with William Saliba, who has only missed games due to injury this season.
Arsenal midfield and attack - Man United target poached
Arsenal are well-stacked when it comes to their engine room, with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and summer signing Martin Zubimendi seemingly the preferred midfield combination. Arteta also has Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard to call upon when needed.
Bukayo Saka continues to be a nightmare for the opposition and a thorn in the side of any left-back. However, Arsenal have been linked with a new option on the left, with Yan Diomande on their radar.
The 19-year-old RB Leipzig star, who has seven goals and four assists so far this season, is wanted by multiple clubs. Fichajes has reported that Manchester United are pushing to beat the competition to his signature, which includes Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. Diomande will cost in the region of €60-70 million (£52-60m).
After finishing last season with 54 goals in all competitions, Viktor Gyokeres’ start to Premier League life has been deemed underwhelming. However, after splashing more than £60 million on the Sweden international, he at least deserves a full debut season to prove himself, especially as Arsenal are leading the Premier League pack.
Dream Arsenal XI after January: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Guehi, Livramento, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Diomande, Gyokeres.
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