Arsenal transfer news: Edu plots late window fireworks with midfield signing on, as chances of Everton, Brighton raids are rated
Arsenal will try until the very last moments of the transfer window to try and sign a new midfielder amid claims they are still hopeful of a third and final signing, TEAMtalk can reveal.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit proudly on top of the Premier League table and have a great chance of ending their 19-year title drought. However, Manchester City are just five points adrift and are dab hands at pouncing on any mistakes. Indeed, Arsenal know that errors can be few and far between if they are to keep Pep Guardiola’s machine at bay.
But with 50 points from their first 19 games, Arsenal can allow themselves to be confident. And here’s where they sit against previous champions at this stage of the season.
In order to maximise their chances, Arsenal have already brought in Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard. The duo offer Arsenal another option in both defence and attack for the run in.
However, Arteta remains desperate to strengthen his midfield before the January window slams shut.
They are reportedly keen on deals for both Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. However, any such signings are likely to be on hold until the summer, with neither willing to move just yet.
As far as a new signing goes for this month, Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal are plotting a late move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian comes with a premium price tag at around £100m. And while Brighton do not want to sell, reports claim they could cash in were an offer of around £75m-plus come their way.
READ MORE: Top five players for Arsenal to build their squad around
Arsenal pushing to make new midfield signing
There are also reports circling that Everton could be tempted to cash in on Amadou Onana.
The Belgian has proved an excellent performer since his summer move despite the Toffees’ struggles. To that end, Everton will demand more than the fee paid to sign him in the summer if they are to let him leave.
Whoever they end up going for, our transfer expert Graeme Bailey is adamant Arsenal are looking to add a third and final signing before the window shuts.
“You can’t really say Arsenal have been lucky with their midfield but it is fortunate that they are keeping their big names on the pitch,” he told TEAMtalk.
“I personally don’t think anyone in the Arsenal side has been better than Thomas Partey this season. But if he were to be sidelined, there is no a real replacement who can match his levels.
“We know this as Arsenal are looking around seeing what is on the market. But many of their targets, such as Moises Caicedo, Amadou Onaha and Youri Tielemans look more likely to be available in the summer.”
Arsenal to continue pushing
Bailey, though, is adamant Arsenal will continue pushing and insists they will try right til the deadline to bolster their squad.
“In the coming days Arsenal do want that midfielder,” he added. “It will be interesting to see if they can get something over the line by the close of the window. And that is something they do want to do. I would stress: keep an eye on the Gunners!
“You only have to look back to last January when they tried and failed to land Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa. He is no longer an option, but they will try again to bring a new midfielder in.”
