5 Possible Top Tier Signings in This Transfer Window

The Gunners have had 4 wins in their last 5 games in the Premier League – the only outlier being a 0-0 draw to Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta is looking to take his team back into European contention and continue to climb the table. To be considered a real challenger, Arsenal need to bolster their squad in this January window. Here are 5 signings that the Gunners could complete to maximise the effect of this January transfer window.

Odsonne Edouard: Celtic, ST, 23 years old

With reports of Alexandre Lacazette’s “strained relationship” with Arteta and the club, an upcoming exit for the striker seems likely. Odsonne Edouard would be the perfect replacement – here’s why.

Edouard currently boasts 9 goal contributions (7 goals 2 assists) in 15 games during this season’s Scottish Premier League campaign. After signing a 4 year contract in 2018, Edouard is currently midway through his term in Scotland, currently sitting at 2nd in the table – 20 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.

Despite a recent surge in form from Lacazette, Edouard is a better fit to Arsenal’s style of play. The Gunners seek a target man up top – someone to get the ball to and bounce off, as well as be a threat in the box. Edouard is taller (6’2) than his French counterpart, Lacazette (5’9) and is also younger (23 vs 29 years old). The Celtic talisman is also much stronger and much more physical.

Edouard’s style of play would therefore see him excel the Arsenal attack if Lacazette was to depart. Currently valued at €15m, he is well within the budget, proving himself as a very attainable part of the attack.

Freddie Woodman: Newcastle United, GK, 23 years old

Arsenal recently signed a backup keeper in the form of Runar Alex Runarsson to replace Emiliano Martinez – big, big shoes to fill. However, in the Carabao Cup quarter final against Manchester City, Runarsson made 2 costly mistakes in a 4-1 loss. He looks a long way away from first team football.

As mentioned on AFTV Transfer Daily, a backup goalkeeper is a vital position to fill in this window – and few are currently better than Freddie Woodman. Currently on loan to Swansea City, the 23 year old is a promising shot stopper. Standing at 6’2, his height and agility combine for a great presence in net. With Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka sidelining him from selection, the youngster would be open for a move.

Currently valued at €7m, he would be a very skilled, and most importantly, available, asset for such a low price.

Houssem Aouar: Lyon, CM, 22 years old

Arsenal’s midfield has already been upgraded with the introduction of Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian player works well in any combination, whether it be with Ceballos, Xhaka, Elneny etc. The introduction of Houssem Aouar would propel this Arsenal midfield from decent to great.

All Arsenal fans know who Houssem Aouar is – the Frenchman was heavily linked with Arsenal last transfer window and was the main target of the club. Unfortunately, a deal could not be made. He is a very well-rounded central midfielder at such a young age already. He would be a perfect fit in Arteta’s 4231 formation.

In order to sign Aouar, however, the club would have to be cleared out. The Gunners would have to release either Xhaka, Elneny or Ceballos. It’s not just a question of who to release, but also if to release at all. Arteta seems quite confident in playing Xhaka in the other defensive midfield role – and so does the Swiss himself.

Valued at €50m, the Gunners would have to go big to sign him. If they do, it is an immense signing and one that will automatically improve the team.

Martin Ødegaard: Real Madrid, CAM, 22 years old

Arsenal have recently found a gem in the form of Emile Smith-Rowe, who is the closest current replacement of Mesut Ozil. The Hale End graduate has proven himself in the Premier League and therefore cemented his spot in the team (in my eyes at least). But what if he were to combine with a similar player?

Martin Ødegaard, who like Ozil is also from Real Madrid, is a promising CAM who loves to be on the ball. Whether he is passing or dribbling, Ødegaard manages to make the best of his possession.

But does he fit in the team? The introduction of Ødegaard, if Smith-Rowe were to hold on to this place in the team, would force Arteta to switch his formation. The current 4231 – a product of plenty of trial and error – works very well under Arteta. Unless Ødegaard could hold his own in a more rounded midfield role, the Gunners would be forced into playing what resembles a 433 attack: striker, wingers, 2 attacking midfielders, 1 holding midfielder.

The Norwegian is currently on £80,000 a week, which would see an 18 month loan deal (the only available option) cost the Gunners £3.12m (given Arsenal pay 50% of the wages). This transfer will be an interesting one to keep an eye on.

Angeliño: Manchester City, LWB, 24 years old

All Arsenal fans sing the praises of Kieran Tierney and experience the impact that he has on the team, both defensively and offensively. By no means am I saying to replace him, but what if we paired him with someone so alike?

Linked with PSG, Hector Bellerin could possibly be leaving in either this window or the next. Angeliño would be the perfect replacement. Currently on loan at RB Leipzig, the fullback has proven himself constantly, whether it be in the Bundesliga or in the Champions League. The Spaniard constantly creates problems down the left side of the pitch, whether it be assisting or even scoring himself. To match this, he is also equally capable on the defensive end. But could he do it on the right?

The addition of the defender would see Arsenal develop one of the best defences in the Premier League – Leno, Tierney, Gabriel, Holding/Mari, Angelino. With a current market value of €25.00m, the wing back is an absolute bargain.

Who would you most like to see in a transfer to Arsenal this window?