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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

5 free agents Arsenal could sign to make up for transfer window shortcomings

Arsenal still have time to add reinforcements after a disastrous January transfer window.

The Gunners were unable to make any signings of real pedigree over the course of the month after as many as seven deals collapsed.

The likes of Dusan Valhovic, Arthur Melo and Alexander Isak slipped out of Mikel Arteta's grasp and their squad is even more depleted than it was when the window opened with as many as 14 players leaving the Emirates in some capacity.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exit on a free transfer to Barcelona means Arsenal only have two out-and-out no.9s at Arteta's disposal - Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

Arsenal might have been unsuccessful in terms of adding players in January, but they still technically still have one more week to make another transfer.

Arteta's options are extremely limited with the window closed, however, which means the Spaniard will likely make do with what he's got - or go down the route of free agents.

Here are five the Gunners could turn to make up for their poor recruitment last month.

Diego Costa was a target for Arsenal in the January transfer window (Getty)

Will Arsenal regret not signing a striker on Deadline Day? Comment below .

Diego Costa

Arsenal reportedly opened talks with Atletico Mineiro last month over a move for Diego Costa with the former Chelsea striker looking to make a return to Europe.

They approached the Brazilian club to find out about the player's plans for the immediate future after the director of football Rodrigo Caetano revealed that the Spaniard had expressed his desire to leave the club after the Brazilian season ended.

Costa has now left Atletico-MG but has yet to find a new club.

Caetano broke the news that Costa wanted to leave Brazil and return to Europe, something Mineiro accommodated as they knew this was a possibility when they signed him.

He said: "The reasons given were adaptation, personal issues... When he goes to that side, there's not much to argue about.

"He stayed with us until the end, he was a very important piece, athlete competitive. He was afraid of this long period that he stayed in Europe, he made it clear that at some point, if he didn't feel comfortable, we could make an agreement of this type.

"We accepted the request and we are building the best agreement for all parties. We appreciate his delivery and this period with us. It is very likely that he will not stay with us this season. from the sides".

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere seems an obvious choice since he has been right under Arsenal's nose for months training with the first team.

Mikel Arteta has poured cold water over offering him a deal, but that was before the Gunners failed to secure a playmaker in January.

It remains to be seen what level he is operating at but there is no denying his ability if he can stay fit.

Wilshere would also relish the opportunity to play for his boyhood club again and it should be fairly simple for Arsenal to agree on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Jack Wilshere training at Arsenal's training ground at London Colney (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Laurent Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny is another fan favorite Arsenal could turn to.

The defender is currently without a club after leaving Bordeaux at the end of January.

The French stopper previously spent nine seasons with the Gunners and whilst his best days are behind him, he could provide cover for the likes of Ben White and Gabriel.

Arsenal are short of two centre-backs after January as Calum Chambers joined Aston Villa, while Pablo Mari joined Udinese on loan.

Bafetimbi Gomis

Bafetimbi Gomis is another option at the top end of the pitch for Arsenal after he was released by Saudi Arabian side Hilal in the closing stages of the January transfer window.

The former Swansea City and Lyon striker might be renowned for one of the most iconic celebrations in recent football history, but he still has plenty of ability.

And there's no reason why he couldn't see him perform it in an Arsenal shirt if he is given a short-term deal by Arteta.

Bafetimbi Gomis was release by Hilal in Janaury (Getty)

Kwadwo Asamoah

Kwadwo Asamoah is one of the most successful players available on the free-agent market.

He won six Serie A titles, four Italian cups, and three Italian Super Cups during a trophy-laden six years at Juventus.

The former Ghana international who has 71 international caps then moved to Inter Milan in the summer of 2018, only to depart the club two seasons later and join Cagliari.

He is now without a club after only five months with the Serie A side but his versatility could be a huge asset for Arsenal with his ability to play in a variety of positions from left-back to central midfield.

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