28 December 2023 , 03:00
670
0
Arsenal can move back to the top of the Premier League with victory over West Ham on Thursday.
The Gunners were leapfrogged by Liverpool on Boxing Day after Jurgen Klopp's side beat Burnley 2-0 to go two points clear at the summit. However, Mikel Arteta's men will be confident they can respond and return to the top of the tablet, given their recent home record in this fixture.
In fact, Arsenal have won their last seven matches against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium dating back to 2015. However, the Hammers did have the upper hand in the Carabao Cup fixture earlier this season, as David Moyes' side won 3-1. Arteta will also have one eye on the January transfer window coming up - and the Gunners could be busy as they try and bolster this squad. Here is the latest rumours from the Emirates.
Arsenal's January plan
Mikel Arteta has claimed Arsenal are ready to be active in the January transfer window - but admitted it's a "very tricky market" to work in.
"If there is something that we can [do to] improve the squad and that needs appear, and we cannot fulfil it with players here, we are always going to be open to do that because we want to be stronger," Arteta said.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"We have certain targets, ideas if things happen. As well, we don’t know how the squad is going to look in two weeks’ time and you have to be always prepared for that.
"But it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well - and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls."
Mikel Arteta has outlined his Arsenal January transfer plans (Getty Images)Arsenal 'scout' Onana
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has drawn up scouting reports for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, as per The Sun.
Onana has excelled in the Toffees midfield so far this season and has been linked with a move away in January. However, after paying £33million including add-ons to sign him last season, Everton won't want to lose too much on the Belgium if they do decide to sell in the winter window.
As for the Gunners, they could be looking to add another midfielder to their ranks with Fabio Vieira injured and Thomas Partey on his way out. Onana would add steel and strength to the Arsenal midfield.
Raya on Ramsdale battle
David Raya has admitted he and Aaron Ramsdale doesn't concern himself with what is being said in the "outside world" - as both battle for the Arsenal No.1 shirt.
Ramsdale has been linked with a January move away from the Gunners - with Chelsea and Newcastle linked - after losing his place to Raya as first-choice. Raya has started in every Premier League game apart from one since coming into the side for the trip to Everton in September.
"It's a big thing when another goalie comes to a club," Raya told the club's website. "Aaron [Ramsdale] had a magnificent season last year so I’m just here to help the team to win the games when the gaffer puts me in.
"My relationship with Aaron is really good. We’re teammates and try to make each other better in every single session. We don’t try to hear what the outside world is saying, just focus on the team. I’m enjoying every time I go out there, playing football and doing what I love, especially enjoying every single training session as well. It’s incredible to be part of this football club and hopefully we can fight for the title."