Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern have been glued to Sky Sports News in the bar throughout this week, as they anxiously await confirmation of their first January signing.
With a deal for Mohamed Elneny imminent, with everything seemingly agreed, Arsenal fans are wondering what the delay is but have distracted themselves by sparking a very interesting discussion- as they debate five more players who could follow Elneny to the Emirates.
As Arsenal lead the way in the Premier League title charge, the fans are hopeful of exciting signings to guarantee them of success- whilst they also hope a few new names will help their chances against Barcelona in the Champions League, though that could require a miracle.
Arsene Wenger is shrewd in the transfer market, and is notorious for keeping his purse closed unless a super deal becomes available, but our regulars believe moves for this crop of players could genuinely take place.
Feast your eyes on these lot and let us know in the comments if you think these signings would be good enough for Arsenal!
Hit Elneny below to see FIVE players who could follow him to Arsenal this month!
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Adrien Rabiot
With reports in the past day stating that Adrien Rabiot is in London to hold talks with Arsenal, it seems extremely likely that the Gunners could finally land their long-term midfield target. Interestingly, it could seal a double-deal for Arsenal after Elneny’s arrival.
Rabbit would bolster the midfield ranks, which are currently plagued with injury problems, and the addition of the 20-year-old would be a very good deal in the long-term; particularly as the contracts of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky expire in the summer.
With a £15m price-tag touted, Rabiot would present a reasonable purchase that would prove effective immediately and in the long-term.
Troy Deeney
Although the striker commented recently and ruled-out an exit from Watford this month, Arsenal’s interest continues to be reported by the tabloids- and, perhaps crucially, Deeney has admitted he’s flattered by the Gunners interest and that his son is a Gooner.
It’s questionable whether Deeney would be a decent addition though, as many believe he wouldn’t get into the side ahead of Olivier Giroud or Theo Walcott. As back-up though he’d be a tremendous option, though a reported price-tag of £20m seems far too much to be genuinely plausible.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The undoubted big one, links to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continue to surface. The latest rumour states Arsenal have lodged a €60m bid for the Gabonese international but it’s pretty unlikely that Borussia Dortmund will approve a sale midway through the season.
However, comments from their general director that stated Dortmund can get by without any of their current crop raised some eyebrows- leading many to believe the German side would accept a sale, should the price be right.
With 18 goals in the Bundesliga already this season, and 24 in all competitions, the pacy striker would surely all but guarantee Arsenal the Premier League trophy.
Austin Amutu
We hear echoes of ‘who’ around the bar and, to be honest, we don’t know much about the player either. Looking at the facts though, the 22-year-old striker who currently plays for Israeli side Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona seems to be a very Wenger-like signing.
A young striker, who nobody has ever heard of, is the sort of signing that Wenger often pulls out the bag to frustrate supporters. Nevertheless, his judgement is sound and it’s quite apparent that Arsenal don’t need a superstar striker and, instead, their goings-on in the forward areas of the market would be solely for back-up.
If anything though, it’s the player talking up the chances of a Premier League move and genuine interest from Arsenal is questionable.
Isco
Whilst Manchester City are the favourites for Isco, due to the Spaniard’s links with Manuel Pellegrini, and Chelsea are also in the hunt, Arsenal do have a chance. The 23-year-old midfielder would be the perfect fit for the Gunners, capable of being the long-term replacement for Santi Cazorla.
On top of this, his ability to play out-wide as well as in the centre would be ideal- as Arsenal need a more natural right-sided winger, with Aaron Ramsey failing to impress in that area. Keep Ramsey in the middle, sign Isco for the right and win the Premier League. Simple, right?
Well, perhaps not as persuading Real Madrid into a mid-season sale would be difficult. The competition that Arsenal face would also be an immense problem but Isco is believed to be unhappy in the Spanish capital, so it’s worth a punt.
