It’s that time of the year again and I don’t mean Christmas. The transfer window is just around the corner so let’s look at the potential arrivals and departures at Arsenal this January.
Let’s look at who could come in
Tyrone Mings
Arsenal fans look away now; it’s not that world class defender everybody wants Wenger to sign. According to the Telegraph, Tyrone Mings could sign for Arsenal during the January transfer window for around a fee of 8m. Mings is 6ft 3 and currently plays in the championship at Ipswich. He is a highly rated left back, although, Wenger believes he can convert him into a central defender like Chambers.
However, Wenger was keen to play down the link in his press conference today:
“No. The intensity of the link is not down to us.”
However, Wenger is often coy on transfers.
Morgan Schneiderlin
A defensive midfielder is definitely needed at Arsenal and this has been evident is the first half of the season. Schneiderlin is a French international with premier league experience. However, it will not be easy to get Southampton to sell especially when they were rejecting offers in the summer even when Schneiderlin kicked off.
Schneiderlin is a player which would be a good fit, as he is good on the ball and has the discipline to sit in front of the defence.
Mats Hummels
Now this would be a great piece of business, that world class centre half all Arsenal fans have been calling out for. A German world cup winner who would be an automatic starter. The Express reported this story today saying that Arsenal have joined the race along with Manchester United. This would be the perfect signing for Arsenal and would show more intent in improving the defence.
However, this deal would be extremely expensive and for January this may not happen. It is also important to consider, Dortmund are in a relegation battle which means they may want to hang on to Hummels until the summer.
Who’s on the way out?
Many players have been linked with a move away from the club but who will go.
Podolski
Lukas Podolski has been linked with a move away from the club for a while but I cannot see Wenger letting Podolski go. Podolski has shown this season that he can play an important role at the club which has been shown with his 3 goals this season.
Campbell
Joel Campbell is another player who has been linked with a move away from the club especially when he has only been a bit part player. I believe Wenger may hold onto him until the end of the seaon as he has shown glimpses of quality. Campbell just needs to be given a chance which means he may just need to remain patient for now. When he gets his opportunity, he needs to capitalise and hopefully force his way into the team.
Sanogo
Yaya Sanogo looks certain to be leaving Arsenal on loan this January. Numerous clubs have been linked such as Villa, Palace and Sunderland but it looks like Crystal Palace may win the race. This would be a good move for Sanogo as he would get game time in the premier league which would aid his development. Sanogo has recently just scored his first goal against Dortmund which may yet help gather more interest.
This January will be intense with speculation, but in the end it is up to Mr Wenger. Hopefully he will address some of the problems which we have at the moment. One thing for sure, it will be an emotional roller-coaster of a January.