Arsenal: 4 defenders who could leave in January transfer window

Despite not securing a point, let alone three, January has got off to a positive start for Arsenal. This young side went toe to toe with the best team in the division and key moments cost them dearly.

It’s a defeat that hurts. But one that hurts for the right reasons.

There is only so long that the team can analyse the performance based on those pivotal incidents. Where Arsenal lost this game is clear and every other aspect of the display was magnificent both in preparation and application.

So, we move on, to the January transfer window. Of course.

Arsenal: 4 defenders who could leave in January transfer window as Mikel Arteta eyes departures for fringe players to free up space in squad

This is the other interesting aspect of what is set to be an action-packed month where Arsenal will compete in three different competitions. Already the rumours are swirling around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future and it is departures that look set to take centre stage.

Players leaving invariably means players coming in, but in the defensive side of the squad there are a few individuals who could depart without the need to reinforce as a result.

Seeing the team’s identity on and off the pitch is a source of immense excitement and pride. There are, however, a few within the group who do not appear to be part of that vision moving forward. A substantial amount of work has been undertaken to get Arsenal to where they are now, but it’s not over.

There are four defenders who may well be moved on this window. While it’s unlikely that all four will be moved on simultaneously, and some are closer to the exit door than others, the futures of this quartet could be elsewhere come February.

1. Sead Kolasinac

Age: 28
Contract expiry: June 2022
Rumoured wages: £100k-per-week
Potential suitors: Watford, Fenerbahce

The most obvious one of all.

No player at the club embodies the Arsenal of old more than Sead Kolasinac. He is entirely dispensable and his departure wouldn’t have any impact on the side other than saving Arsenal a considerable amount of money.

Under contract until the end of the season, were he to leave in January he would save over £2m in wages. As it stands that money is set to be paid out without so much as an appearance to show for it across the rest of the season. Even with the FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest to come, Arsenal have two left-backs ahead of him in the pecking order. Fortunately he is back in training after an injury now, which should help negotiations.

Watford have rather surprisingly thrown their hat into the ring with Claudio Ranieiri registering an interest in the Bosnian, a move that would more than suit Arsenal. Everything points to another contract cancellation, something that has been normalised in north London, unless someone enters with an offer.

Now able to negotiate pre-contract agreements abroad, a foreign move appears most likely. However, there is only so long he will be content with not playing and the hope is there that some offers come in for him.

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