In terms of urgency and severity, the entirety of this list should just be centre-backs and more centre-backs. But straightforward has never been the Arsenal way. With reports pointing towards Arsenal not having much money to spend this winter, the signings on this list could come in the form of a loan deal instead. And if they were to make a big signing, it’d only occur if outgoings were to take place first.
Here are 5 players Arsenal could sign this January.
Daniele Rugani
Out of favour and out of form, Daniele Rugani has found himself way down the pecking order at Juventus. This season he’s been limited to just four league appearances for the Italian Champions. At 24 years of age he’s in the prime of his developmental years, meaning there’s still time to salvage his fading career.
Arsenal is desperate for centre-backs as their established ones aren’t up to standard, while the younger ones don’t look like they’ll amount to anything special. Due to that, Sven Mislintat cannot pass up on the opportunity to acquire the services of Rugani, a defender whose confident on the ball and solid in the air – everything Arsenal currently lack.
Éver Banega
As one of Emery’s former disciples, it’s no surprise that these links are so incredibly strong. The Argentinean worked under the Spaniard back at Sevilla, where the duo won back to back Europa League titles. Emery clearly believes the Gunners don’t have a player in that mould, one that’s versatile enough to be a holding midfielder AND attacking midfielder.
The 30-year-old has a €20m release clause that the Gunners could activate, despite the public resistance from Sevilla. This makes him an affordable option, but with the midfielder being on the wrong side of 30, would this be a short-term or long-term option?
Gary Cahill
When this deal was first rumoured, Arsenal fans collectively sighed across the internet. But on the face of it, would this deal really be a disaster for the Gunners? As stated earlier, the Gunners need a defender and Gary Cahill is an experienced former Premier League winner. He would bring much steel, leadership and composure to a discombobulated Arsenal back line.
This season, the former England international has played minimal minutes for Chelsea, with Maurizio Sarri all but banishing him to the unwanted list. It’s reported that the Blues would be willing to loan Arsenal Cahill to the end of the season. But you must wonder whether the Blues would REALLY directly strengthen one of their fiercest top-four rivals.
Yannick Carrasco
In the Premier League, Arsenal is one of the highest scoring teams, it’s just defensive solidity that they require. So, it’s pretty clear that defensive reinforcements should be a priority, so guess what, in response Arsenal are chasing wingers instead! According to several reports, the Gunners are in talks with Carrasco’s agent as the Belgian has expressed a strong interest in playing in the Premier League.
The former Atletico man would have to take a pay cut to join the Gunners, but all signs lead to him being willing to do so. On form, Carrasco is a quick, agile and skilful winger that would assimilate seamlessly in the Premier League. He would be a significant upgrade on both Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi combined.
Denis Suárez
With Aaron Ramsey’s future confirmed to Juventus, it’s time for the Gunners to look to life without their current longest-serving player. In world football, there aren’t many who possess the same qualities as the Welshman, but Unai Emery is the type of manager to mould a similar player into what he wants.
Having worked under Emery at Sevilla, there is already a personal relationship in place between Suarez and Emery. Last weekend, Suárez didn’t even make the 25-man squad that travelled to Getafe, that’s how out of favour he is at the club. Suárez possesses good ball control, an astute eye for a pass and great link-up play, he fits Arsenal’s style of play perfectly.
Who would you like to see Arsenal sign this window?
