How Arsenal could reshuffle their squad this January.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks set to make a number of major changes to their squad at the Emirates Stadium this January, with defensive signings clearly the priority after a difficult start to the season.
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According to various recent reports, it could be that a number of the Gunners’ current attacking players could be on their way out to raise funds for the club to improve in more pressing areas.
It makes sense for Arsenal to cash in on any unwanted attacking players at the moment, as Wenger arguably has more options than he needs in that part of the pitch, whilst looking desperately short of options at the back, where his side have leaked goals for much of the season after a highly unconvincing start.
See below for a run-through of what recent speculation suggests will be the players moving in and out of the Emirates Stadium this winter:
Out – Mesut Ozil
A disappointing performer since his club-record move from Real Madrid last summer, it has been rumoured that Arsenal could sell Mesut Ozil this January, with Bayern Munich interested in the German playmaker.
In – Isco (Real Madrid)
An ambitious target who could make an ideal replacement for Ozil if he does leave, Real Madrid’s Isco is one of the main attacking players being linked with the Gunners this January, though he would cost around £40m.
Out – Lukas Podolski
No longer a regular for the Arsenal first-team, Inter Milan are said to be preparing a raid on the Gunners for German forward Lukas Podolski, a high-earner whom the club would be wise to offload as soon as possible.
In – Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
In what would be an absolutely superb signing, Arsenal are tipped to beat Manchester United in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who would certainly fix Wenger’s problems at the back.
Out – Joel Campbell
A decent young player, but not one who seems anywhere near a first-team breakthrough for Arsenal, Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell seems a likely candidate for the exit door this January as the likes of AC Milan and Galatasaray come calling.
In – Petr Cech (Chelsea)
In a surprise raid on rivals Chelsea, Arsenal could look to bring in an upgrade on Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with Petr Cech the player in Wenger’s sights for what looks a bargain £7m fee.
Out – Theo Walcott
Only one possibly leaving on loan, Arsenal winger Theo Walcott could be a surprise player heading out of the club this January as Fiorentina come calling. The England wide-man has had rotten luck with injuries and may benefit from a spell away to play regularly and get back to his best.
In – Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)
Despite competition from Barcelona, recent reports suggest Arsenal want to make Bayer Leverkusen defensive midfielder Lars Bender their top target in that crucial part of the pitch, with other targets seemingly slipping away.