Arsenal: 4 predictions for January transfer window deadline

What is going to happen in the January transfer window? A spiraling whirlwind of rumours and conjecture comes to a crashing halt for Arsenal on Monday, and it’s all still to play for.

But what is there to play for? As the minutes tick on there are some grey areas for Arsenal yet to be finalised in what has already been a madcap month of activity.

All eyes were on who the club would bring in to complement the midfield options and improve at centre-forward, eyes that remain peeled but could be in line for disappointment.

In terms of what has been completed, Arsenal have all-but secured the signature of Matt Turner from New England Revolution. The deal in place for the American will see him make the move across the pond in the summer, so in many ways he can’t even be classed as a January addition.

Arsenal: 4 predictions for January transfer window deadline with striker, midfielder, Aubameyang and Nketiah all on the agenda

There are no uncertainties over the departures, though, with five already being moved on in some capacity.

Calum Chambers was the latest as he joined Aston Villa, with Sead Kolasinac’s contract termination making him the other permanent exit. Elsewhere three loans apiece were completed for Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Folarin Balogun.

What about the rest? Four particular areas are what supporters are watching, with the potential for a new midfielder and a new striker to join at the very last minute. Other than those arrivals, it’s the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah which are up in the air.

And just how those might pan out will vary person-to-person. Let’s get predicting.

1. What Will Happen to Aubameyang?

This is a situation where all parties involved appear to want the same outcome: Arsenal want to move Aubameyang on, Aubameyang wants to play and go somewhere he feels appreciated, and whichever club he goes to wants to acquire a striker of real talent.

Which is why this is a deal that looks as if it’s going to happen.

Interested clubs in Saudi Arabia made the most appealing offers from Arsenal’s perspective, but for personal and professional reasons they did not satisfy Aubameyang. It’s understandable that he feels he has more to offer at the highest level.

Europe then became his likely destination with Juventus and Barcelona making official approaches, both coming to the table with loan offers that would see them shoulder only a portion of his salary.

A breakthrough in negotiations with Barcelona followed, and so long as Ousmane Dembele is moved on this month the club will sign Aubameyang.

All bridges appear burned. Too much water had gone under them beforehand. Not being brought along to Dubai really hammered home the situation, and under Arteta when a player is banished they tend to stay banished. They’ll be desperate for this to come off.

Prediction: Aubameyang joins Barcelona on loan for the remainder of the season.