Arsenal are not expected to endure a busy January transfer window unless a a great chance arises with one of those potentially emerging. The Gunners are seemingly still going to face a busy few months with planning for the summer and deciding on their Edu replacement likely to be on the agenda.
A number of names have been linked to fill the sporting director vacancy with Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos the latest to emerge of interest. Last week, it is believed a meeting was held in the United States with the Kroenke family to discuss exactly that among other topics.
In those conversations, the summer window may have been a slightly bigger priority than the upcoming January trading period, though a unique opportunity looks to have emerged which may be of interest to Arteta.
One name to have been shockingly linked with Arsenal is former Manchester United star Paul Pogba fresh off his Juventus contract being terminated. Some clarification on a potential Premier League now looks to have been provided. With that said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal transfer headlines.
Pogba truth
According to The Mirror, Pogba is not expected to consider a return to Man United. A move to Arsenal however, is not entirely out of the question with the midfielder having certain attributes that may be of interest to Arteta.
It is also fair to say the Gunners boss enjoys the challenge of helping a player that is low on confidence get back to past levels shown.
football.london says: “Pogba playing for Arsenal would be quite the sight and though he is seemingly not interest in returning to Man United, moving to the Gunners is perhaps even less likely.
“The 31-year-old has endured a challenging last few seasons and has played minimal football in that time and thus moving to a fellow elite-level club, following his premature Juventus departure, is extremely unlikely. Pogba also still faces another few months out of action because of a doping ban.
“In all honesty, he will be better off closing out his career in the United States or Saudi Arabia where there will be far less of a spotlight on what he gets up to.”
Cherki transfer chance
Arsenal may make a move for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, now valued in the region of £21million, following news of their relegation.
Journalist Charles Watts has now issued his thoughts on a possible switch. “I’ve not been told of any Arsenal interest when it comes to Cherki, but you would think that top clubs across Europe would be open to him as a market opportunity should it arise,” he revealed in CaughtOffside’s The Daily Briefing.
“He fits the type of profile Arsenal like to go for when it comes to new signings and there is a need to add another playmaker to the squad, as has been highlighted by Martin Odegaard’s absence. So it might be one to keep an eye on. Although the rumours are right now that Liverpool could be the club to watch when it comes to Cherki.”
football.london says: “Suggestions that Arsenal will be reactive rather than proactive in the January transfer window could be severely tested here. The France international has a unique skillset and could add an edge to Arsenal’s current creative options.
“The injury absence of Martin Odegaard highlighted his importance and therefore having an understudy could prove vital. Cherki may not settle for a bit-part role but it is clear he wants to play for a top European club and Arsenal can fulfil that desire.
“If that asking price is to be believed, it is absolutely worth Arsenal pursuing a deal but they may face competition from Liverpool and several other clubs.”
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