JoeTonight we travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi final and I’ll have a piece out about that tomorrow. However as I travel up today I thought I’d turn my attention to some transfer news doing the rounds. Mikel Arteta hasn’t given anything away so far but you have to feel that with AFCON, injuries and the ongoing potential for a Covid outbreak, he will look to strengthen. So lets talk about the potential transfer activity we may see.
Outgoing Transfers
Nektiah
We all know that Nketiah has refused a new contract which I can understand from his point of view in terms of game time. The decision from Mikel Arteta to use him as much as he has is strange. But if he was hoping Eddie would put himself in the shop window he’s far from done that. He’s fluffed his lines too many times for me and I think this will result in a bosman in the summer. With Newcastle signing Chris Wood, that door is shut and although the talk of Palace continues I just can’t see it.
Could it happen? In January – unlikely
Will it happen? No
Elneny
It feels very much like Elneny’s Arsenal time is nearly at an end an personally I’m not too upset about it. However a move in January seems very distant considering he’s playing in AFCON and who knows how he’ll come out of that. With the departure of AMN as well it feels like we’re very short in midfield even after he returns (along with Partey). I can’t see Elneny moving in January and much like Eddie I think a summer move is far more likely.
Could it happen? Very unlikely in January
Will it happen? No
Cedric
He’s hardly set the world alight since arriving on a very suspect transfer in THAT strange window. His performances, if you can call them that, have tanked. However there may be light at the end of the tunnel in the form of Atletico Madrid (I know). After letting Trippier got they are short of a right back and apparently like the idea of Soares. Whilst a loan move doesn’t really help us at least it would mean he can’t be selected. This does present another issue though. Without him we wouldn’t have dedicated cover for Tomiyasu which is a concern.
Could it happen? Apparently so
Will it happen? I can’t see it somehow
Pablo Mari
This one, I do think has legs. Since being schooled by Lukaku in our 2-0 defeat to Chelsea earlier this season he hasn’t played a minute of Premier League football. Arteta’s first signing but certainly not one of his best looks set to be destined for Udinese in Serie A. Whether this is a loan or permanent depends on who you believe, however the cash strapped nature of the Italian league suggests to me this could be a loan deal.
Could it happen? Definitely
Will it happen? I think so
Incoming Transfers
Dusan Vlahovic
Let’s start with this one now. He has (suddenly) become the flavour of the month with everyone an expert on him. His record for Fiorentina is very impressive at first glance. However look a little deeper and it’s not all sunshine and roses. The vast majority of his goals come from the penalty spot or under 10 yards which when you consider how many chances we create raises some eyebrows. He’s certainly not built for speed but he is powerful. I always have concerns over Serie A strikers has there hasn’t been a successful one thats come to the PL in about 15 years. I think the speed of the league is too much for him personally and despite all the big guns saying we’re leading this chase, I have my doubts. Plus that price tag?! This is a transfer that will go on and on
Could it happen? Everyone thinks so
Will it happen? I have my doubts
Bruno Guimaeres
This was one of the earliest stories to come out of this window and I think it makes sense on most fronts. There is almost no doubt we’re lacking in the midfield and we need to get people through the door. Guimaeres being a holding midfielder would provide cover for Partey and Xhaka (along with Lokonga). He’s 24 so would fit with our young guns approach and has been plying his trade with Lyon. However that’s where the problems start. Lyon are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, the Lacazette deal is an example of that and they will not want to let one of their prized assets go on the cheap.
Could it happen? Possibly
Will it happen? I can see it
Arthur
This is one of the more recent links to emerge and all the talk is of a loan deal. Currently playing for Juventus Arthur has had a bit of a journeyman start to his career having made less than 150 appearances for Germio, Barcelona and Juventus combined. He’s made just 11 appearances this year with a paltry 3 of those being starts. He was part of a very dodgy deal that saw Pjanic go the other way 2 summers ago. I can see this one happening but with his injury record and watching Alexis Sanchez stroll past him in the Supercoppa last night it’s making me nervous.
Could it happen? Yes
Will it happen? Probably
The bottom line
A lengthy one today covering off some of the transfer news doing the rounds. Should anything change then I’ll be here with my thoughts. That aside we travel to Anfield tonight in a game where I can’t help but look at the derby on Sunday as a million times more important. Tonight the best outcome is no injuries and still being in the tie next week. No away goals here so it’s anyone’s guess.
COYG!
-Joe