The opening of the January transfer window is now just 11 days away and Arsene Wenger finds himself under more pressure than most to spend big this winter.
The Gunners boss has come under increasing pressure already this season, having overseen his side drop out of the title race before November.
The 3-2 defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium a fortnight ago saw fans voice their frustrations at witnessing the same pattern occurring for too long.
Wenger has failed to bring in the required talent in the summer and subsequently been punished with a ridiculous injury list for what feels like the past 10 years.
This season has been no different, with failure to replace Thomas Vermaelen and add that much coveted defensive midfielder playing a key part in the Gunners’ failure to mount a sustained title challenge.
Tomorrow’s clash with Liverpool will prove a big test and an opportunity for Wenger to see how much his side has improved – if at all – following their 5-1 drubbing at Anfield in February.
It may also provide an opportunity for Wenger to identify the areas in which he needs to strengthen further. Here we have gone through the rumours, and come up with five transfers the Arsenal boss should look to avoid if he wants to win over the doubters.
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Click on Arsene Wenger to reveal 5 transfers that Arsenal should AVOID at all costs in January.
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Joao Moutinho
The Portuguese playmaker is reportedly unhappy at Monaco following the departures of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao in the summer.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes has said to have been offering his services to a number of top Premier League clubs including Arsenal, however the Gunners have plenty of players capable of playing Moutinho’s position already at their disposal.
Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and even Alexis Sanchez could all be considered that technical type of player to play off a main striker, meaning Arsenal simply don’t need to pay big money for another player in a similar mould.
Stephan El Shaarawy
The Italian forward has been struggling to fulfil his potential at AC Milan for the best part of three years. Despite being a talented player, El Shaarawy has never been a regular source of goals on a consistent basis.
He is reportedly looking for a move away from the San Siro this month and Arsenal have been linked. The player’s agent has already come out and said it will take a ‘massive’ offer for him to move, and with the forward not better than what Arsenal already have in their ranks, this looks to have expensive mistake written all over it.
Tyrone Mings
Make no mistake, the Ipswich Town defender is a very exciting prospect. The only reason this should be considered a deal to avoid at all costs, is if Wenger does his usual and puts his faith entirely in youngsters, Mings could well be his only defensive signing this winter.
Arsenal need somebody established and with experience. It would be unfair on the supporters and Mings himself to sign a 21-year-old who has never played in the Premier League, no matter how talented he might be. If Wenger can bring in a proven centre back, than brining in Mings alongside him is a good idea – just not on his own.
Marek Hamsik
Similarly to Joao Moutinho, Slovakian playmaker Marek Hamsik is said to be looking for a January move. Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Napoli star, but again – Arsene Wenger is spoilt for choice when it comes to players in that position.
No matter how talented Hamsik is, he is simply not a player Arsenal need to add to their ranks – especially not for a price of £20 million plus.
Wenger needs to invest in a top class holding midfielder and a centre back, and work with the exciting attacking talent already at his disposal.
Daniel Alves
The Barcelona star is set to move on this winter with Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all having been linked with a move for his services.
The Brazilian has been one of the best attacking full backs in world football over the past few years but at 31-years-old he is no longer the force he once was.
And let us not forget Arsenal spent big money on two new right backs in Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy in the summer, meaning a move for Alves – and the extortionate wages that are likely to follow – would be nothing more than an expensive luxury signing.
