Ivan Toney
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal
are keen to bring in two new players in the current January transfer window.
Arsenal do not have much of a transfer budget to work with,
but there is certainly work for Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu to do on
the squad.
It may be the case that the Gunners need to sell in order to
buy this winter, but in any case some improvements and reinforcements are
needed in key areas.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have identified two
areas on the pitch which they need to strengthen as a matter of priority.
Speaking on The Debrief, the reporter said, “at the moment
they haven’t found a good or a normal option at the moment, all of the players
they like are either very expensive or not on the market like Ivan Toney or
Victor Osimhen. I am sure they will try for a full-back and I am sure they will
try for a striker.”
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Ivan Toney for some time, but given Brentford have put a £100 million price tag on the once-capped England man, he is likely beyond the club’s financial reach at this time.
Equally, with Victor Osimhen having recently signed a new contract with Napoli,
the Gunners have almost certainly been priced out of a January swoop for the
Nigerian striker.
The Gunners are still on the hunt for a new goalscorer,
though, and for good reason. Gabriel Jesus has underperformed this season, and
only netted three times in the Premier League so far.
Equally, Eddie Nketiah
has not done enough when given the opportunity to impress to show that he can
lead the team week in, week out and provide enough goals to fire Arsenal to a
title triumph.
In an effort to add a more prolific presence up front,
Arsenal recently submitted a £22 million bid for Getafe forward Borja Mayoral.
However, this initial advance was rebuffed.
There is also a pressing need for greater strength in depth
at the back. Arteta’s options this season have been depleted by the injury
issues suffered by both Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Oleksandr
Zinchenko is also considered by many to be something of a defensive liability.
Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Roma left-back
Leonardo Spinazzola, who may well be available in a cut-price deal this month.
However, many fans feel that the Italian would represent an underwhelming
addition to the squad.
In any case, the plan is clear. Arsenal know what they want.
Arteta and Edu must now strike out into the market and get the business done.
Source: arsenalinsider
