Whilst the Europa League isn’t deemed as the most prestigious competition in European football, there’s plenty of players of the calibre that Arsenal will be looking for.
With the Premier League title race in full swing, and Arsenal plagued by numerous injury problems, Arsene Wenger is likely to dip into the market in the New Year.
Europa League football is disregarded by many but with Arsenal potentially facing a drop into the competition, following a disastrous Champions League campaign, Gooners will be paying more attention than ever to Thursday evenings.
To bolster their squad, it’s worth looking at clubs in the Europa League and Jonathan Kaney believes special attention should be paid to these five players, who would be stellar acquisitions for the Gunners squad.
Hit the navigation buttons to see FIVE Europa League players Arsenal should target!
Marco Reus
Reus is by no means a Europe League level player, but after Dortmund’s poor season last year – which was in no small part down to losing Reus to injury for large parts of the season – he finds himself playing Europe’s second competition.
The 26-year-old is world class and has scored over 50 goals in three seasons for Dortmund, despite some hefty amounts of time on the treatment table for injuries. He scores goals; he glides past defences with ease, he’s skilful, a sensational dribbler, passer, finisher and commits men to create space around him. He is without doubt an elite calibre of player and he would be a perfect striker to lead an attacking line-up of Sanchez, Ozil and Walcott.
If he stays fit, there is no question Reus is one of the best forwards in Europe and better than any of our other strikers. His injury record is concerning for the likely cost of between £40m-£60m, but it would be worth it in the end for a player of his undoubted quality. He’s a Champions League player and we could offer him consistent Champions League football.
Jorginho
23-year-old Napoli midfielder Jorginho has impressed in both Seria A and the Europa League this season in the centre of midfield, and with Gunners desperate for top quality reinforcements in this position, he is thought to be on Arsene Wenger’s radar in January.
Jorginho is more Cazorla than Coquelin as he likes to create chances and get forward rather than shield the defence, but with our midfield options looking bare, the former Verona star would be a welcome addition to the squad and a talented player for the future.
Michy Batshuayi
The Gunners – alongside just about every other top club in Europe – have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian hitman who has been the one bright spark in a disappointing season for French giants Marseille.
Batshuayi’s talent is still raw, however with an impressive goal scoring record of 16 goals in 38 games for Marseille and his excellent finishing, height, power, strength and wicked pace, he would be a great signing for the club. With the club’s poor league form, they may well be tempted to cash in on him in January and their president has hinted that £35m should be enough to steal him away.
Mario Gaspar
24-year-old Villareal right back Mario Gaspar scored a belter against England last week and after making his mark in a Spanish team of superstars, looks like a player who is finally coming into his own.
He’s always been a solid yet unspectacular right back in La Liga, but over the past two season’s he has slowly managed to impress to become one of the best right backs in the League.
Spain are blessed with world class players at right back with likes of Azpilicueta, Bellerin and Carvajal, who are all likely to go to France ahead of him, but with Debuchy’s poor form and likely exit, he would a good option at right back for Arsene Wenger to consider.
Leroy Sane
19-year-old German international Leroy Sane is one of the brightest talents in world football and has put clubs across Europe on alert after his impressive Bundesliga and European performances over the past two seasons.
The 6-foot winger has all the attributes of a world class winger and looks exactly the kind of player we need right now at Arsenal. With Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United rumoured to be closing in on his signature in January, the Gunners will have to act quickly if they want to secure this talented player for the future.