Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided some insight into Arsenal’s plans to sign a new left-back this January.
The Gunners do seem to be exploring the market for signings in that area of the pitch this winter, but Romano believes this is more about strengthening the depth of their squad, rather than actively looking for a replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Ukraine international impressed when he first joined Arsenal from Manchester City last season, but it’s fair to say he’s had some unconvincing moments this term, and it’s the source of some debate between the club’s fans.
Still, speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, Romano made it clear that he rates Zinchenko highly, and he’d be surprised if Arsenal were looking for a new first-choice left-back to take over from the 27-year-old.
There are no specific names being linked with Arsenal yet, but Romano says this is something that Mikel Arteta and other key figures at the club will be discussing and exploring this month.
“It is true that Arsenal could sign a new left-back this January, but there are no specific names to mention yet. Arsenal will assess the market and discuss that internally, with Mikel Arteta also to be involved,” Romano said.
“It’s important to clarify, however, that they will not be recalling Kieran Tierney from his loan at Real Sociedad.
“Some fans have also asked me what this means for Oleksandr Zinchenko, as there have been debates about if he’s been at his best this season. My understanding, however, is that it’s more about having depth in this position, so they are considering it and looking into possible options.”
He added: “Personally, I really like Zinchenko as a player so I’d be surprised if Arsenal were actively looking to replace him.”
Nketiah has been told he can leave Arsenal if any club match Arsenal’s asking price of £50 million.
Not many strikers at his young age is capable of scoring a Hatrick of goals in the English Premier division.
Arsenal will not let him go for a penny less. A few teams at home and abroad have shown interest and would be willing to match the £50 million asking price. The problem is whether they will pay the whole sum up front, is another matter.
Arsenal have already made a net spend of Apx £130 million after total player comings and goings are calculated.
If they sell both Nketiah and Ramsdale for £50 million each that would mean their net spend would be reduced from £130 million to just £30 million. That would allow them to spend up to £170 million in the winter market and still be within FPP rules.
You would think the FFP committee would have their hands full dealing with the huge spending made by man city a couple of years ago and their false financial disclosures, plus the £500 million spent by Chelsea last year, which is more than 3 times the net spend of Arsenal.
Plus on paper Arsenal is a richer business than Chelsea or Man City if you take away the owners financial inputs. Therefore Arsenal are entitled to spend more according to the calculation of business sales and the guide line of FFP rules.
Seeing as Arsenal so far has spent a 3rd net spend of Man City and Chelsea, Arsenal’s lawyers will be encouraging Arsenal to spend a lot more as they have a lot of catching up to do to get anywhere near the spending of Chelsea and Man city. Let’s hope Arsenal spend big in the winter transfer market and get the likes of Gimenez for £60 million plus a versitile two footed Quality energetic Fullback.
Interesting. I agree that Zinchenko will remain our first choice. But we do nedd to add depth in this position. Of course the other most urgent position we need to strengthen immediately, is that of a striker.
I believe that we should retain Ramsay as our first keeper. Is Raya better than him? Certainly not. So why have 2 top goalies. Besides the fact that they have both been destabilised. I am completely behind Arteta, but in my opinion bringing in Raya was a big error. Better funds to strenghten the striker position.
I also believe that £65 million was far, far too high a price to pay for Havertz. I am certainly not criticising him, but I really believe that these funds could have been applied far better. Looking at the alternatives we had on the bench yesterday, it highlighted the reality that we are so poor in that department. Very few game changers if any were on view.