Arsenal now have to sign ‘incredible’ star player in January after disappointing Juventus injury news
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the mid-season break last night, losing out to Juventus at The Emirates.
Own goals from Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding decided the contest, although Arsenal created plenty of chances.
Mikel Arteta gave a press conference after the match, via Arsenal.com, and reflected on the game.
He also provided a number of fitness updates, delivering some mixed news on his first-team squad.
The loss of Gabriel Jesus after an injury at the World Cup could end up being very significant in the title race.
Eddie Nketiah has the opportunity to step up, but will want to be more composed in front of goal than he was last night.
Jesus’ loss has now been compounded by an injury to Reiss Nelson.
Nelson has only played a small role this season, but has been a useful option in the Europa League to rest Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
However, Nelson lasted just 23 minutes last night before being replaced by Marquinhos.
It leaves Arsenal in an awkward position, and now reiterates why Arsenal have to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk in January.
Arsenal are in ‘pole position’ to sign the Ukrainian, but will need to act quickly in January to bring the 21-year-old to north London.
Arsenal have to sign Mudryk in January
Speaking to the club’s official website about Nelson, Arteta said: “We don’t know the extent of the injury.
“The fact he had to leave the pitch immediately is not good news, especially someone like Reiss, who is really powerful and fast.
“Let’s see what happens. We know what we have to do and that hasn’t changed the plans.”
Arteta’s reference to Arsenal not changing their plans suggests Mudryk was high on their list of priorities before Nelson’s injury.
However, the need for an additional forward is now even more important.
Mudryk has made it clear he wants to join Arsenal, although his significant price tag could be an issue.
The ‘incredible’ forward could end up costing up to £85m if Shakhtar get their desired transfer fee.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio believes that Mudryk could end up costing closer to the £30m mark, which would be a lot easier to justify for the Gunners.
Arsenal won’t want to repeat what happened after the January transfer window last season.
Although they offloaded a number of players who were no longer required by Arteta, it left them very thin on the ground.
Injuries eventually caught up with them, and they ended up missing out on the Champions League spots.
Arsenal have to sign Mudryk next month to avoid a repeat, and add some much-needed depth and quality to their attacking options.
