Toney signs as three leave and Arsenal boss Arteta eyes Aston Villa star
The task is clear for Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sit second in the Premier League after Thursday's defeat to West Ham. The Gunners two points below Liverpool and are three clear of Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand.
However, Arsenal could dip into the transfer market in January to try and give them a boost to get them over the line. On Wednesday, Arteta admitted the Gunners are ready to be active in the winter window. "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.
With that in mind, we play Managing Arsenal and look what business Arsenal should do in January.
Saying goodbye
There are several players who might be sold in January to free up funds for more arrivals. Thomas Partey is among those that could leave. The Ghanaian has started just three Premier League matches this season and hasn't played for the Gunners since early October due to a hamstring issue. His injury record is becoming a major problem for Arteta and Arsenal can't now rely on him to be available every week. This could see Partey sold, with Juventus known to be admirers of the 30-year-old.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Cedric Soares is another on the chopping block, and although he is free to talk to non-British clubs over signing a pre-contract agreement, he could secure an early exit in January. It would be a smart option for both parties, with Cedric struggling for game time and Arsenal needing more quality in full-back areas.
Eddie Nketiah could leave Arsenal in January (Getty Images)Arsenal have been heavily linked with signing a new striker in January, and if they manage to get one over the line, surely Arteta will have to sell one of his forward players. Gabriel Jesus is no doubt the Gunners' first choice right now, which would leave Eddie Nketiah potentially heading for the exit door.
Nketiah has scored five goals in the Premier League this term but hasn't started a top-flight match since the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. The 23-year-old would be perfect for West Ham, Fulham or Wolves in January while an Nketiah-plus cash deal for Brentford's Ivan Toney could be a deal worth considering for the Gunners.
Arteta should try and keep Aaron Ramsdale at the club, but the goalkeeper does need to play more football if he wants to force his way into Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024. Jorginho, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are among the others who could leave in January, but Arsenal should keep them around in case there is an injury crisis and their squad gets stretched.
Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move away from Arsenal in January (Getty Images)Incomings
Now for the exiting part. Arsenal's lack of a world-class goalscorer and 'poacher' in their squad has led to speculation over a move for Toney, who is set to return from his eight-month suspension. The 27-year-old scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances for Brentford last season, before being hit with a betting ban.
The only worry about Toney would be that he hasn't played a competitive game since May, so he may not hit the ground running like others could. However, his strike rate in a mid-table Brentford side was second to none, and it's frightening what he could do in a team with even better service.
Arsenal should sign Ivan Toney in January (Getty Images)He would be the first player I would get the through the Emirates doors, while Douglas Luiz would be the second. Kai Havertz's form has quietened the need slightly for a new midfielder, but Arsenal should still break the bank to try and sign Luiz, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, in January.
Martin Zubimendi is an alternative and it would cost around £52million to prize him away from Real Sociedad, but Luiz should be preferred due to his experience in the Premier League. He has made 157 appearances in the top flight since joining Aston Villa from Manchester City in 2019, and has starred this season as Unai Emery's Villa challenge towards the top end of the Premier League.
A right-back would also be a welcome addition in January, especially if Cedric is allowed to be sold. Takehiro Tomiyasu has often impressed at left-back when Oleksandr Zinchenko doesn't play, but there isn't an adequate, top-class back up for Ben White. Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, would be someone Arsenal should look at, considering his versality to play in a number of positions.
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