Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern have been thoroughly enjoying their season so far and are optimistic for the remainder of the campaign, though they’re still eager to hear about the latest gossip.
With reports filtering in that suggest Arsenal will land another highly-rated youngster from Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, Grimaldo, fans are excited to hear about what else Arsene Wenger has up his sleeve.
We filtered through the gossip pages and came up with five top-targets that have a genuine chance of moving to North London in January, which could provide the difference in a title race that is currently on a knife edge.
The players come in various positions and we different levels of experience but every single one should be ruffling Arsenal fan’s tail feathers ahead of what could be an extremely exciting window.
Hit Wenger below to see FIVE players he could bring into the club in January alongside Grimaldo!
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Ayoze Perez
Arsenal have emerged as the latest club to express interested in the talented Newcastle United forward, with the Gunners rivalling Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of the 22-year-old Spaniard.
All three clubs are in need of a striker, perhaps United and Spurs more-so than Arsenal, but the Gunners are never one to let a talent they want slip through the net. Should Perez arrive at Arsenal, he’d be a huge addition for the future as well as providing an immediate boost.
Hakan Calhanoglu
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is also being tracked by Manchester United but, heralded as the next Mesut Ozil, it seems fitting that the Turkish international could find himself in North London.
At 21-years-old, Calhanoglu is a tremendous talent for the future but his sensational ability would provide an immediate boost to Arsenal’s side. He’d cost a hefty sum at around £29m but there’s no doubt it would be money well spent.
Nolito
Links to Celta Vigo forward Nolito have gone quiet in the past month or so but the Spanish forward would still prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the Gunners, as he has the ability to play in a central role or out wide when necessary.
Barcelona are also desperate to secure the talented forward but their financial difficulties will make it difficult for them to complete a deal, which gives Arsenal a major boost in the race for his signature.
Karim Bellarabi
Earlier this week it was revealed Arsenal had opened talks with German international Karim Bellarabi, with the pacy winger being seen as the ideal addition to the Gunners ranks- bolstering their options on the right-side.
Playing in a midfield trio alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez would be extremely tempting for the Bayer Leverkusen ace and would frighten any defence, particularly with Hector Bellerin’s pace making the right-side exceptional.
Benedikt Howedes
Another German star Arsenal are said to be in talks with is Benedikt Howedes, who could well be on the move in January due to his contract situation. Next summer he will become available for a remarkably low fee of €10m, meaning Schalke may sell for a higher figure in January.
Howedes would bolster Arsenal’s defensive options and would add greater competitiveness to the squad, potentially becoming a long-term partner of Gabriel Paulista in the future. Whether he was to play alongside the Brazilian, compatriot Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny or indeed Calum Chambers, Howedes would be a massive addition.
