ARSENAL are hoping to make the headlines for all the right reasons this month with their transfer market moves.
Mikel Arteta will be desperate to bring in some new faces this January with his side languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League.
How Arsenal could look at the end of the January transfer window
The Gunners boss will surely focus on the back-four but has some attacking players on his radar.
Arteta will instantly have found out how short he is in defence – particularly after Calum Chambers’ long-term knee injury.
Jerome Boateng has been linked with a cut-price move this month, if Arsenal can afford his wages.
The German could start alongside Sokratis Papastathopoulos – with Shkodran Mustafi and David Luiz too error-prone to risk.
But the Gunners are also said to be in the race to sign Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral.
Leicester are also keen on the Turkey international, but the Serie A side are playing hardball over a £25.5million move as of now.
Bournemouth ace Nathan Ake is another option, but Chelsea are thought to be leading the race for their former star.
When Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney return from their injuries, Arsenal’s back-four could suddenly look like their strong suit.
In midfield, Dani Ceballos’ return to full fitness will be a huge boost for Arteta.
Lining-up alongside Matteo Guendouzi in the heart of midfield is strong by any side’s standards, with the likes of Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira providing competition.
Mesut Ozil’s resurgence under Arteta has been a revelation for Gooners, while Nicolas Pepe has shown signs of finding his feet in recent weeks.
The pair could be given the chance to keep up their form behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But Arsenal will be hopeful of landing a new star to start on the left-wing, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson providing back-up.
The Gunners have been linked with Atletico Madrid flop Thomas Lemar – with whom they were linked in 2017 and 2018.
But the top target will be £42.5m Ajax sensation Hakim Ziyech, who is almost certain to leave Holland at some point in 2020.
With an added attacking punch and more stability in defence – Arsenal will be confident of making a late-season surge towards the European places.
Arsenal to battle rivals Chelsea in race to sign £40million Bournemouth star Nathan Ake – but Blues have first option
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
