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Arsenal's transfer decisions that could lead to a Premier League title

Arsenal's transfer decisions that could lead to a Premier League title


Arsenals transfer decisions that could lead to a Premier League title

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Boxing Day holding a healthy five point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. While the club’s fans were dreaming of a top-four finish this season, a potential title challenge appeared to be beyond the realms of possibility.

However, the Gunners have dropped just five points in 14 games and are genuine contenders to be crowned Premier League champions at the end of the campaign.

The club made several shrewd purchases last summer, but their squad still needs strengthening to boost their hopes of keeping City at bay on the run-in.

With manager Mikel Arteta recently confirming that Arsenal will be ‘very active looking at the possibilities’, it would be a surprise if the club failed to get some business done in January.

With that in mind, we look at some of the transfer decisions Arsenal must make to give themselves the best chance of winning the title this season.

The Gabriel Jesus conundrum

Losing Gabriel Jesus to injury could be a hammer blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, but they need to be careful how they rectify the situation.

Jesus has recently undergone surgery on a knee injury sustained at the World Cup and is expected to be out of action for up to three months.

However, having left Manchester City in search of regular first team football, Jesus will want his place back in the starting XI as soon as he is fit to play.

On that basis, Arsenal must not make any transfer moves that run the risk of upsetting the apple cart further down the line.

They have been linked with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, while Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix is another player reportedly on their radar.

While both are quality players, they would be unlikely to join the Gunners unless they are guaranteed a long-term place in Arteta’s starting XI.

Barcelona’s Memphis Depay is a viable alternative, as he would offer options in other positions when Jesus is ready to return.

With Barca eager to reduce their wage bill, a move for Depay makes plenty of sense if the Gunners are serious about challenging for the title.

Mudryk is a risky proposition

As Arsenal prepare to embark on their remaining December fixtures, their number one transfer priority in January is reportedly Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The 21-year-old has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while now and is undoubtedly a player who possesses the talent to go right to the top.

Despite this, a prospective fee of more than £85 million makes him a risky proposition and is a move the Gunners do not need to make in January.

The Shakhtar Donetsk star was impressive in the Champions League earlier in the season, netting three goals and two assists in six appearances.

However, it is worth remembering that Brentford agreed a £25m deal to sign Mudryk last summer, although this ultimately fell through.

Regardless of his performances in Europe, a near £61m hike in valuation just a few months later makes no sense whatsoever from Arsenal’s perspective.

Arsenal have numerous options in wide areas and adding Depay to their ranks would give them additional depth over the coming months.

Shelling out a massive fee on Mudryk in January is fraught with danger and is a move Arsenal must resist the temptation to make.

A quality midfielder could be the difference

One area where Arteta is not spoilt for choice is in central midfield, and addressing this issue in January should be his main priority.

Bringing in quality competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in January will not be easy, but there are several potential options the club can consider.

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been linked with Arsenal, but his salary demands and often flaky attitude are a red flag against him.

Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic comes with less risks attached, although prising the Serbian international away from Serie A would not be easy.

On that basis, a move for the Foxes' midfielder Tielemans could well be the best bet for Arsenal to boost their title hopes.

The 25-year-old’s contract expires in 2023 and the Foxes may be willing to do business in January rather than lose him for free next summer.

While a potential fee of £15-20m is a significant outlay, it would represent great value for money if the Belgian star helped Arsenal hang on to top spot.

The midfielder’s eye for goal and ability to create chances makes him an enticing proposition. Signing him and Depay could feasibly be the key to the Premier League title.