- Arsenal need major surgery in the next transfer window amid doubts over Sanchez and Ozil
- Nabil Fekir and Julian Draxler have been linked as targets for Arsene Wenger
- Arsenal could also clear out deadwood and sign bargain stars as replacements
- READ MORE: Mesut Ozil in talks to seal STUNNING double transfer blow to Manchester United
While much of the Arsenal transfer news dominating the headlines has been negative for so much of this season, Arsene Wenger arguably has a great opportunity to try a major rebuilding job this January.
The Gunners may as well rip everything up and start again as they face the potential free transfer departures of star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, with the best option to cash in on them in the winter while they still can.
While they’re at it, Arsenal could also do with investing in a number of key areas in their squad, where some flops have been holding on to their positions for far too long.
Here’s a look at Arsenal’s dream transfer window if they can clear four out and sign four replacements…
OUT:
Alexis Sanchez
Wanted by Manchester City, Arsenal could surely still get as much as £30million for their Chilean forward if they’re smart and accept bids for him this winter.
MORE: Arsenal transfer news
Sanchez will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January, so accepting an offer from City now may be Arsenal’s best choice.
The former Barcelona man has hardly been at his best this season anyway, so why not take the money and run instead for a player who clearly no longer wants to be at the Emirates Stadium?
Mesut Ozil
Another player linked with a move to one of Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, Mesut Ozil has been talked up as a target for Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
Recent reports claimed the Gunners could also accept £30million to let the Germany international go early, though a number of European clubs are also interested in beginning talks with him over a summer transfer.
Often lazy and ineffective in the big games, Arsenal could surely find a decent upgrade for Ozil for that kind of money anyway.
Francis Coquelin
A joke of a midfielder for a club of Arsenal’s size, Francis Coquelin may not have a great many suitors lined up this January, but it’s surely time to flog him to the highest bidder.
The Frenchman shone when first brought into the Arsenal first-team in the 2014/15 season, but that proved a misleading flash in the pan and if Wenger is serious about winning anything he needs a top class midfielder to come in ASAP.
Theo Walcott
No longer a regular for Arsenal, Theo Walcott has surely had his time at the club.
The England international has never managed to fulfill the potential seen in him as a youngster and seems more ideally suited to a mid-table side than to a side of Arsenal’s ambitions.
IN:
Nabil Fekir
Recently linked with Arsenal after his fine start to the season, Lyon star Nabil Fekir has started this season in superb form.
The Frenchman almost looks a hybrid between Ozil and Sanchez, having shone in a variety of attacking midfield roles.
Fekir has notched up double figures for goals and assists this season and has been linked with Arsenal in the past, so Wenger cannot say he doesn’t know about him.
Leon Goretzka
Running down his contract with Schalke, Leon Goretzka has been linked with big names like Liverpool and Barcelona, but Arsenal should be in there too.
The Germany international is a great all-rounder in the middle of the park, and could be ideal to replace the struggling Coquelin and even keep the likes of Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey out of the side.
If Arsenal pay up, they could still land Goretzka for around £20million this winter as Schalke will be desperate not to lose him on a free in the summer.
Julian Draxler
Recently linked with having a £40million asking price at PSG as they run out of space for all their attacking players, Julian Draxler should surely be on Arsenal’s radar again.
Wenger notably tried to sign him in 2014 and he’s improved a great deal since moving to the Parc des Princes, showing he could be an ideal like-for-like replacement for Sanchez.
Still, Liverpool are being linked with him as well so Arsenal will have to move fast and not haggle too much over his fee as he’d likely be a bargain anyway as PSG desperately seek to offload players and meet Financial Fair Play regulations.
Ross Barkley
Targeted by Chelsea and Tottenham in the summer, Ross Barkley is another player nearing the end of his contract, with reports that Everton could let him go for just £20million this January.
The England international isn’t one of the best in the world, but is another versatile talent who could fill a number of key roles for Arsenal and arrive on the cheap.
Given their options at the moment, why not take a gamble on a talented player with his best years still ahead of him?