Arsenal They are still in the research stage Premier League title, although it will not be easy from here, given that they will have to rely on Liverpool and Chelsea stumbling to close the gap.
as, Mikel Arteta He could be keen to reshape his squad next January, meaning a number of players could move on to make room for new arrivals. Here, we take a look at five players who could be on the move this winter.
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1
Kieran Tierney
Related to: Celtic
If it wasn't already clear that Kieran Tierney is not part of Arteta's plans moving forward, the left-back's contract was recently revealed. It will not be extended After the end of the season, when it is scheduled to expire.
As such, the Douglas-born defender will be free to leave Arsenal permanently at the end of the season, although there are indications a deal could be struck even before then.
Sky Sports reported this Celtic are looking to bring back the 27-year-old To Parkhead next month, and is currently exploring a pre-contract and loan offer.
There are signs that the full-back could be keen on a return to Scotland given his comments about his former club when asked about a potential return on the podcast in 2022, saying:
“I think when a player who loves the club leaves, there's always the question of 'what if he comes back', and you can't rule anything out.
“I will always love Celtic, I will always support Celtic, so you never know what's in football.”
The move should see the Scotland international move north of the border for an initial loan spell before making his deal permanent in the summer.
With Tierney no longer in Arteta's first team plans, a move away this winter makes perfect sense.
2
Jacob Kewer
Related to: Naples
Speaking at the end of November, Sky Sports correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio suggested that the Gunners would be open to sanctioning the departure of Jakob Kuyor this winter amid the defender's links with Napoli. Saying:
“Napoli have asked about Kewer's situation and now Arsenal are open to loaning him out.
“Antonio Conte wonders if he is good enough to play for Napoli because he does not play for Arsenal, but they will definitely ask him and try to loan him out. Now is the right time for him to return to Italy because he has to play.” “
But recently, Reports have suggested Arteta is keen to keep the Polish international because he values his versatility.
However, with the 24-year-old advisor Pressure to act This winter, an exit still appears to be a real possibility, and a loan move appears to be the most likely scenario.
3
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Linked to: Napoli, Inter, Juventus
Much like Tierney, Tomiyasu Persistent injury problems It meant he was unable to force his way into contention for a starting place at the Emirates Stadium.
This season, the Japan international has been sidelined with a knee injury, which has limited his participation Only six minutes From playing in the Premier League, while it is believed that he was not happy with his place in the team for a long period of time.
Back in September, It has been reported The 26-year-old was “ready to leave” the Gunners amid interest from a whole host of Serie A clubs, namely Napoli, Inter and Juventus.
At the time, a fee of around £16.7m was enough for Arteta to agree to the defender's departure, although it remains to be seen how much interested parties are willing to offer in January.
4
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Related to: Inter
Arsenal could be prepared for a number of departures in the full-back department next January, with Zinchenko's future at the club also still in doubt.
Although the Ukrainian has suffered some injuries this season, he has found it difficult to get playing time even when fully fit, Start with just two Premier League matches having fallen down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium.
Italian League clubs are keen to include a number of Arsenal players, and Zinchenko is no different from that with Inter. It is said to be interested In signing with the left back.
The Italian giants have set their sights on the 28-year-old due to his international experience and versatility, and there is belief a deal could be struck for a price that is reachable due to his lack of exposure this season.
However, it remains to be seen whether Arteta is willing to let the full-back leave given a number of defenders have been linked with a move away this winter, which could leave the manager with little light on options.
5
Gabriel Jesus
Related to: Palmeiras
Jesus produced arguably his best display of the season in recent weeks, scoring a hat-trick against Crystal Palace to book Arsenal's place in the semi-finals of the League Cup before scoring a brace against the Eagles in the Premier League.
However, it was Brazilian Less than impressive in the Premier League this seasonHe had not provided a single goal or assist in 13 matches before the Gunners' recent trip to Selhurst Park, which cast doubt on his future in north London.
Last September, there was news about this Arsenal will be ready to agree the striker's departure for a fee of around £33m – a figure that Brazilian side Palmeiras may be willing to match in order to facilitate his return to his former club.
With a new striker on Arteta's agenda Amid links with Dusan Vlahovic, the coach may have to make space in his squad if he wants to strengthen his squad next January, which means Jesus could be in a difficult position in light of his poor form.
Although the vast majority of players linked with a move this winter are defenders, Jesus' potential departure could be the most significant in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal's goalscoring woes were exemplified by their poor 0-0 draw against Everton earlier this month, which could prove to be a costly loss of two points. As such, signing a new striker should be high on Arteta's priority list this winter.