Another Man city Star has revealed interest in joining Arsenal by January’: Arteta spoke with the player and personal terms have been reached already – Here we go soon
Arsenal’s January transfer priority has shifted following the latest news on Thomas Partey and his thigh injury. football.london understands that the midfielder has undergone a “procedure” that will likely see him miss the remainder of the year also placing into doubt his chances of playing for Ghana at AFCON 2024.
The 30-year-old has been plagued by muscular issues throughout the last few seasons with 10 games missed already this campaign through injury. Ahead of the clash with Manchester United, Partey picked up a problem in his groin with his latest issue emerging in the lead up to the Champions League clash in Spain against Sevilla that he is yet to recover from.
Focus for the winter window appeared on signing a new striker, however, according to reports, that has now changed with the Gunners looking to sign a new holding midfielder. Given their strong interest in Declan Rice, alternatives were undoubtedly lined up and therefore Mikel Arteta and Edu likely already know the players they will be targeting.
With that said, football.london has taken a look at three players Arsenal could try to sign in the January transfer window, as well as an option in-house.
Martin Zubimendi
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi appears to be Arsenal’s priority having already shown an interest in him this past summer. football.london understands that the Gunners have been tracking Zubimendi in recent weeks ahead of the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old delivered an expert display in the Champions League against Benfica earlier this week, with certain moments in the game showing he could be the perfect player for Arteta. After signing a new contract last year, which expires in 2027, Zubimendi has a €60million (£52.3m) release clause.
Barcelona were also monitoring his development in the recent window and now Bayern Munich are said to be interested which may mean Arsenal face a significant challenge if they wish to acquire his services.
Gabriel Moscardo
Despite only being 18, Gabriel Moscardo is being touted for a great future in football with a number of Premier League clubs after his signature. Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea have already expressed an interest with the latter said to have seen a €20million (£17.5m) turned down by Corinthians on deadline day.
The teenager has made 33 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 season and he would likely be significantly cheaper than a more experienced option which could make him an attractive signing for Arteta.
Kalvin Phillips
The career of Kalvin Phillips has hit a huge roadblock since his transfer from Leeds United to Manchester City. Injuries have seen him offered limited minutes by Pep Guardiola and the impact of Rodri has also made it difficult for him to break into the team, even with his three-match ban earlier in the season.
Nonetheless, Phillips has remained a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s England starting XI and Arteta may want to help the midfielder rediscover his best form, similarly to what he is currently attempting with Kai Havertz. A departure in January for Phillips is also likely with both parties keen on an exit as Phillips seeks to get regular minutes ahead of next summer’s European championships.
Jurrien Timber/Oleksandr Zinchenko
Arteta is specifically known for signing versatile players and therefore he could look into the players already at his disposal to find a Partey replacement. Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber are experts at inverting from full-back and therefore it is certainly possible both could fully adapt to a permanent midfield role as a wildcard replacement for Partey.
In possession, the duo are frightening and Arteta is certainly capable of coaching both to thrive in a No.8 role. Zinchenko even played in that position in the Champions League win over Sevilla on Wednesday evening when Jakub Kiwior replaced Bukayo Saka.
Timber is still some way off returning from a knee injury but he will certainly feel like a new signing upon his playing comeback and that could certainly be in midfield with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Kiwior capable, natural full-backs.
