Arsenal have been linked with several deals during the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta prepares his team for their Carabao Cup semi-final
Mikel Arteta and Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about Ethan Nwaneri(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have a few weeks left to conclude their business in the January transfer window. Mikel Arteta’s side are battling across multiple competitions and could turn to new signings to help push them over the line.
The Gunners have used their enviable squad depth to full effect so far this term. The club hold a six-point gap at the top of the Premier League, lead the Champions League standings and remain in both domestic cup competitions.
Ethan Nwaneri update
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has offered an update on Ehtan Nwaneri’s role at the club. The highly-rated youngster has seen his playing time diminish this season, leading to speculation over his future.
Bournemouth have been linked with a loan move for the versatile forward after selling Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City. The 18-year-old made 11 league starts for the Gunners last campaign but his six Premier League appearances this term have all been off the bench due to the club’s summer recruitment.
The arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, combined with Arsenal’s existing forward options, have contributed to limiting Nwaneri’s minutes. The teenager was given his fourth start of the season as Arsenal overcame Portsmouth in the FA Cup and his performance was praised by his manager.
When discussing Nwaneri, who signed a new contract in the summer, Arteta said: "He deserved that. Because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the positions, he hasn't been able to play. Today he's done it, and I think he had some very good minutes."
Ethan Nwaneri
Nwaneri started Arsenal's win over Portsmouth at the weekend(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal face transfer battle
Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs with an interest in Marseille starlet Darryl Bakola. The 18-year-old winger made his first team debut last January and he has featured for Roberto De Zerbi’s side on 10 occasions.
French publication La Provence reports that the Gunners are one of several clubs monitoring Bakola. Arsenal are claimed to be joined by Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Eintracht Frankfurt and Saudi Arabian clubs in the battle for the teenager’s signature.
Darryl Bakola of Marseille
Darryl Bakola started Marseille's Champions League win over Newcastle in November(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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The report adds that Bakola and fellow youngster Robinio Vaz could leave in the current transfer window after failing to agree new deals. Bakola, who can play in attacking midfield or out wide, has rejected an offer from Marseille, with his representatives said to have been angered by the wages offered.
However, La Provence states that the French club are unwilling to improve their terms. The rising prospect’s contract is due to run until 2027 but Marseille could choose to cash in on the forward.
Outlining the financial challenges that Marseille face, club president Pablo Longoria recently said: “We need to maintain our competitiveness and reduce the team's cost.”