Arsenal are nowhere near the level they should be. The Gunners struggled under Unai Emery and their form has, unsurprisingly, gotten even worse under Freddie Ljungberg having won just one game since he took over from Emery a little over two weeks ago.
With the January transfer window on the horizon and following reports that Arsenal are set to appoint Mikel Arteta as the new manager, here’s a look at 8 players the Gunners could sign to turn their fortunes around going into the second half of the Premier League campaign;
Nemanja Matic
Arsenal’s midfielders have struggled to consistently control the flow of games for the Gunners. The likes of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka have been unable to provide Ljungberg’s side with ample defensive cover in the middle of the park thus contributing to the team’s poor defensive record.
Arsenal could sign Matic in January to introduce a new dynamic to the Gunners’ midfield for the second half of the season. Whilst Matic may be lacking match fitness, his experience could be a vital asset for the Gunners as they look to climb up the table next season.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
A solid box-to-box midfielder, Doucoure has proven to be a key figure in the heart of Watford’s midfield set-up over the past few seasons. Doucoure is capable of finding the back of the net, he’s also great at distributing the ball thus ensuring that things flow pretty well in the middle of the park.
Watford are in a precarious situation at the moment considering they’re currently in the relegation zone – should Arsenal make an offer for Doucoure, he’s likely to be keen on joining the Gunners.
Wilfried Zaha
Arsenal fans have been waiting patiently for their £72m signing, Nicolas Pepe to discover his form – whilst the Ivory Coast international has shown some glimpses of his abilities, he has failed to find consistency in Arsenal’s attack, and as such, the Gunners should consider signing Wilfried Zaha in January.
Arsenal failed to secure Zaha’s services in the summer, but considering his value in the transfer market has begun to dip due to his age, Crystal Palace could be willing to let him leave in January for the right price.
Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano could be the answer to Arsenal’s defensive woes. The 21-year-old Frenchman is highly-rated on the European football scene as a result of his performances for Leipzig over the past two years.
He’s expected to cost the Gunners a fee in the region of £40m, a fair price to pay for a player of his quality and potential.
Samuel Umtiti
Samuel Umtiti has struggled to get a consistent run of games under his belt having garnered only four appearances for Barcelona throughout the course of the 2019/2020 La Liga season.
Considering Arsenal’s defensive woes, a player of Umtiti’s quality could be what they need to shore up their defence.
Umtiti could form a formidable partnership with his countryman, Upamecano, who Arsenal is expected to sign in January.
Nathan Ake
Dutch centre-back Nathan Ake has undergone tremendous growth ever since he left Chelsea for Bournemouth. He has garnered a ton of first-team experience and has also sharpened his skills thus making him more adept at passing the ball out from the back and cutting passing lanes in and around his side’s 18-yard-area.
Ake is currently linked with a move to Chelsea, but considering the current state of Arsenal’s defence, they could join the race for the Dutchman’s signature.
Mikel Oyarzabal
Touted by many to be David Silva’s direct replacement, Real Sociedad’s resident midfield magician could be an option for Arsenal in January.
The 22-year-old boasts of incredible Pirlo-esque speed of though, mesmerising ball control and the ability to create something out of nothing, a trait Arsenal have lacked since Santi Cazorla’s time at the club.
Phil Foden
Mikel Arteta could facilitate a move for Phil Foden if he gets appointed as Arsenal’s new manager in the coming days.
Foden has struggled for playing time under Pep Guardiola, and for a player of his age, it is important that he gets a consistent run of games under his belt to aid his development.
Foden could inject some much-needed creativity into Arsenal’s midfield as the Gunners look to launch a spirited bit for a place in the top four over the next six months.
