Arsenal is looking to strengthen the squad in midfield and at center-forward. As a result of this, the Gunners have been linked with several players. Benjamin Sesko and Ruben Neves are two of the players Arsenal might try to sign. Also, Eddie Nketiah might leave Arsenal in January if the club signs another center-forward. Let’s dive deeper into these transfer rumors and speculations.
Arsenal Transfer Rumors Part Two: The Gunners Could Shift Their Focus to Benjamin Sesko If Ivan Toney Is Too Expensive
As discussed in a previous article, Ivan Toney is Arsenal’s primary transfer target at center-forward. This is clear based on the current transfer rumors. However, Brentford’s 100-million pound valuation of Ivan Toney could cause the Gunners to shift their focus elsewhere.
If that happens, Benjamin Sesko is the center-forward that Arsenal is most likely to try to sign, based on the current information. Sesko is a 20-year-old Slovenian player who currently plays for RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga. Sesko has a number of strengths, such as quick pace, great movement and positioning, and significant aerial prowess. His hold-up play and passing are some weaknesses.
According to Transfermarkt, Sesko is worth 30 million pounds right now. Sesko could be a good alternative if Arsenal cannot sign Ivan Toney. We will see what happens.
Arsenal Are Interested in Ruben Neves Following Thomas Partey’s Injury
One player that the Gunners have been interested in for some time is Ruben Neves. Following Partey’s long-term injury, which is set to rule him out until January 2024, Arsenal have renewed their interest in Neves. Neves is currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Reportedly, Neves wants to return to the Premier League. Neves is an excellent player with proven Premier League experience and would strengthen Arsenal’s midfield. Neves could cost about 55 million pounds to sign.
It is also unclear if Al-Hilal will be willing to sell Neves in the winter transfer window. If they are, Neves is a transfer target that Arsenal should aggressively pursue.
Douglas Luiz Is Another Midfielder Arsenal Could Attempt to Sign
Douglas Luiz is another midfield that is reportedly of interest to the Gunners. Arsenal attempted to sign Luiz during last season’s winter transfer window, but were rebuffed by Aston Villa. Luiz is a good player and quite important to Aston Villa, who have played very well so far this season.
Additionally, Douglas Luiz recently signed a new contract with Aston Villa. Because of these factors, it would likely take quite a big transfer offer to sign Luiz. It seems unlikely that Arsenal want to spend a significant amount of money to sign Douglas Luiz. Luiz joining Arsenal, at least in the winter transfer window, appears improbable.
Arsenal Transfer Rumors Part Two: Eddie Nketiah Might Leave Arsenal in January
This is not an official rumor. However, it seems likely that Eddie Nketiah will leave Arsenal if the Gunners sign another center-forward. Nketiah is unlikely to be too interested in serving as the club’s third-choice center-forward.
Nketiah is good enough to play in the Premier League, but is inadequate for an Arsenal side playing in the Champions League and competing for the Premier League title. An exit from Arsenal would be for the best for Nketiah if the club signs a center-forward in January. Nketiah’s transfer value, according to Transfermarkt, is 30 million pounds.
Nketiah leaving Arsenal in January wouldn’t be too surprising. This is especially true since Trossard replaced him as the club’s starting center-forward a few weeks ago. Nketiah could play more elsewhere and Arsenal could likely sell him for a decent fee. Nketiah leaving Arsenal in January might work out well for both parties.
The Gunners Return to Action Next Weekend
The Gunners resume their Premier League campaign next weekend when they play Brentford away from home. This will certainly not be an easy game. However, I would bet that Arsenal will win this fixture, just as they did last season. Trossard at center-forward has given Arsenal’s attack a major boost.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.