Arsenal: Assessing the biggest January rumours

The January transfer window is open. Who will Arsenal sign to strengthen the team? Here are some of the biggest rumours surrounding the club currently.

The winter window is lurking and transfer rumours are heating up. Scratch that. The winter window is upon us and Arsenal must get players signed. They have already been linked with moves for different players, but will any actually arrive in north London?

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After what I saw against Liverpool, it is clear that this is a mediocre squad full of mediocre players. It is time for change. The Gunners, as always, have been linked with a lot of players of that they might never sign. After acquiring five players in the summer, it could be thought that they might not need too much this winter. But with the anticipated departure of Aaron Ramsey, long-term injuries to Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding, and a dire need for a left-back, centre-back and winger, they are on the lookout for potential replacements.

So, here are 12 players that have been linked with a move to the club and could arrive in the coming month.

12. Fernando Calero

Okay, I must admit, I know absolutely nothing about Fernando Calero that Google cannot tell you, barring a few YouTube clips, which can be deceitful at the best of times. He’s Spanish, plies his trade at Real Valladolid and he’s 23 years of age. Does that make him an Arsenal signing, though? Time will tell.

11. Houssem Aouar

The young Lyon playmaker has been linked with Arsenal for a reported fee of €40m. Also linked with Liverpool and Manchester City, Aouar might choose to join the Premier League champions to meet up with Pep Guardiola.

10. Arne Maier

Hertha Berlin’s mini “Toni Kroos” could be on his way to north London but there is also competition for Arsenal in the shape of Manchester United for the signature of the German u-21 international.

9. Wesley Moraes

Recent rumours have linked Club Brugge’s Brazilian striker to Arsenal. He currently has 10 goals in 22 games. Valued at just £15m, the former AS Trencin striker could be seen as a shrewd signing indeed,

8. Miguel Almiron

The Paraguayan has been linked to Europe since his time at Lanus and, having improved after joining Atalanta, he has been mooted to join Arsenal for a reported £11m. However, President Darren Eales hinted it might take triple that fee to prise him out of the Mercedes-Benz stadium.

7. Ousmane Dembele

This rumour will just never end. Even after he literally laughed off reports, he is still being linked with a move to the Gunners, mostly due to the fact that he has something to do with Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal, in case you haven’t noticed, have taken to Dortmund like a fish to water. In the past year, they have hired their head scout, Sven Mislintat, and signed two of their current players in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sokratis and a former player, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. But as much as Dembele would be a terrific signing, he’s not coming to north London. Fans should really wake up and smell the coffee.

6. Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe has been a revelation for Lille Metropole this season, contributing 11 goals and five assists in just 17 games from the wings and has been tipped to leave sooner or later. The French-born Ivorian has attracted a lot of interest and seems destined for stardom. Could that stardom be hosted at the Emirates?

5. Junior Firpo

Sensational for Real Betis this season, producing consistent displays at left-back, Junior Firpo is developing into one of the bright young defenders in world football. The 22-year-old Dominican scored and assisted versus Barcelona helping his team defeat the giants 4-3 at the Nou Camp. Arsenal wants him but he wants to stay in Seville as his girlfriend is pregnant and he’s settled over there.

4. Malcom

Malcom is another Barcelona signing that hasn’t gone as planned. Although Ousmane Dembele has rather improved in performance later and is getting picked more often than not, Malcom is getting next to nothing and is already seen as an outcast (fringe at best). If he could be available for an amount around £50m, his signing could be a no-brainer.

3. Ever Banega

Ever Banega is a man after Unai Emery’s heart and he’s been tipped to join Arsenal from Sevilla in a deal worth £18m. After playing under Emery at Valencia and Sevilla, Banega seems bound to join Emery for a third time. Emery seems bent on signing the 30-year-old Argentine and he’s acting fast. He could be seen as a replacement for the outgoing Aaron Ramsey.

2.  Gary Cahill

This is just absurd! He’s 33 and one of the most error-prone defenders you’ll see. Those two traits are exactly what Arsenal need to eradicate from their defence, not add to it. He is, however, a leader. But that mere intangible does not make him a good enough signing. Loan or otherwise.

1. Eric Bailly

A much better choice compared to Cahill, Eric Bailly is similarly an outcast at Manchester United, although that could alter with Jose Mourinho’s firing. That could work in Arsenal’s favour as a cut-price deal has been touted. The Ivorian is strong, athletic, and surprisingly skilful. And he is also only 24.