What would the perfect January be for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners?
We are now just a matter of weeks from the reopening of the transfer window on New Year’s Day, with managers in the Premier League and beyond sure to be finalising their wishlists for the new year and discussing their plans, having had the early months of the season to assess their squads and the weaknesses within them.
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Beleaguered Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger will be no different, as he plots the path to turning Arsenal’s frustrating season around. This would be the dream window for Gunners fans, with three players arriving at the Emirates Stadium and three on their way:
In) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
Perhaps the worst kept secret in Premier League football right now is Arsenal’s need for a defensive central midfield player – and Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin fits the bill perfectly. He is industrious, consistent, intelligent and well acclimatised to Premier League football. Too obvious, perhaps?
Out) Lukas Podolski
It’s a shame, as German forward Podolski is a likeable character and a very useful attacking player, but he isn’t starting the games that he deserves at the Emirates Stadium and it is best for all players if he is allowed to find a new club.
In) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
There was plenty of chortling when reports surfaced suggesting that Arsene Wenger would prefer young Athletic Bilbao centre back to Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels – but there is certainly a real logic to that. Laporte is one of the best young defenders on the planet and capable of stepping up to the mark in the here and now.
Out) Francis Coquelin
Arsenal’s squad is not big enough to justify getting rid of too many players, but fringe midfielder Francis Coquelin, currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, is a player who certainly has no future at the club.
In) Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
Considering the hype surrounding his performances for Lyon in Ligue 1 and the obvious comparisons that can be made with Thierry Henry of explosive winger-turned-forward Alexandre Lacazette, it is surprising that he has not been linked more heavily with Arsenal. He would do a superb job for them.
Out) Santi Cazorla
Controversial, perhaps, but Cazorla is entering into the latter years of his career and this may be Arsenal’s last chance to recoup a significant sum for the former Malaga man, whilst he is unlikely to be first choice once Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott are back up and running.