Eddie Howe and Mikel Artetaplaceholder image
Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta | Getty Images
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has until the deadline on Monday 2nd February to sign some players
Arsenal have the chance to bring in some new faces before the end of the transfer window. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well over the coming weeks. That would help free up space and funds in their squad to pave the way for reinforcements.
The Gunners remain top of the Premier League table after 21 fixtures. They sit above Manchester City and Aston Villa as they chase down the title. Mikel Arteta’s side won 4-1 away at Portsmouth over the weekend in the third round of the FA Cup at Fratton Park.
Arsenal should take advantage of Newcastle United’s woes
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed Profit and Sustainability Rules are impacting on what business they can do this winter. He has said, as per Sky Sports: "Regarding transfers, everyone [at the club] is fully supportive. The problem for us is PSR, which we've said many times. I don't think there's an issue with anyone saying 'we can't do this or that' - it's what we can do and can't do. The key thing for us to consider is business now and business in the summer, value for money now and value for money in the summer and signing the right player.
"If you sign the wrong player, you're carrying that for a three, four, five year contract. Are the right players available in January? There's a lot to discuss and a lot to consider in our short-term need versus the long-term decision of the football club."
Arsenal are said to be keen on Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento along with Manchester City, as per The Sun. The Gunners could attempt to take advantage of the Magpies’ PSR concerns by testing their resolve with an offer for the defender. He would compete with Jurrien Timber for a place in Arteta’s team if he joined.
Livramento rose up through Chelsea’s ranks before linking up with Southampton as a youngster. He then became an important asset for the Saints before the Toon Army swooped in for his services. The England international, who has featured on three occasions for the Three Lions, is closing in on 100 games since his move to St James’ Park.
If he linked up with Arsenal, that could pave the way for Ben White to leave. He has seen his game time dry up recently and has slipped down the pecking order. He is said to be on the radar of Everton at the moment.
Why Sandro Tonali would also be ideal for Arsenal as well as Tino Livramento
Arsenal should also try and make the most of Newcastle’s issues and try and sign Sandro Tonali. The 25-year-old, who is an Italy international with 30 caps to his name, has been linked with Chelsea recently. The Gunners should now join the race for his signature.
The former Brescia man spent time at AC Milan before his switch to England and made 130 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A giants. He has since played 83 matches for the Toon Army, 26 of which have come this season, and he has scored seven goals. His contract in the North East expires in 2029, with his current club also holding an option of a further 12 months on top of that.
Tonali would be a shrewd signing for Arsenal if they managed to land him. He would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. In addition, he would inject some more quality into their starting XI as they look to finally win the league and get their hands on the trophy after falling just short over the last three years.
The Lodi-born man could battle it out with the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard, among others, for a place in Arteta’s team. The Gunners have to juggle their domestic duties with European football which can be tough at times. Therefore, they could do with as many bodies as possible to help deal with their workload.
Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday night with a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg clash against Chelsea. They will be in confident mood ahead of that one after their victory at Portsmouth and they will want to keep their momentum going for as long as possible. Their upcoming opponents have recently turned to Liam Rosenior as their new head coach following Enzo Maresca’s departure.
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