We are less than a week from the opening of this winter’s transfer window, so we thought we’d look at the latest Arsenal rumours going around.
Dimitri Payet is the biggest name linked with a move to our club currently, and we are said to be the favourites for his signature. I don’t actually think he will be moving next month despite his club’s current struggles, but if we could bring him back to the form of last season, he would be a huge addition.
The next two we are linked are both young and full of potential, but are also starring in top leagues in the German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A at present.
Julian Brandt is the latest German to emerge from their international youth sides to break into the senior team. The winger is also claimed to be on Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United’s radars having impressed for Bayer Leverkusen thus far, and could well add to our options out wide, with Alexis having staked his claim for a move to centre-forward.
The last speculated transfer target is Franck Kessie who is currently in top form for Atalanta at present. The defensive midfielder has been key in helping his side stay within three points of the Champions League places, chipping in with seven goals as well as stamping out attacks. The Ivorian is being watched by a number of other clubs however, and it would likely drive his price up.
One player linked with a possible move in the opposite direction is Jack Wilshere. The midfielder is enjoying a loan spell with Bournemouth at present, but according to Italian reports, is wanted by AC Milan and Roma. His future will most definitely not be sorted out before the summer, and should Cazorla not extend his deal, then I expect Jack to return to our playing squad.
Another Englishman is said to be wanted, with Sam Allardyce said to be eyeing a deal to bring Kieran Gibbs in. The former England boss is looking to make him his first signing for Crystal Palace, and Arsenal have been linked with a number of replacements for the left-back over the past year, and could well cash-in.
Mathie Debuchy is another being eyed for a winter move, with Marseille said to want a temporary deal. The Frenchman has no chance of displacing Hector Bellerin from our starting line-up, and is most likely growing frustrated at his lack of action. I’m not sure Wenger is trusting in Jenkinson as back-up to the Spaniard however, and I cant imagine our manager would be keen on bringing in a new left and right-back next month.
Should we let the full-backs go? Could Brandt strengthen our attack? Do you think Payet will be moving next month?
Pat J