With Arsenal out of the FA Cup following a 2-0 defeat in the third round against Liverpool, the transfer window could be their only hope of keeping their hopes of winning silverware alive this season.
Goalscorer Is A Must
Even though Mikel Arteta’s side was top at Christmas, their lack of ruthlessness in front of the goal has meant that they are now fourth without a win in three games.
Embed from Getty ImagesGabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are good players, but as an opposition defender, you would not feel scared of them, as they are not on the same level as Erling Haaland or Harry Kane who are more ruthless in front of goal.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile the club is looking at the possibility of signing either Bournemouth’s in-form striker Dominic Solanke, or Brentford’s Ivan Toney, it is highly unlikely that Thomas Frank or Andoni Iraola would be willing to let him go, especially with Frank’s Bees in a sticky situation near the bottom of the table.
Ivan Toney has also made his intentions clear on staying at the West London Club.
“Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can’t thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it’s kind of like I have a lot to repay.”
Toney: Sky Sports
While the Cherries are asking for a whopping £50 million to allow the former Liverpool striker to leave the club in this Window.
But it feels as if the Gunners may need to go big in terms of negotiating a price to entice either of those clubs, to take the risk of selling their ace strikers.
There is however the option of going for Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, the Gunners face stiff competition with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who look like favourites to snatch the Mexican wonderkid.
Reinforcements Needed In Midfield?
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile the Club’s mega £100 million deal for Declan Rice is one of their buys of the season, you would have thought that this would be enough, but with Thomas Partey still out injured, perhaps it is worth looking at another defensive midfielder as a backup option, particularly if the England International picks up an Injury.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere have been reports that suggest that the club is currently looking at Everton’s Amadou Onana as a potential option to reinforce their midfield.
But The Toffees will only allow a price in the region of £50 million to let go of the Belgian.
As Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United are also keen on bringing another Onana to Old Trafford, can the Gunners beat them to it?
Stick or Twist With Ramsdale?
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother thing that is concerning for Arsenal fans is the future of the England goalkeeper who was in sensational form last season and is now regarded as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya who arrived from Brentford on a season-loan move for £3 million, which also include a purchase option of £27 million.
Raya has made 15 appearances for the Gunners, keeping five clean sheets, and has conceded eight goals. Aaron Ramsdale has made just five appearances, with two clean sheets, and has conceded four goals.
There lies the question as to why Artata has been messing around with the solid spine of Gabriel, William Saliba, and Ramsdale, who were so consistent in the first two-thirds of last season.
It’s not to say that Raya isn’t a good keeper, but there were some crucial saves from the England goalkeeper, which kept the Gunners in the Title race last season, including Mo Salah’s penalty.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd when you bring somebody else who is a good keeper, but not as consistent as the one you had last season, it immediately affects how the team shapes up.
It could be the fact that Arteta feels that he would get more out of Raya because of his ability to play out from the back, but has he been as effective as Ramsdale was last season? I don’t think so.
Arsenal have gone from a fluent team, which could score goals, to a far more robust team, who are trying to defend leads, and you just feel that this could be a reason as to why they aren’t as clinical with their finishing of chances.
It’s like every time they create a chance, they just seem indecisive on what to do i.e. top corner, keeper’s right, keeper’s left, how much power should I put on the shot or header?
What Arsenal do in this Transfer Window, may just define the rest of their season.
Can Arsenal get their season back on track?
Find out on World in Sport.
We need a worldy
Ivan Toney is your man