A wealth of positivity has struck the Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern as they secured a dramatic comeback in their Champions League campaign, with a 3-0 victory against Olympiakos which sent them into the knock-out stages.
After opening the campaign with two shock defeats, Arsenal had it all to do but their place was confirmed last night courtesy of an Olivier Giroud hat-trick; and our fans believe that it gives Arsenal a major boost in the transfer front.
Discussions regarding January signings are extremely common this time of year and our punters believe Arsenal will land some big names in the New Year, highlighting five recent rumours that they genuinely believe Arsene Wenger would pull off.
We have to say, it does look positive for Arsenal and if they secure a number of these men it will definitely help their chances of progression further in Europe and increase the likelihood of a Premier League crown come May!
Hit Wenger below to see FIVE recent rumoured signings he could genuinely pull-off!
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Ruben Neves
The influential Portuguese midfielder is rated as one of the best young talents in European football and Arsenal have recently been linked with a £29m deal for the 18-year-old. With Porto’s disappointing exit from the Champions League last night, Neves could be on the move in January.
Arsenal have scouted the young talent extensively this season and he would be a fantastic replacement for Francis Coquelin, who’s out of action for the next few months. Perhaps crucially, at 18 he wouldn’t demand football on a weekly basis and could be rotated with Coquelin to give Arsenal fresh options.
Jese Rodriguez
Arsenal’s needs have shifted away from a central striking figure to a wide-man to play on the right, with Aaron Ramsey showing recently that the middle of the park is indeed his best position. Whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell have impressed, you can’t look past Jese Rodriguez.
Recent reports have suggested Real Madrid will offer the 22-year-old Spaniard to Arsenal for around £20m in January, which would be an absolute steal. He’d complete a formidable attacking trio alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, whilst significantly increasing the squad depth.
Isco
If Aaron Ramsey reverts to the right-side of midfield, then Arsenal will need a player to replace Santi Cazorla. For that, the Gunners should look no further than upset Real Madrid ace Isco- who is tipped to depart due to a lack of opportunities in the Spanish capital.
Crucially, Isco can also play out wide on either side as well as in the centre, much like Cazorla, whilst he’s also capable of filling in for Mesut Ozil. A signing of Isco’s calibre would significantly improve Arsenal’s first-team as well as their depth and he’d become the latest big-name recruit for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Gabriel Jesus
Olivier Giroud has shown this season that Arsenal do not need to sign a big-name centre forward, as he is entirely capable of leading the way in the scoring charts, whilst Theo Walcott has impressed centrally and Danny Welbeck is still to return.
However, given that Walcott has just returned from injury and Welbeck is in the latter stages of a lengthy absence, Arsenal could do with a squad player. For that, Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Jesus is the ideal target- with the teenager making waves in South America.
Now set for a move to Europe, Arsenal could land the forward and improve their squad options whilst it also gives them an exciting prospect for the future. In short, Gabriel Jesus ticks all the boxes.
Lucas Perez
Arsenal have a wealth of rumoured targets on the right-wing but it could be problematic, as Real Madrid may elect not to sell Jese Rodriguez or Isco and Barcelona will rival Arsenal all the way for Celta Vigo’s Nolito. Fortunately, there’s an alternative.
Deportivo’s Lucas Perez, 27, has been touted as a target for the Gunners and he’d add a significant boost. With 10 goals in 14 games for the high-flying minnows this season, Perez cannot be seen as a downgrade and is arguably as good as any other signing Arsenal could make.
A crucial factor is that Perez has not played in European competitions this season, meaning he is available for Arsenal’s knock-out campaign in the Champions League.
