Two missed targets Arsenal must pursue in January
When Unai Emery took charge of Arsenal, a sense of optimism took over the Emirates. For the first time in almost a decade, all Arsenal fans are behind their manager.
Arsenal were in tatters and the club needed quality signings to get back into the top four. As a result, Emery signed a few players in the summer. But despite these signings, the Gunners have had a shaky start to their new campaign.
Two wins out of the first four games might not sound that bad but the two wins against West Ham United and Cardiff City were not convincing at all. Clearly, the Arsenal’s problems were way too big to be covered in one transfer window.
Here, we take a look at two players Emery missed out in the summer but must sign them in the winter transfer window.
Domagoj Vida
The Express reported that Vida was a target for Emery in the summer transfer window after his impressive performances in the World Cup with Croatia.
The 29-year-old was immense in Russia as he helped his nation reach their first-ever World Cup final. He is the kind of no-nonsense defender that Arsenal could definitely do with. Sokratis Papasthapoulous was bought by the club in the summer and he has looked decent so far but it’s his partner Shkodran Mustafi, who is the weak link in Arsenal’s back four.
The German is not the greatest player with the ball at his feet and he could hurt his team’s chances of finishing in the top four.
Vida’s age could be problematic but Emery needs to stable the ship with trusted generals and then nurture the young players in due time.
Ousmane Dembélé
A report from The Guardian suggested that Ousmane Dembélé’s move to Arsenal was, in fact, possible over the summer. Barcelona had signed Brazilian winger Malcom, meaning the Frenchman would plummet down the pecking order at Camp Nou.
However, Arsenal couldn’t get the deal done but a move for the World Cup winner in January should be great for the north London club. Arsenal lack fast powerful wingers who can run with a ball and beat a player for pace. Even a loan move for Dembélé could work wonders for Emery. Ultimately, the player who joined Barcelona for a staggering £135.5m might end up being the difference between playing in the Champions League or the Europa League next season.
