Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table but have the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa chasing them down. The Gunners won 1-0 away at Everton in their last league outing. Striker Viktor Gyokeres got their goal against the Toffees at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side then backed up that result with a Carabao Cup win on penalties against Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening. They drew 1-1 with the Eagles after normal time at the Emirates Stadium. Here is a look at how their line-up could look after January if the rumours are true….
Arsenal goalkeeper and defence
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya will keep his place between the sticks. He has been their number one over recent years and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Kepa Arrizabalaga provides back-up between the sticks from the bench.
At right-back, Jurrien Timber has become a key player for the Gunners and is one of the first names on their team sheet. On the other side, Arteta is said to be an admirer of AC Milan left-back Davide Bartesaghi, according to Gazetta Dello Sport. At the age of 19, he has a bright future ahead of him in the game and he would be a good long-term option if he joined.
William Saliba is a rock at the back and battles it out with the likes of Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hicapie for a place in the team. Arsenal have also been linked with a swoop for centre-back Ousmane Diomande at Sporting Lisbon along with Crystal Palace, via CaughtOffside. His current club are expected to face a battle to keep hold of him this winter.
Arsenal midfield and attack
Arsenal are well stocked up with options in the middle of the park like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard, amomg others. Ayyoub Bouaddi is said to be on their radar, CaughtOffside claim, and he would be an ideal partner next to Rice. The 18-year-old has become one of Lille’s most prized assets in Ligue 1 and is being tipped for big things.
Further up the pitch, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze are two important players for the Gunners. The latter was snapped up from Crystal Palace in the last transfer window and hasn’t looked back. They also have other options like Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke in forward areas if needed.
Yan Diomande joined RB Leipzig earlier this year from Leganes and has since scored seven goals in 16 games. The Bundesliga club have slapped an £87million price tag on him, TalkSPORT report, amid interest from Manchester United. Arsenal are also said to be eyeing up a move, say Arsenal Insider.
La Repubblica claim the Gunners want Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz and he would give them more competition and depth in attack. He is under contract in Italy until 2029 so Juve are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon. The 20-year-old has fired 22 goals in 106 games.
Arsenal XI in full: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Diomande, Bartesaghi; Bouaddi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Diomande; Yildiz
