Mikel Arteta has work to do before the January transfer window closes. (Image: Getty)
It could be a defining three days for Arsenal’s season, and not just on the field. On Sunday afternoon, ’s side host in a game they have to win to keep their hopes of catching leaders alive.
But as soon as the final whistle goes at the Emirates, the club’s attention will turn to the transfer window and getting some business done before Monday’s 11pm deadline. The Gunners have already , and Arteta desperately needs more forward power amid injuries to and Gabriel Jesus.
The Spaniard will also be guarded against the potential for last-minute departures. And there are question marks over the future of one key player whose contract is due to expire this summer….
But what would transpire into a nightmare finish to the transfer window for ? Express Sport has a go at laying it out…
Second Watkins bid fails
chiefs took everyone by surprise on Tuesday by tabling a reported £45million bid for star Watkins, not least of all Villa themselves. The offer was firmly rejected, but at least finally signalled Arteta’s intention to land a proven goalscorer.
If their pursuit was serious, the north London club will surely follow up with an improved offer. But they face a real race against time to get a deal of that magnitude over the line, given how critical Watkins is to Villa and has the knockout rounds to look forward to.
If the Watkins move doesn’t materialise, Arteta could be forced to look at loan options for forwards, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and seemingly not available until at least the summer. Failure to bolster the attacking ranks is likely to prove terminal to ’s title chances, and leave big question marks over their transfer policy.
Ollie Watkins is being pursued by Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
Tottenham land Bayern star Tel
If anything could make not landing a world-class striker in this window worse for fans, it would be having to endure doing just that. Spurs are reportedly in talks with Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel who at 19, has been tipped to become a future star of the game.
Spurs currently lie 15th in the , are 23 points off their neighbours, and unable to promise Champions league football next season. To see them bring in a clinical finisher while flounder in that department will not only be frustrating for supporters, but raise question marks over the club’s transfer policy.
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Jorginho’s early exit
With his contract up in the summer, fans are already braced for the departure of midfielder Jorginho. But according to ESPN earlier this month, that departure could be accelerated with the Italian international’s agent having held talks with Palmeiras over a move in this window.
That development is likely to encourage other clubs to try their luck late in the window. The current situation at the Emirates, with Arteta needing squad players and the experience of Jorginho to help the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, means losing the star would now signify another big blow.
Injury woes get worse
First and foremost, Arteta will be desperate for three points against . But he’ll also crave a win without any fresh injury worries, particularly when it comes to Gabriel Martinelli, , or Nwaneri.
’s firepower has already dwindled significantly this season amid Saka’s hamstring issue and Jesus being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Losing another frontman could well mean makeshift options over the next five months, and no league title or Champions League crown to boot.