The January transfer window has opened a window of opportunity for the clubs to fill the void. This would help the ambitious clubs to finish their respective seasons on a high. Among the clubs in Europe, PSG and Arsenal are the only two teams that played pretty well so far.
Ever since the start of their respective seasons, they marched on with positive vibes. Arsenal are the table-toppers in English Premier League. On the other hand, PSG are on top of the table in Ligue 1. Notably, both teams lost just one game so far in their respective seasons.
The transfer story of the summer involving Arsenal and what eventually happened!?
Meanwhile, Arsenal were still in the negotiation phase. They were trying their maximum best to secure the signature of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. This was before Chelsea stepped in and forced a move.
It remains to be seen what the future holds in store for the Ukrainian international. He had made his intentions quite clear of showing his willingness to represent Arsenal. The fact that he had been posting Instagram stories about the happenings at Arsenal further strengthened the case of his interest in the club.
In fact, things were proceeding on the right path for Arsenal. The Gunners were in advanced talks with Shakhtar Donetsk to get the deal done. However, it just did not happen!!
Arsenal were just an inch away from roping in the £79m star winger before Chelsea hijacked the deal
A journalist Rudy Galetti told GiveMeSport that Arsenal were in talks to sign the star winger. The League leaders had submitted an improved bid for the Ukrainian attacker. The development came after their first two bids worth £52m and £62m were rejected.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have submitted a third bid estimated at £62m including add-ons to sign Mudryk in the ongoing January transfer window. On the other hand, Chelsea have also shown interest in the winger.
Arsenal needed to act on it and get the done quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Galetti reckoned that Arsenal’s improved bid of £79m including add-ons could have seen the deal getting done.
“We know that at the beginning, Shakhtar valuated Mudryk at around £90m as confirmed by vice director Nicolini. This was the previous valuation. But now Arsenal and Shakhtar are really close to reaching an deal for a little bit less, worth around £75m and £79m as the overall package. This could probably be a done deal in the next few days,” Galetti had told GiveMeSport. Eventually, Chelsea stole the player away!!
However, Arsenal managed to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton. The deal was said to be for about £21m (£27m including add-ons) with Brighton, with the Gunners looking to win the league.
5 players that Arsenal can now sign instead of Mudryk!!
Now that Arsenal can’t have their first-choice signing, Mudryk, they will look for alternative options. There are many players available in the market. The Londoners will surely be keen on getting at least one of them in January.
Pedro Neto
The 22-year-old Wolves man was linked the Gunners in the summer. However, a deal did not happen back then. In various interviews, the player had openly showcased his love for Arsenal. He was on the verge of completing a move, though it eventually broke down.
Despite that, now, with the signing of a veteran in Trossard, Arteta may also look to sign an additional youngster. This could be the plan for the long-term growth of this young squad. Let’s see if Edu and co. do make a move for the attacker.
Kaoru Mitoma
All of a sudden, Brighton has found a very special player. The Japanese international has been doing some amazing things in recent times. Though he is 25 at present, he looks like a well-polished player who has taken the Premier League by shock. The attacker is on fire at present.
He is one of the best in the business (as per some) and is scoring some crucial goals. To Arsenal fans like me, he reminds me of a Japanese Martinelli, to be honest. Whether Brighton will want to sell another player or not, remains a big doubt though.
Raphinha
One player that Arsenal wanted in the summer transfer window was Raphinha. He ditched two London clubs, the Gunners and Chelsea, to join Barcelona. A broke Barca now needs to get rid of him to save money. The club already transfer listed him before the start of the January transfer window. What an irony!!
With that being said, the club will probably look to send him out on loan if a sale does not happen. In case, any club like Arsenal wants to buy him, they will have to pay a huge amount. Further, a loan with an option to buy would be the best outcome for both parties, one would presume. Let’s wait and watch!!
Dejan Kulusevski
It is impossible to understand why someone would want to join Spurs. Especially, when they are an Arsenal fan. And the player has said it clear too. This is the current situation of 22-year-old Dejan Kulusevski. A brilliantly talented star, who is on yet another loan at Tottenham.
A video of the attacker had gone viral in which he had showcased his love for Arsenal. With Tottenham struggling under Antonio Conte at present, it would be in Kulusevski’s interest to jump ship to the other side of North London and fast.
Ferran Torres
Another player that left the Premier League to sign for Barcelona was Ferran Torres. The player ended his spell at Manchester City rather abruptly. The reason for that is still unknown and Xavi had a field-day getting the quality attacker. Though Pep Guardiola mainly used him as a winger, he has been playing more as a forward at the Nou Camp and the national team.
In either case, they have now transfer listed him. Barcelona is in great debt and wants to raise money. A loan or potential sale could be on the cards. If Arsenal does want to buy him now, it could still be a good bargain.
