We’re quickly approaching the January transfer window and the weekend’s hiccup against West Brom shows that business does need to be done.
Whilst the defeat against the Baggies can go down as one of those games, it was clear Arsenal lacked a game-changer on the bench that could turn the tide of the game. Overall it was a day to forget.
Arsenal’s squad is talented enough to fight for the Premier League title, as we’ve shown, but improvements in certain areas are needed- particularly with a natural right-winger and back-up for Francis Coquelin.
Jonathan Kaney identifies these needs and has taken a look at Spain’s La Liga for five players the Gunners should line-up a move for, some of which have been reported in the press and others that you may not expect to see.
We can confirm though that, despite sensational reports last week, we haven’t included Lionel Messi in this list. Sorry!
Hit the navigation buttons to see FIVE La Liga players Arsenal should target in January!
Nolito
Celta Vigo talisman Nolito has been the centre of a transfer saga between us and Barcelona for months, and after seemingly ruling out a move by saying he was staying at Celta, he now seems to be open to a move again.
The Spaniard has been superb in La Liga for a long time and his sheer class, tenacity, close control and ability to cut in from the flank, makes him an ideal signing to fill what we are missing in the squad at the moment.
Add all that to the fact that he is available for a very reasonable £13m, then targeting the talented forward would a wise move for the Gunners.
Antoine Griezmann
This one is more likely a summer transfer, but Antoine Griezmann is destined to be one of the best players in the world in years to come and he could well be the missing piece in our attack.
Griezmann’s goal scoring stats of 25 goals in 54 appearances last season and 6 goals in 13 this term tells its own story. The Frenchman is a born goal scorer and could be the prolific forward the Gunners have been crying out for. He’s one of the most feared attackers in La Liga right now and would surely have no trouble converting to the Premier League.
His versatility to be able to play as a winger also fits in our system perfectly and although he would cost a large fee, he would no doubt be well worth it.
Sofiane Feghouli
Valencia striker Sofiane Feghouli is out of contract in the summer and after having made it clear he won’t sign a new deal at Valencia, will be able to sign for a new team in January.
Chelsea and Man United have been linked with offering him a contract, although it wouldn’t surprise me if Arsene Wenger got involved in trying to acquire his services – particularly with our injury problems.
The dynamic 25-year-old has been superb for Valencia over the past few seasons and would offer a versatility in attack that we are desperate for just now with him able to play through the middle as well as on the wings. Add that to the fact that he would be available for nothing – it is definitely an option worth exploring.
Grzegorz Krychowiak
The 25-year-old Sevilla star is tall, powerful, strong and fast and would provide a different dimension in the first team to the classy Cazorla and combative Coquelin and is a big improvement on the ageing Rosicky, Arteta and Flamini.
The Pole is a proven winner on the European stage after helping Sevilla to the Europa League last season.
Unfortunately, he recently signed a new deal with Sevilla, but with a release clause of £32.5m embedded in it, that signature was more of a way to get more money for him than keep him for the long haul. I would imagine the Gunners will make a serious move for him come the summer.
Pablo Piatti
Once hailed the ‘new Messi’, Valencia forward Pablo Piatti, is another player who has been rumoured to be attracting interest from the Premier League after a superb season in La Liga.
After bursting on to the scene at just 17 years old where he scored an injury time header to win the title for Argentinian side Estudiantes on his debut, and then winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup alongside Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria, huge things were expected of Piatti.
His career progression has been slower than many expected and of his peers, with poor form and injury stunting his rise. However, at 26 now he’s matured into one of the finest forwards in La Liga and his class and sublime skill on the ball would fit in superbly at Arsenal.