Arsenal manager may look to bring in reinforcements this January.placeholder image
Arsenal manager may look to bring in reinforcements this January. | AFP via Getty Images
Premier League leaders Arsenal could exert their dominance with key acquisitions this transfer window
Arsenal are firmly in control of the Premier League title race and sit six points clear at the top of the table with 17 matches of the season left to play.
The Gunners have not won the title for 22 years and earmarked this campaign early on as one in which they aim to end that hoodoo. With champions Liverpool having fallen away from the title race and Manchester City faltering with draws in recent weeks, Mikel Arteta’s side remain in the ascendency.
The January transfer window was expected by many to be a busy one for Arsenal’s rivals rather than for the Gunners themselves, but the leaders have maintained readiness to pounce on any market opportunity that has arisen. This may be the case according to recent reports, which suggest that the Gunners are prepared to make multiple major transfer moves this month.
Arda Guler move ‘awaits’ amid Arsenal interest
The Mirror relay reports from Defensa Central in Spain that Arsenal are ‘considering a move’ for Real Madrid and Turkey star Arda Guler. The 20-year-old was a key player under Xabi Alonso but the Gunners are monitoring the situation following the replacement of the Spaniard with Alvaro Arbeloa in the Bernabeu hotseat and are ‘in prime position’ to secure a swoop, which could ‘await’ for the midfielder if he finds his trust dwindling under the new Real boss.
Guler is believed to be happy at Los Blancos but his situation could conceivably change in the near future. He is reportedly ‘waiting to see’ what his role will be under Arbeloa and will remember clearly his struggle for game-time under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Arsenal have been linked with Guler before and would be able to offer him a role in one of the most exciting projects in Europe, in addition to the pull of the Premier League as the Gunners look to begin an era of trophy-laden success.
Arsenal transfer links as Lille and Corinthians moves touted
Guler may not be the only prodigy Arsenal target this month, as they are reportedly ‘eyeing’ a mid-season swoop for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as per the same report from the Mirror. The 18-year-old has attracted attention from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid, in addition to the Gunners and previously-linked Manchester United.
He is said to be valued at ‘over £43m’ and will require a significant investment from potential suitors. Reporting continues that Arsenal have taken ‘formal steps’ towards securing his signature this month and will hope to seal a deal if Lille are willing to part ways with their prize asset.
Finally, reports from TNT Sports Brasil understand that Arsenal have ‘made contact’ with Corinthians to enquire about the availability of young starlet Breno Bidon, who recently shone for Brazil in the South American Under-20 Championship and already has 56 appearances under his belt for his club side.
Reporting continues that a proposal ‘has not’ been put on the table as of yet, but Sporting Lisbon are said to have had a £13m offer rejected already. Despite the existence of an £86m release clause in the contract of the midfielder, it is believed that Corinthians are holding out for a bid of at least £26m from the Gunners or rival suitors.
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