Arsenal transfer targets: Zaha, Boateng & players linked with the club
It is a time of rebuild at Arsenal, with former manager Unai Emery dismissed by the club halfway into his second season and replaced by ex-Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal have spent much of the Premier League season in the middle of the table, and will be optimistic that their new manager will bring a fresh philosophy and energy to the club.
Having already splashed the cash on Nicolas Pepe last summer, Arsenal are not expected to do major business in January – but have not dismissed the possibility of a few loan signings.
Goal will keep you updated with all the latest transfer news - with insight from our Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts - and rumours and gossip surrounding the Gunners' transfer activity and potential arrivals in January and beyond.
Contents
- Top Arsenal transfer targets
- Latest Arsenal transfer news & rumours
- Potential Arsenal exits
- Confirmed Arsenal transfers
Top Arsenal transfer targets
Though Arteta has hinted that Arsenal might dip into the market for January improvements, it is hard to see them breaking the bank for any major signings.
The Gunners boss previously stated: "We are going to try and be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team.
"That’s for sure and that’s our obligation and we’re going to be working on that."
The Gunners are in need of defensive reinforcements with the likes of Calum Chambers, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin having had or facing long spells on the sidelines.
Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng has also been linked, but issues surrounding his fitness and lack of first-team football might see him overlooked.
The more likely reality is that Arsenal will tap into the market for some loan signings instead of permanent transfers, instead looking ahead to the summer window.
RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has been eyed by the Gunners as a potential target in summer, though as far as January goes, they could sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, though it looks unlikely.
Wilfried Zaha is another name that Arsenal have flirted with in the past, and could make a move for him once the season ends if he stays at Crystal Palace past January.
Arsenal will need forward ammunition if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves, though it is uncertain who they will make concrete approaches for yet.
The Gunners are also in talks to sign PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa, with the Ligue 1 defender having just six months left on his contract.
Arsenal are optimistic that Kurzawa will be available for a free transfer at the end of the season, with the defender having won three league titles while at Parc des Princes.
Latest Arsenal transfer news & rumours
Arteta not ruling deadline day deals
The Gunners boss stopped short of ruling out any further deals to take place at the Emirates.
Asked if there is a chance of another signing coming in, Arteta said :“I’d like to say no, but you never know."
'Arsenal should take £40m gamble on Dunk'
Ray Parlour has urged his former side to sign Lewis Dunk if the Brighton defender can be acquired for around £40 million ($52m).
The Gunners are in desperate need for defensive reinforcements, and Dunk has impressed for the south coast side this season.
Potential Arsenal exits
Skhodran Mustafi has been tipped to leave the Gunners on a permanent transfer should the right offer come in.
His departure, however, would be made more difficult given Calum Chambers' situation, despite his less-than-consistent form this season.
Eddie Nketiah had been expected to leave on loan, with Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday all interested, but the striker is now set to remain after impressing Arteta.
Confirmed Arsenal January window transfers
Arsenal signings
| Player | Signed from | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pablo Mari Villar | Flamengo | Loan (£4.25m) |
| Cedric Soares | Southampton | Loan |
Arsenal departures
| Player | Signed for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Emile Smith Rowe | Huddersfield Town | Loan |
| Tyreece John-Jules | Lincoln | Loan |
| Konstantinos Mavropanos | Nuremberg | Loan |
| Deyan Iliev | Jagiellonia Bialystok | Loan |